A shelf can look fully stocked and still be losing you sales. Walk the aisle, glance across the facings, everything seems in order. But pull one product forward and you might find last week’s stock still sitting at the back, mixed in with three other SKUs that have drifted into each other’s space over a busy weekend. The shelf looks fine. The stock behind it isn’t.
This is the gap that shelf dividers are built to close. They’re one of the simplest fixtures in a store, and one of the most overlooked, yet they directly affect two things every retailer cares about: how quickly stock moves through the shelf, and how consistently that shelf looks stocked to a shopper walking past. As part of our complete guide to retail shelf management, this article looks specifically at how dividers earn their place on the shelf.
What Shelf Dividers Actually Do
A shelf divider is a physical separator that keeps one product, or one facing, in its own defined space on the shelf. Nothing more complicated than that, but the effect is significant.
Without a divider, product tends to migrate. Pack a shelf with loose stock and, over a day of shoppers picking items up and restocking, facings blur into one another. Dividers stop that. Each SKU stays where the planogram put it, whether that’s a clip-on divider running front to back or a breakable divider slotted into a T-rail.
Dividers and shelf risers get mixed up often, so it helps to separate them clearly. Risers lift product forward as stock depletes, so the front of the shelf always looks full. Dividers work side to side, keeping neighbouring products apart. Most shelf management setups use both together, but they solve different problems. If you’re weighing up the two, our guide to shelf risers vs. shelf dividers covers the distinction in full.
Why Facing and Rotation Matter More Than Retailers Think
The commercial case for getting this right is bigger than most people assume. Industry estimates put lost sales from out-of-stocks at somewhere between 4 and 8 percent of annual revenue.1 NielsenIQ’s research found that a large majority of shoppers, faced with their usual product missing from the shelf, will pick a different brand rather than wait or go elsewhere.2 That’s not a lost sale. That’s a lost customer for that product, possibly permanently.
Facing plays into this in a way that’s easy to underestimate. A shelf that’s only 40 percent full but properly faced, everything pulled forward, rows straight, reads as well stocked. A shelf that’s 70 percent full but disordered, with gaps, mixed facings and stock pushed back, reads as low or depleted. Shoppers respond to what they see, not what’s actually in the stockroom. Dividers are one of the fixtures doing the quiet work of keeping that visual read accurate.
How Shelf Dividers Support FIFO Stock Rotation
Rotation errors are usually a spatial problem before they’re a process problem. If there’s nowhere for new stock to go except wherever there’s a gap, staff will put it wherever there’s a gap, and older stock ends up buried behind or beside it rather than at the front where it should sell first.
A divider fixes this by giving each SKU a fixed lane. New stock has to go in behind what’s already there, because there’s nowhere else for it to sit. That’s first-in-first-out enforced by the shelf itself, not by a rule staff have to remember during a busy shift.
This matters most in categories with a shelf life. Chilled, deli and bakery are the obvious ones, where a missed rotation means write-offs, not just a messy shelf. But it applies just as much to seasonal or promotional stock, where last month’s line needs to clear before this month’s arrives.
Where Dividers Deliver the Biggest Operational Gains
Not every category needs the same level of divider discipline, but a few stand out.
High-SKU-count categories such as health and beauty, confectionery and haberdashery are the clearest case. Narrow facings and dozens of near-identical pack shapes mean products merge into each other within hours of restocking without a divider holding the line.
DIY and hardware categories bring a different challenge: irregular pack sizes and shapes that don’t sit neatly next to each other. Dividers here are less about rotation and more about keeping a shelf that would otherwise look chaotic looking organised.
Grocery and deli sit somewhere in between, where rotation errors carry a direct cost in shrink and food waste, not just a presentation issue. Get the divider setup right here and the payback shows up on the shrink line, not just the shelf-audit score.
How Do Shelf Dividers Improve Stock Rotation?
Shelf dividers improve stock rotation by giving each product a fixed space on the shelf, so staff restocking are guided to place new stock behind what’s already there rather than mixing the two. This keeps older stock visible and moving, cuts down on missed sell-by dates, and reduces the time spent untangling facings during a restock.
In short, dividers:
- Prevent SKUs from mixing or drifting into a neighbouring facing
- Enforce first-in-first-out by shelf design, not staff memory
- Cut the time spent straightening and re-sorting shelves during restocking
- Keep facings visually consistent, which supports the perception of a well-stocked shelf
Choosing the Right Shelf Divider System
The right divider depends on the shelf, the category and how often the setup needs to flex.
Harrison Retail’s breakable dividers are made from PET and designed to work with a T-rail, either self-adhesive or magnetic. They snap to length, so one part number covers a range of shelf depths rather than needing a different SKU for every size. For large estates with hundreds of stores and varying fixture ages, that’s a real advantage: fewer part numbers to hold, fewer mistakes at store level.
Acrylic dividers with clips are the sturdier option, better suited to categories where the divider itself needs to hold its shape under heavier or bulkier product, and where the transparency of acrylic keeps sightlines to the product clear. Divider clips secure either system firmly to the shelf edge, so nothing shifts when a trolley or a restock knocks the shelf.
Match the material to the category rather than defaulting to one option across the whole estate. PET dividers scale cost-effectively across high-SKU-count categories. Acrylic earns its place where shelf life, weight or visibility make it worth the extra cost.
Get the Detail Right, Store by Store
Shelf dividers are inexpensive relative to almost anything else in a store fit-out, but the effect of getting them wrong compounds across every store in an estate, every week, in shrink, in wasted stock and in shelves that quietly look worse than they are.
Harrison Retail worked with Superdrug to prove the point at scale. Superdrug was running 750,000 shelf dividers across two different sizes, all in PET. We consolidated that down to a single design, moulded with holes in the rear to cut material use, reducing plastic per divider by 8 percent without changing how the divider performed on shelf. Multiply that across three-quarters of a million units and the saving is substantial, in cost and in material.
That kind of consolidation only works with in-house design and manufacturing control, which is where Harrison Retail’s ISO 9001:2015 accreditation matters in practice: consistent specification across every unit, whether the order is for one store or a thousand.
If you’re reviewing shelf dividers or risers for your own estate, view our full range of Shelf Risers & Dividers or get in touch to request the shelf management catalogue. And if you’re still deciding between a riser-led or divider-led setup, our guide to shelf risers vs. shelf dividers breaks down which fixture solves which problem.
1. Industry out-of-stock cost estimates – Frogmi, Agmis retail analytics research.
2. Brand-switching behaviour following an out-of-stock – NielsenIQ.
From September through December, the Golden Quarter marks the most profitable and competitive season in UK retail. It’s when holiday gifting, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and end-of-year promotions converge — creating the perfect storm for sales growth.
According to Salesfire, this period can account for up to 40% of a retailer’s annual revenue. Yet it’s also when margins are most under pressure.
With rising costs and increased discounting, retailers must focus on maximising full-price capture, cross-sell, and upsell opportunities — and one of the smartest ways to do that is through high-impact impulse and promotional displays.
The £64 Billion Opportunity: Why Impulse and Promotional Displays Matter
Impulse purchasing is a goldmine that many retailers under-leverage. Retail Times reports that UK retailers face a £64 billion annual opportunity in impulse sales.
- One in ten shoppers makes an impulse buy every time they shop (Harrison Retail).
- 88% of impulse purchases are driven by the perception of a bargain (Moneyzine).
- Cross-merchandising can boost sales by up to 39% (Moneyzine).
In a crowded marketplace, smart in-store displays — especially those designed for flexibility and visual appeal — can directly influence consumer behaviour and significantly increase basket size.
Why Traditional Fixtures Fall Short
Conventional shelving and static planograms struggle to keep pace with the dynamic demands of Q4 retail.
- Small or promotional SKUs often get lost in visual noise.
- Fixed displays can’t easily adapt to changing promotions or layouts.
- Impulse zones near checkouts or high-traffic aisles are often underused.
Without dedicated impulse or promotional solutions, retailers miss out on spontaneous purchases that could dramatically improve seasonal sales performance.
High-Impact Merchandising Tools for Q4:
Wire dumpbins are a staple for retailers seeking speed, volume, and visibility.
Why retailers love them:
- Perfect for bulk items, flash sales, and bundled deals
- Can be positioned mid-aisle, at endcaps, or near checkouts
- Allow 360-degree browsing and easy restocking
- Lightweight yet durable — ideal for rapid promotional turnover
During the Golden Quarter, wire dumpbins help retailers maximise floor space, showcase offers and react quickly to shifting customer demand.
Acrylic Displays — Premium Appeal for Impulse Buys
Acrylic displays bring clarity and sophistication to impulse merchandising. They’re perfect for beauty, tech accessories, and small giftables — categories where presentation and perceived value matter.
Benefits include:
- Crystal-clear visibility that highlights premium products
- Modular and stackable configurations for maximum flexibility
- Encourages touch-and-feel engagement, a key driver in gifting
- Elevates brand presentation for high-margin impulse items
Together, wire dumpbins and acrylic displays create a balanced merchandising strategy that appeals to both value-driven and premium shoppers.
Best Practices: How to Maximise Impulse Sales During the Golden Quarter
1. Strategic Placement
- Focus on high-conversion zones — checkouts, queue lines, and aisle ends.
- Use secondary placements for seasonal spillover and cross-merchandising.
2. Seasonal Storytelling
- Tie displays to thematic events (Christmas, Halloween, Black Friday).
- Bundle complementary items — e.g., batteries with electronics or accessories with gifts.
3. Continuous Rotation & Replenishment
- Refill daily in busy stores.
- Swap SKUs mid-campaign to maintain shopper interest.
4. Measure and Optimise
- Test wire vs. acrylic units in matched stores.
- Track sales per square metre, margin uplift, and basket growth.
5. Keep Displays Simple
- Limit to 2–3 SKUs per unit for clarity.
- Use clear pricing and bold promotional signage.
How Harrison Supports Retailers
From shelf-edge solutions to large-scale sign systems, Harrison provides complete in-store communication tools that help retailers deliver clarity, consistency, and creativity — all essential to success during the busiest quarter of the year.
To explore our full range of impulse and promotional solutions, or to discuss your specific needs, feel free to email us at sales@harrisonretail.com
The Golden Quarter — from October through December — represents up to 40% of annual retail sales for many grocery chains across the UK and EU.
In a landscape of heightened competition and consumer choice, in-store communication becomes the differentiator that drives engagement, clarity, and sales.
The Importance of Clear Communication
Studies show that 76% of purchase decisions are made in-store. Shoppers rely on signage to guide, inform, and inspire — especially during the busy festive period when promotional messages compete for attention. Retailers who implement clear, flexible signage solutions see measurable improvements in both sales and customer satisfaction.
2-in-1 Click Sign Holder: Adaptable & Effective
The 2-in-1 Click Sign Holder by Harrison Retail, enables retailers to update promotions instantly, maintaining consistent and professional messaging across departments. Designed to clip onto 75mm or 85mm shelf data strips, it’s built for speed and simplicity – and is perfect for highlighting promotional or seasonal messaging, in high-traffic grocery environments.
Industry Insights: Shopper Behaviour in the Golden Quarter
- UK grocery retail sales exceeded £12 billion in December 2024, with impulse buys up 8% compared to the rest of the year.
- EU research shows that 60% of shoppers notice new brands during seasonal displays.
- Effective signage can increase promotional visibility by up to 30%, driving stronger basket sizes.
How Harrison Supports Retailers
From shelf-edge solutions to large-scale sign systems, Harrison provides complete in-store communication tools that help retailers deliver clarity, consistency, and creativity — all essential to success during the busiest quarter of the year.
To explore our full range of price communication solutions, or to discuss your specific needs, feel free to email us at sales@harrisonretail.com
As sustainability continues to shape the retail landscape, Harrison Retail is leading the charge with its innovative Open Loop Take-Back Service for data strips. Not only does this solution tackle retail plastic waste head-on, it supports circular economy goals — perfect for businesses striving for a greener footprint.
The Issue: Retail Plastic Waste
The average physical retail operation uses thousands of data strips and shelf edge labels (ESLs), most made from plastic. Over time, as promotions change and store layouts update, these strips are discarded—creating mounting waste. Recognising this, Harrison Retail introduced an industry first Open Loop recycling service.
How the Open Loop Service Works
Based on Harrison’s Corporate Social Responsibility framework, the Open Loop system operates in six clear stages:
- Collection – Used data strips are gathered from retail store locations in the Far East.
- Cleaning & Grinding – At Harrison’s local facility, these strips are thoroughly cleaned and ground into recycled material.
- Reforming – Recycled PET/PVC is blended into new data strips, using around 30% recycled content.
- Continuous Collection – Retailers send back used strips on an ongoing basis—closing the loop.
- Further Processing – Waste PVC passes through a partner facility for additional grinding and recycling.
- Product Repurposing – Recycled materials are used again to manufacture retail products, completing the cycle.
This circular process significantly reduces plastic waste and helps retailers meet sustainability targets.
Partnering for Impact: EU Retailer Collaboration
As part of our commitment to scaling sustainability, Harrison Retail has partnered with a major European retail chain to implement our Open Loop Recycling Service at scale. Through this initiative, we’ve supplied dedicated take-back boxes across their retail network, allowing stores to collect and return used data strips efficiently. Once full, these boxes are sent to our processing facility where the materials are cleaned, ground down, and reused in the production of new, recyclable data strips. This successful collaboration highlights the practical and scalable nature of our programme, and demonstrates how leading retailers can actively contribute to a circular economy while reducing plastic waste across hundreds of locations.
Why Open Loop Matters for Retailers
1. Supports Sustainability Goals
By turning old data strips into new ones with recycled content, Harrison Retail helps clients avoid plastic ending up in landfill—all while reducing reliance on virgin materials
2. Enhances Customer and Investor Reputation
Consumers and investors are increasingly valuing ESG practices. Adopting Harrison’s Open Loop process sends a strong message—that your brand is committed to measurable environmental action.
3. Reduces Operational Waste and Costs
Through ongoing take-back and recycling, retailers spend less on disposal and shipping. Data strips made with recycled PET maintain performance standards—dust caps, adhesives, and structural integrity remain high. (CSR | Harrison Retail)
4. Provides Transparent Impact Tracking
Harrison Retail tracks environmental initiatives monthly—such as 100 new trees planted every month, over 7,000 planted to date, and support for The Ocean Cleanup—so clients can quantify their contributions (CSR | Harrison Retail)
The Product: Recyclable Data Strips from Harrison Retail
Harrison offers a range of fully recyclable data strip profiles made from PET, including:
- 39 mm Recyclable Data Strip with 12 mm Tape — Self-adhesive, dust cap top, clear PET, compatible with standard recycling streams. View Product
- 35 mm Recyclable Data Strip with 12 mm Tape — PET material, frontloading design, dust cap top, suited for retail shelving and recyclable like others. View Product
- 39 mm Recyclable Hinged Data Strip with 12 mm Tape — Hinged format for undershelf mounting, still made of fully recyclable PET. View Product
These profiles deliver the functionality retailers expect while enabling circular waste reduction.
How to Get Started
Retailers interested in the service can reach out to the specialist account and project management team at Harrison Retail—who handle everything from collection logistics to production of high-quality recyclable data strips. This seamless process is cost effective and aligns with circular economy strategies (CSR Report 2023/24 | Harrison Retail)
In Summary
Harrison’s Open Loop Take-Back Service is more than recycling—it’s a sustainability system that closes the material loop in retail merchandising. By turning used data strips into new ones with recycled content, the company supports retailers in hitting their environmental commitments while maintaining shelf-edge performance and brand integrity.
For forward-thinking retailers, joining Harrison Retail’s Open Loop programme offers real environmental, financial, and reputational value—supporting a cleaner planet while showcasing leadership in sustainability.
Impulse buying is a powerful driver of in-store sales, particularly for grocery retailers. Studies show that British consumers spend approximately £21.7 billion annually on impulse purchases, with food being the top category.
Additionally, one in ten shoppers makes an impulse purchase every time they shop. These statistics highlight the immense potential for retailers to capitalise on impulse buying behaviour by strategically placing products and promotions.
The Role of Impulse Solutions in Retail Success
At Harrison Retail, we specialise in creating impulse solutions that enhance cross-merchandising opportunities, attract impulse buyers, and boost awareness of promotions, special offers, and seasonal products. These solutions are particularly effective during peak seasons, such as Easter, when items like Easter eggs and decorations need to stand out to capture the attention of deal-seeking shoppers.
Success Story: Tiered Display Units with Morrisons
Over the past five years, we’ve partnered with Morrisons on various projects to optimise their in-store displays. Most recently, we designed and produced impulse display bays for the back of their self-service checkouts to showcase health and beauty items.
Our team developed tiered display units with adjustable dividers, robust steel bases, and clear PETG fronts for enhanced product visibility. We manufactured over 2,510 display units in four different depths for 314 Morrisons stores across the UK. This initiative is set to significantly boost impulse purchases while meeting the evolving needs of UK consumers.
See the full case study here.
Innovative Impulse Solutions for Retailers
Our range of impulse solutions is designed to fit seamlessly into high-traffic areas, encouraging unplanned purchases and increasing sales:
- Wire Dump Bins and Display Baskets: Perfect for showcasing special promotions, these bins and baskets are available in various sizes and finishes to suit any store layout. They provide a semi-permanent solution for neatly displaying large items in central aisles or near checkouts.
- Clip Strips: These versatile POS tools are ideal for suspending lightweight products like snacks or seasonal items from shelf edges or end caps. Clip strips are a cost-effective way to boost cross-selling and upselling opportunities while increasing the average order value.
- Bespoke Acrylic Displays: Custom-designed to meet specific retailer needs, these displays enhance product visibility and create an engaging shopping experience.
Why Impulse Solutions Matter
Impulse solutions are not just about increasing sales—they also enhance the overall shopping experience by making it easier for customers to discover new products and take advantage of promotions. With 96% of UK shoppers preferring in-store shopping over online, the potential to drive impulse purchases in physical stores is immense.
By leveraging our expertise and innovative solutions, retailers can maximize their in-store sales and create a more engaging shopping environment.
To explore our full range of impulse solutions or discuss your specific needs, feel free to email us at sales@harrisonretail.com
Let’s work together to transform your store into a hub of opportunity!
A recent report from the think tank Police Exchange has revealed that rapid crime levels are costing the UK economy £250bn a year. Highlights from the report state that mass shop theft and other crimes are hitting businesses, the public sector and individuals, with an economic cost of £170bn a year, or 6.5% of the gross domestic product.
Thieves continue to terrorise retail staff, snatching high-priced goods whilst throwing verbal abuse at those around them. The UK is experiencing a shop theft crisis, but thieves can be easily deterred from sweeping products in-store with effective loss-prevention solutions.
Loss prevention solutions that enable customer product interaction and deter theft allow retailers to fight back against thieves and maintain customer satisfaction.
Loss prevention solutions are more important than ever.
UK retail crime has continued to accelerate, and retailers must have the correct loss prevention solutions in place to enable their customers to interact with products and deter theft. Our loss prevention solutions, such as our gravity risers and shelf pusher systems, are stopping thieves from sweeping products physically, forcing them to take a product one at a time.
Retailers can deploy Harrison Retail’s innovative fixtures and systems to limit thieves’ accessibility to high-value merchandise, deterring them from visiting stores and reducing stock loss. Limiting shelf access with our dispensers is the key for retailers in their fight against shop theft. Our solutions are designed to limit access to products, meaning the customer can only retrieve a product through a small opening at the front of a shelving unit, preventing multiple products from being taken at once.
Amid the cost-of-living crisis in the UK, shop theft has continued to worsen, and retailers must safeguard their stock and staff. Harrison Retail’s range of loss prevention solutions could drastically reduce stock shrinkage. Our blockers effectively prevent shop theft in retail stores by making it difficult to grab multiple expensive items at once.
Retail Risk London showcase
We displayed our range of loss prevention solutions at Retail Risk London on 27th March 2024, including our Gravity Riser, Shipper Surround, Confectionery Dispenser, Hinged Dispenser, Locking Riser, Shelf Pusher System and Open Front Dispenser at stand 45. The Harrison Retail team also showcased loss prevention solutions in the immersion zone at the show in a temporary mock-up shop. The solutions on show included FSDU Surrounds, Dispensers for Chocolate, Medicine and Scent Booster capsules and slow-moving Shelf Pusher systems.
The show was attended by Harrison Retail’s Product Designer, Emily Trimm and Client Relations Managers Toby Ball and Eddie Ball.
Follow us on LinkedIn to find out about other shows, events and exhibitions we will be showcasing our range at
If you would like to learn more about our loss prevention solutions, please contact us at sales@harrisonretail.co.uk.
It is no secret that retail stores host strenuous conditions, leaving ESLs damaged by trolleys, customers, and falling products. Electronic shelf labels are expensive, and retailers must have the best POS defence solutions in place to protect them from irreplaceable damage.
In recent years, ESLs (Electronic Shelf Labels) have been viewed as the next big thing for accurate price communication and inventory management for retailers. The new technology can display centralised pricing updates on shelves, driving a surge in adoption. Recent studies estimate that the ESL market will be valued at $2.8 billion by 2028, with Europe holding the largest share of the expanding market.
At Harrison Retail, we provide only the best POS ESL solutions to enhance and protect your ESLs from harm, ensuring they last and operate efficiently for years to come.
Increased visibility and durability
We pride ourselves on being the UK’s leading provider of profiles and accessories for ESL systems. We have the solution and accessories you need and partner with major ESL tag manufacturers to ensure the highest-quality, UV-stable systems for the retail industry.
Our hinged ESL rails are designed to enable retail staff to access the back of an ESL without risking damage and allowing retailers to angle an ESL to maximise price visibility for customers. Our rails are made from long-lasting, UV-stable, extruded plastic, elevating shopper experiences with sleek fixtures in line with modern displays.
We are already providing major international supermarket chains with complete store fit-outs. Our ESL management range is suitable for a wide range of ESL types.
To explore our extensive range of existing ESL fixtures and accessories, browse our ESL profile guide.
Protecting ESLs from damage with bumper rails
To safeguard your ESLs from damage, we’ve designed state-of-the-art bumper rails. ESLs secured to the bottom of shelves are prone to damage in stores, especially during peak seasons. This can be resolved with bumper rails that repel any trolley damage, providing the unit with a longer lease of life.
In combination with our hinged ESL rails, retailers can protect their applications from harm and enable staff to safely deploy and update ESLs without risking any loss on their investment.
If you would be interested in hearing more about how you can work with us to safeguard your ESL, watch our Working with Us video here.
Looking to the future
The ESL evolution is here, and retailers must integrate POS on-shelf solutions to safeguard new installations in-store. These new technological pricing innovations are a fantastic addition to the retail sector but are costly.
Recently, ESLs have been viewed as the next big thing for accurate price communication, and inventory management for retailers. While ESLs have been around for some time, innovations offer a greater variety of ESL form sizes, faster update speeds, higher resolution displays and better resistance to fluctuating temperatures in store. Modern ESLs can display additional insights such as nutritional/allergen information, stock updates, product reviews and different currency exchange rates.
However, ESLs must have the best POS solutions to ensure that they last for years to come and are easily visible to customers, enhancing the customer experience overall. At Harrison Retail, we have worked closely with Pricer, providing them with ESL tags for their applications. These are on display in our brand-new showroom at our headquarters.
If you would like to visit our showroom to see our ESL application in action, contact us here or reach out to a member of our team at sales@harrisonretail.com to discuss your next project.
We recognise that operating a successful and responsible business has never been more challenging or demanding than it is today. In a rapidly evolving landscape of risks and opportunities, technological innovation is advancing at an unprecedented rate. Meanwhile, resource availability and social instability pose pressing challenges as stakeholders increasingly expect businesses to address the pressures of retail theft and rising costs.
At Harrison Retail, we hosted an exclusive event centred around building retail resilience, where we unveiled our state-of-the-art showroom, crafted to inspire our customers, featuring a fully functional supermarket replica exhibiting our innovative loss prevention solutions.
Loss prevention intervention
During the event, guests had the opportunity to experience first-hand our fifteen bespoke loss-prevention products in situ. These included shelf, dispenser, and surround solutions curated by our specialist product team to combat stock loss and protect profits, all the while maintaining and ensuring a seamless in-store experience for customers.
Explore our interactive retail solutions showroom below
On display were our latest retail innovations, such as dual, gravity, and locking risers, designed to prevent opportunistic theft by presenting barriers to sweeping shelves, without compromising employees’ access to replenish and organise stock. We also showcased a range of dispenser solutions for safeguarding high-value items. With an integrated spring-powered pusher dispensing only one item at a time, they strike the perfect balance between functionality and security while serving as a highly effective theft deterrent.
Boosting productivity and reducing stock loss
After concluding our showroom tour, we welcomed industry experts Simon Singleton, Former COO of H&B and Pepco Group UK, Simon Hedaux, CO-Founder of Rethink Retail and Adrian Beck, Professor at the University of Leicester for the ECR Retail Loss Group, to hear about the current challenges surrounding stock loss and productivity and the strategies needed to tackle these.
Our speakers delved into the following topics:
Boosting productivity and reducing stock loss | Simon Singleton
To kick off, Simon set the scene with an overview of the current retail landscape – a cliff edge which poses an existential threat to businesses, prompting unanticipated trade-offs to balance the books. We explored real-world examples of balancing security with accessibility, ensuring that loss prevention strategies support, rather than hinder, sales and service targets. Simon offered his perspective on what good actually looks like: a frictionless experience for customers, reduces theft and has a demonstrably < 2-year payback timeframe.
Future directions in managing retail loss | Adrian Beck
Adrian enlightened the audience on the changes we’re experiencing in a retail context, including the growing availability of data, the evolving profile of risk and the rise of e-commerce. He emphasised the critical role of retail loss prevention strategies and highlighted a common pitfall: businesses viciously cycling between upward and downward trajectories, triggered by factors including complacency, resource cuts and new leadership. Adrian concluded by outlining the key cross-departmental activities needed to break this cycle and build a successful and resilient loss prevention strategy to drive lasting impact.
The productivity challenge | Simon Hedaux
Finally, Simon addressed the pressing challenge of reducing task and process times while simultaneously driving ATV and increasing shopfloor presence for customers. He contextualised this with current risks to business, such as increased National Insurance contributions and labour wages. Simon emphasised the importance of tracking business costs over time, creating a clear productivity roadmap and streamlining workflows to achieve sustainable improvements.
To conclude the event, we held a fireside chat and interactive Q&A where our guest speakers were joined by;
- Tim Bettley, Former Commercial Director | Poundland and Dealz
- Eddie Ball, Business Development Manager | Harrison Retail
- Douglas Cook, Product Development Manager | Harrison Retail
The entire webinar & fireside chat recording can be viewed below.
Solving your retail challenges
At Harrison, we recognise that no two projects are the same, and neither is there one defined solution for any challenge, which is why we position your individual project needs at the heart of our operations from the initial brief to installation. Our design-led approach and extensive experience with retail projects are globally recognised and industry-leading, so you can be sure that our collaborative in-house retail specialists and product designers will champion your every request.
To leverage our global network of in-house manufacturing, warehousing sites, and robust supply chain, please reach out to a member of the team via sales@harrisonretail.com.
We’re less than two weeks away from our exclusive showroom event, tailored to key industry brands and grocery retailers, ‘Retail Resilience: Boosting Productivity Gains & Reducing Loss’. This event is aimed at offering key industry insights into solutions for some of the most pressing challenges currently faced in the retail sector, including theft prevention, rising costs, and productivity improvements.
Hosted by Harrison Retail, and spokesperson Simon Singleton, we have the great pleasure to be joined by leading retail expert guest speakers, Adrian Beck, Tim Bettley and Simon Hedaux.
With extensive experience across a variety of retail facets, you can read more about our guests below.
Simon Singleton | Spokesperson / Host
Singleton Consulting
Former COO H&B | Pepco Group UK
Formerly Chief Operating Officer at Holland & Barrett parent company and COO Pepco UK, previously Operations Director for Focus Wickes, Asda, George Clothing and Republic.
More recently, he has founded a successful retail advisory and consulting business, working with a diverse client base on a range of projects, from retail acquisitions, to innovative new format ideation, and development of retail tech innovation.
Emeritus Professor Adrian Beck | Guest Speaker
University of Leicester
ECR Retail Loss Group
He currently serves as an academic advisor and researcher for organizations like the ECR Community’s Shrinkage and On-shelf Availability Group. Beck is a frequent speaker at loss prevention conferences worldwide and a contributor to LP Magazine‘s US and Europe publications.
Simon Hedaux | Guest Speaker
ReThink Productivity
UKMTM Association
He is also a co-founder of ReTime Workstudy, a work study measurement and analysis app that simplifies and streamlines the data capture and reporting process, saving time and resources for our users.
Tim Bettley | Guest Speaker
Retail Consultant
Former Commercial Director | Poundland & Dealz.
Having also served as Commercial Director at The Original Factory Shop, and Managing Director of Peacocks, Tim has a wealth of experience in building and developing strong performing teams, used to operating in a large scale, high volume, fast-paced environments.
This exclusive industry event promises to be a valuable opportunity for attendees to engage in insightful discussions and participate in Q&A sessions. With a mix of fireside chats, practical workshops, and extensive networking opportunities, participants will connect with industry peers, brands, and top-tier grocery retailers, whilst gaining actionable insights into loss-prevention innovations.
Attendees will also receive an exclusive action plan summarising the key takeaways from the day, designed to accelerate their loss-prevention strategies.
Register Now
Interested in attending? Simply RSVP here to secure your spot. If you can’t join us in person, no problem – our fireside chat with Simon Singleton will be available via live stream. RSVP online to receive the webinar link and join us virtually.
In today’s rapidly evolving retail landscape, businesses are facing unprecedented challenges. From navigating technological advancements to managing resource constraints and social pressures, the demand for responsible and innovative business practices has never been greater.
Harrison Retail is stepping up to address these critical issues by hosting an exclusive showroom event tailored to key industry brands and grocery retailers, ‘Retail Resilience: Boosting Productivity Gains & Reducing Loss’. This gathering will offer insights into solutions for some of the most pressing challenges in the retail sector, including theft prevention, rising costs, and productivity improvements.
Hosted by Harrison Retail, the event will feature expert discussions led by spokesperson Simon Singleton and guest speakers:
- Professor Adrian Beck
University of Leicester | ECR Retail Loss Group - Simon Hedaux
Founder & CEO | ReThink Productivity - Tim Bettley
Commercial Director | Poundland & Dealz
Together, they will cover essential topics such as:
- Labour and shrinkage productivity gains
- Smart / defensive merchandising
- Mitigation of stock loss
This event promises to be a valuable opportunity for attendees to engage in insightful discussions and participate in Q&A sessions. With a mix of fireside chats, practical workshops, and extensive networking opportunities, participants will connect with industry peers, brands, and top-tier grocery retailers, whilst gaining actionable insights into loss-prevention innovations.
Attendees will also receive an exclusive action plan summarising the key takeaways from the day, designed to accelerate their loss-prevention strategies.
Register Now
Interested in attending? Simply RSVP here to secure your spot. If you can’t join us in person, no problem – our fireside chat with Simon Singleton will be available via live stream. RSVP online to receive the webinar link and join us virtually.
At Harrison Retail, sustainability isn’t just a part of our business – it’s at the core of our strategy. We’re committed to fostering an environmentally conscious approach both within our organisation and in the solutions we provide to our clients. Our green retailing goals are driven by clear environmental objectives and targets, designed to inspire lasting change.
Ethics in Action: Our Partnerships and Accreditations
We take pride in our Gold rating from EcoVadis, a globally recognised sustainability ratings provider. This distinction reflects our commitment to integrating robust sustainability practices and managing our corporate social responsibility effectively.
We also hold key accreditations from the International Organisation for Standardisation, which reflect our dedication to high standards:
- ISO 14001:2015 for our effective environmental management system
- ISO 9001:2015 for our unwavering commitment to quality management
- ISO 27001:2022 for safeguarding company and client data
Environment: Pushing for Sustainability
At Harrison, we are sustainability driven. That’s why we’re pioneering 100% biodegradable solutions with our EcoVision range. Using a modified plastic polymer, our EcoPlastic components are 100% recyclable and biodegrade at a much-accelerated rate, breaking down into natural compounds if they accidentally end up in landfill. We also offer data strips made with up to 30% recycled content, supporting a circular economy in our industry.
Our commitment to reforestation is realised through our partnership with One Tree Planted, with 5,900 trees planted to date and counting. Every month, we contribute at least 100 more trees, helping restore ecosystems and provide jobs for local communities.
In support of cleaner oceans, we work with The Ocean Cleanup to capture and repurpose plastic from the world’s oceans, doing our part to reduce ocean pollution.
Driving CSR for a Sustainable Future
As a predominantly plastic-based business, we’re acutely aware of our environmental impact. We’re on a path toward Net Zero by 2050, aiming to cut CO2 emissions by 39 tonnes per year over the next six years, culminating in a total reduction of 234 CO2e.
Since 2020, we’ve partnered with Carbon Quota to measure, reduce, and certify our carbon footprint. Our dedication has led to our status as a certified carbon-measured operation, continuously advancing our sustainability efforts.
We are also innovating in recycling through our open-loop program, where we collect used data strips from retail stores and recycle them into new products with 30% recycled materials, significantly reducing our dependence on virgin plastic.
To reach our reduction goals, we’re implementing practical measures like car sharing, renewable energy adoption, and promoting sustainable business travel—each step saving valuable CO2 emissions along the way.
To learn more about our CSR initiatives and green retail strategy, please get in touch with us at sustainability@harrisonretail.com or see our CSR report here.
In the ever-evolving landscape of retail, businesses face an ongoing challenge: theft. Despite implementing additional security measures such as extra guards, security barriers, employee body cams and even the use of dummy products on shelves, the issue of stolen goods continues to plague the industry.
This problem has been exacerbated recently by the effects of a post-pandemic economy now facing a cost-of-living-crisis. As a result, the industry is turning to forward-thinking companies, like Harrison Retail, to innovate POS and display solutions for loss prevention.
The cost-of-living crisis and theft
The cost-of-living crisis has had a profound impact on communities worldwide, pushing some individuals to resort to theft as a means of survival. While this issue remains complex, it underscores the importance for retailers to take proactive measures to protect their assets. By investing in innovative shrinkage-reduction, businesses can mitigate the impact of theft while maintaining a secure and welcoming shopping environment.
Theft in retail is a persistent issue that is costing the retail industry billions each year. Despite retailers’ best efforts to enhance security, determined thieves find innovative ways to exploit vulnerabilities. The cost-of-living crisis has only exacerbated this problem, pushing some individuals to turn to theft as a means to cope with financial hardships. Retailers are now tasked with finding more efficient and effective solutions to protect their inventory and bottom line.
We are seeing more and more retailers introduce additional loss prevention measures such as:
- extra guards, security barriers and body cams for employees,
- facial recognition systems to flag known shoplifters,
- ‘dummy’ packages displayed on shelving to be swapped for the actual product by staff members at checkout,
- and – as reported by the Daily Mail – a south London Sainsbury’s, once the chain’s biggest supermarket in the country, is set to shut later this year with staff revealing that rising theft factors highly in the decision to close.
We’ve always been used to high value items such as alcohol having security protection; however, we’re now seeing everyday items, baby formula, duvets and suncream, displayed in stores with this extra level of security.
The British Retail Consortium recently reported that:
“incidents of theft have increased by 27% across ten of the largest cities in the UK, with some cities up as much as 68%. The nature of these crimes has changed, with perpetrators becoming bolder, and many retailers reporting increasing links to organised-crime activity.”
The full report can be found here.
Adapt and evolve with anti-theft innovations
As the cost-of-living crisis persists, it is imperative for businesses to adapt and evolve. By embracing innovative solutions, retailers can safeguard their assets, enhance the customer experience and continue to thrive in a challenging retail landscape.
Here at Harrison Retail, we are leading the charge in combating theft by developing cutting-edge point-of-sale and product display solutions designed to limit product accessibility, making theft attempts more difficult and reducing stock shrinkage.
Douglas Cook, our in-house Product Development Manager, states:
“We are seeing a dramatic increase in requests for anti-theft and loss prevention solutions across our retail client base. It is clear that the industry is facing a real challenge and looking to the most innovative suppliers who are able to react to this problem effectively and efficiently; which is why we continue to prioritise research and development in anti-theft solutions at Harrison.“
Leading the market to new innovation
Our innovation and product design experts are working with large supermarkets and cosmetics stores throughout the UK to innovate new loss prevention systems which are currently being trialled in multiple stores.
Our commitment to revolutionising retail security aims to serve as an example for the industry as a whole, paving the way for a more secure and prosperous future for the retail industry.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your store’s vulnerability to theft and explore how we can develop a tailored solution to reduce your stock shrinkage. Email sales@harrisonretail.com and one of our team will get back to you.
As the festive season approaches, retailers have a golden opportunity to capitalise on changing shopping habits. One effective strategy is enhancing self-service checkout areas with impulse shelving bays, which can significantly boost impulse buying and drive sales.
The Power of Impulse Buying
Impulse buying is a major driver in retail, with UK consumers spending an astounding £21.7 billion annually on spontaneous purchases. This behavior is influenced by several factors, including promotions, discounts, and strategic product placement. In fact, promotions alone account for 50% of all unplanned purchases.
Why Self-Service Checkout Areas?
Self-service checkout areas are prime real estate for impulse buys. Shoppers often face a wait, giving them time to notice and consider additional items. By strategically placing impulse shelving bays stocked with high-margin products like health and beauty items, retailers can turn this waiting time into a sales opportunity.
Industry Insights
- Food and Drink: Food consistently leads in impulse purchases, with 55% of Brits admitting to buying food items on a whim. Drinks and takeaways are also major players, making these categories prime candidates for impulse shelving opportunities.
- Clothing and Household Items: Clothing (29%) and household goods (23%) follow closely behind as popular impulse buys. Retailers can capitalise on this by strategically placing seasonal apparel and household essentials near checkout zones to encourage last-minute purchases.
- Beauty Products: Beauty products make up 18% of impulse purchases in the UK. With the festive season driving demand for gifts, positioning beauty items in impulse bays can significantly boost sales during peak times.
The Festive Season Advantage
The festive season brings a surge in consumer spending, with shoppers more inclined to make impulse purchases while searching for gifts and seasonal treats. By incorporating strategically placed product displays, retailers can capitalise on this increased holiday spending.
Practical Implementation
At Harrison Retail, we’ve witnessed the powerful impact of well-designed impulse shelving. In a recent project for Morrisons, we redesigned the self-service checkout areas with a focus on promoting travel accessories. The outcome was a notable increase in impulse purchases, underscoring the value of strategic product placement.
Are you season ready?
By focusing on enhancing self-service checkout areas with impulse shelving bays, retailers can effectively boost impulse buying and drive sales, especially during the festive season. With the right strategy, you can turn waiting time into a profitable opportunity and make the most of seasonal shopping trends.
Connect with our expert team at sales@harrisonretail.com to elevate your seasonal displays with innovative solutions.
We are thrilled to share some exciting news with you all!
Harrison Retail have just completed a major rebrand. This initiative comes on the heels of a successful period of significant growth for us, during which we’ve forged strong partnerships with global retailers including Morrisons, B&Q, ALDI, and Jysk.
Our Journey
From our humble beginnings in 1996, we’ve always been product-focused. We refreshed our brand in 2016 and 2019, but remained under one entity. The COVID-19 pandemic pushed us to innovate, leading to the creation of Harrison Retail with new point of sale systems.
Why Rebrand?
At Harrison Retail, our core values remain unchanged, with a steadfast commitment to a customer-first strategy. As we experienced strong and steady growth, it became essential to differentiate the various businesses within our group. This rebrand reflects our new, modern, and innovative look, ensuring that we continue to support our customers by providing immediate solutions through clear communication. This approach strengthens our partnerships with both existing and future customers, making the rebrand a crucial step forward.
Internal Reflection
We held immersion sessions with internal departments to understand our customers, our business, and what sets us apart. We wanted to retain the legacy of the Harrison name while showcasing our team’s hard work and innovation. We discovered that our business is detail-oriented and driven by quality.
A fresh look, unchanged values
Logos are crucial. We redesigned ours by analysing product shapes and colour psychology:
- Dark blue: sincerity, sophistication, strength
- Deep yellow: confidence, creativity, wealth
Inspired by our POS products, we used negative space to create a recognisable ‘H’, symbolising an open door and a welcoming feel.
New Website
Our new website is innovative, modern, and dynamic. It better showcases our retail merchandising solutions through clear communication, and it also highlights our collaborative methodology of how we work with our clients on their retail projects – strengthening our partnerships with both existing and prospective customers.
Functionally, the website features a direct link to our showroom page, allowing users to explore explore our product range and register and attend upcoming industry events via webinar.
Our Showroom
Our new showroom is a unique multi-functional space for our clients to meet with our teams, discuss their current retail challenges & briefs, experience our product offering in-situ and connect with industry peers and thought leaders.
Future Goals
Firmly established in the UK, we’re excited to expand further into European and US markets. Our rebrand is the perfect introduction, building on our significant growth in 2024.
The e-commerce sector has grown exponentially in recent years, with an anticipated 2.71 billion buyers in 2024, however, brick and mortar shopping still account for 85% of total spending in the retail market. In the face of such demand retailers must craft innovative, in-store experiences with creative strategies to attract and retain customers in today’s high-demand market.
Constant shifts in consumer behaviour highlights the crucial role that adaptable shelf management solutions play in optimising product visibility, supporting an increase in sales and more broadly, maintaining competitiveness in a crowded market. In fact, 43% of shoppers are more likely to spend money with a retailer who offers a meaningful in-store experience. Shelf management equips retailers with the tools to create a unique and positive brand image, fostering long-term, repeat business relationships with customers.
The Importance of Shelf Management
A common misconception is that shelf management is primarily about how products are arranged. When in fact, retailers need to ensure product placement remains consistent, products are well presented, shelf space is optimised and loss prevention is taken into account, ultimately playing a part in delivering a positive shopping experience.
Although the customer is always the priority, retailers and their employees are also reaping the benefits of innovative shelf management solutions. T-rails and dividers, for example, streamline display assembly, enhance shelf organisation, and expedite restocking processes, reducing time consuming tasks and staffing requirements.
Regardless of who stands to gain, shelf management is establishing itself as a crucial element of modern retail operations. The result directly influences and impacts the experiences of both customers and employees, unified in their desire for effortless store navigation and improved product accessibility.
Innovative Shelf Management Solutions
T-rails used at the front and rear of shelving offer a tailored shelf management solution, featuring PVC rails that vary in length and are self-adhesive for easy installation. This enables retailers to customise shelf configurations to suit their needs, while adjustable breakpoints and clip-on dividers keep products of all shapes and sizes organised to optimise shelf space and enhance product visibility.
Offering an appealing aesthetic, breakable shelf dividers serve as both effective and visual complimentary additions to t-rails. A transparent yet durable and versatile design, featuring break points every 2.5cm makes them highly adjustable, while in-shelf barriers prevent product displacement and enable efficient restocking. Their transparent design presents customers with an uninterrupted view of products, making it easier for shoppers and employees alike to access products.
At Harrison, we understand that shelf management is not a one size fits all solution and that changes to store layout and shelf space is a continuous process. This is why our selection of tailored t-rails feature magnetic tape variants to enable easy movement of divers between shelves, offering quick adjustments to allow for changing products or promotional displays.
Curating a Compelling Shopping Experience
Retailers worldwide are navigating the challenges of customer demand and expectation for efficient and meaningful shopping experiences. Ensuring shelves are organised, well stocked and provide optimum product visibility is now a non-negotiable regardless of the store size, layout or goods. Recognising this, it is essential that retails employ a selection of high-quality shelf management solutions to support in-store enhancement, elevate product displays and ultimately deliver a compelling shopping experience.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your shelf management requirements and explore how we can develop a tailored solution to suit you and your project. Email sales@harrisonretail.com and one of our team will get back to you.
A recent report from the British Retail Consortium has stated that criminals are ‘being given a free pass’, with thefts more than doubling to 16.7 million incidents last year and the cost of retail crime rising to 3.3 million. It is clear that retailers must be proactive and actively put solutions in place to battle back against theft.
Co-op, which hosts over 2,500 stores across the UK, saw a 44% surge in retail crime last year and in response has resorted to installing 200 secure till kiosks, locked cabinets for bottles of spirits and AI technology to monitor its self-checkouts.
To overcome the ongoing threat of theft, retailers can adopt point-of-sale (POS) and bespoke display solutions to help combat loss.
Limiting product accessibility and shrinkage with store fixtures
Anti-theft merchandising solutions are a great option for retailers; designed to limit product accessibility, making theft attempts more difficult, and reducing stock shrinkage. This includes products such as anti-sweep hooks designed to limit accessibility, making attempts at theft far more challenging and reducing stock shrinkage, as well as bespoke designed shipper surrounds to limit the number of high value items, such as alcohol, that can be removed from temporary display units at a time.
However, it’s important to consider that every retail shop is different, hosting different loss prevention plans due to different product types sold and the branding and imaging of each retailer differing. Therefore, retailers must identify the right designer and producers of display fixtures which can provide a tailored approach to theft prevention solutions.
At Harrison, we provide a range of bespoke anti-theft store display fixtures and merchandising solutions, including stock limiters, shipper surrounds, and shelving systems to enhance store security.
By implementing POS and display solutions such as anti-theft hooks, shipper surrounds, and stock limiting systems, retailers can not only protect their high-value goods and increase profitability but also create a safer, more inviting shopping environment for customers.
Developing a system that deters stealing
It is important to recognise that bespoke display fixtures are just one of many ways retailers can help prevent theft and to develop a balanced system that deters stealing, retailers must install a combined approach.
Adopting intelligent analytics is the best next step, as it can detect unusual behaviour, prompting real-time alerts. Analytics recognise patterns, movement and specific objects or behaviours, delivering insights beyond video footage.
Other solutions include the addition of more security guards, an increase in EAS systems and RFID tags, facial recognition systems, and signage displaying the consequences of theft.
Your loss-prevention partner
Our forward-thinking and proactive approach to projects is why retailers are turning to us to combat stock shrinkage. We don’t simply offer products; we collaborate with our clients by understanding your unique challenges. From concept to completion, we will tailor solutions that work for you.
Specialising in three focal areas: beers, wines, and spirits; healthcare and beauty; and household, we’re tackling the sectors facing the highest rates of theft.
We have developed fixtures and systems that limit accessibility to high-value merchandise and minimise the volume of product that can be removed from displays. Some systems even incorporate sound-emitting features, acting as deterrents for thieves.
By partnering with Harrison, you are investing in the future success of your business. Our expertise and creativity ensure that your merchandise is protected, and your profits secure.
So, are you ready to regain control of your retail environment? Contact our team of experts today to discuss your brief. Email sales@harrisonretail.com or call us on +44 (0)1451 830083.
