Planograms Are Strategic - Until They Hit the Shop Floor

Planograms are more than just shelf maps. They’re strategic tools – carefully crafted by central teams to optimize space, drive sales, and create consistent customer experiences across locations. But as every retailer knows, what’s designed at head office doesn’t always translate perfectly onto the shop floor.

Over time, planogram compliance naturally degrades. Out of stocks, staffing shortages, last-minute substitutions, and human error all contribute to shelves that look nothing like the original plan. And when execution slips, performance suffers.

One national grocer recently discovered that 13% of all lost sales is due to poor planogram compliance. That’s not a marginal issue – it’s a major leak in revenue.

The Trouble with Traditional Compliance

Most retailers rely on periodic audits or manager spot checks to assess compliance. But by the time issues are discovered, the damage is already done. Sales have been lost. Customers have had poor experiences. And head office is left wondering why their strategy didn’t land.

The challenge isn’t just compliance, it’s visibility.

Turning Data Into Action

At Quorso, we help leading grocers detect planogram degradation before it becomes a sales problem. By analyzing performance patterns across SKUs, categories, and store formats, we can pinpoint where a planogram isn’t being executed effectively.

More importantly, we isolate the root causes — whether it’s a supply chain hiccup, execution delay, or a localized demand shift — and turn those insights into real-time, store-specific actions.

This means store teams can quickly fix what’s wrong, with clear guidance tailored to their unique context. No more blanket directives. No more guesswork.

From Reactive to Proactive

Fixing planogram compliance doesn’t require more audits or heavier oversight. It requires agility. Retailers need systems that continuously monitor performance, flag early warning signs, and empower store staff to course-correct on the fly.

Because the shelf is where strategy meets the customer, and if the shelf isn’t right, the strategy never stood a chance.