What Merchandising Really Is – And Why It Could Be the Missing Link in Your Retail Success

retail strategymerchandising basics
Written By Anna Youngson

Welcome to my corner of the retail world!
If you're a small business owner, chances are you didn’t start your business out of a love for data analysis. But I did. And that’s exactly why we might just make the perfect team.

I’m Anna, founder of Majury Merchandising, and I’ve spent over 20 years helping businesses crack the code of their sales data and uncover the stories hidden inside it—stories full of unexpected heroes (surprise bestsellers!) and sneaky villains (stubborn stock that just won’t move).

So, What Is Merchandising Anyway?

Every time I mention that I work in merchandising, I brace for the usual responses:
"Oh, so you arrange store displays?"
"You mean like visual merchandising?"

Nope—not quite.

Merchandising is much more than what meets the eye. It’s about having the right product, at the right time, in the right place, at the right price, in the right quantity—also known as the 5 RIGHTS of merchandising.

This strategic approach is the invisible engine that drives successful product-based businesses, yet it’s still misunderstood and undervalued outside of the big retail corporations.

What Can Merchandising Do for Your Small Business?

Done right, merchandising can:

  • Slash stock costs while improving availability

  • Increase margins through smarter pricing and promotions

  • Boost conversion rates with better product planning

  • Reduce markdowns by adjusting in real-time

  • Improve cash flow via faster stock turn

  • Grow revenue by anticipating problems before they happen

I’ve seen this first-hand—struggling product lines become top performers, businesses saving millions in stock investment while actually increasing sales. It’s powerful stuff.

Why I Started Majury Merchandising

Majury Merchandising was born from my desire to get back to doing what I love—hands-on merchandising support for small businesses. I truly believe in the value and creativity that independent retailers bring to consumers.

There’s a reason every major brand has a dedicated merchandising team—and my mission is to bring that level of insight and support to YOU.

Whether you're drowning in stock or just want more predictability in your business, I’m here to help remove the guesswork and turn data into direction.

What’s Next?

Thank you again for joining me! Make sure you’re signed up to my mailing list and you’ll start receiving monthly insights and tips to demystify merchandising and help grow your business with confidence.

Let’s make sense of your sales and put strategy behind your stock

Anna Youngson