What Is a Planogrammer and How to Become One

A planogram specialist creates a detailed plan for the layout of merchandise in a retail store to encourage customers to make more purchases. As a planogrammer, your job duties include observing customer behavior, creating a diagram of the store layout, and developing a plan for where to place merchandise based on customer flow through the store. Your responsibilities are to adjust product placement strategically to increase sales. The planograms you create are comprehensive and include storefront window displays and the point of sale layout.

The required qualifications to become a planogrammer are retail work experience and training in retail design or merchandising. You can get an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree in the field, or you can learn the necessary knowledge and skills through on-the-job training. You must be proficient in the use of supply chain management software and planogram software like ShopShape, SmartDraw, and Shelf Logic. You need good communication skills to have productive consultations with store owners or store managers about their sales and merchandising needs.

The main difference between a planogrammer and a visual merchandiser is the focus of their work. A planogram specialist is responsible for the layout of merchandise on store shelves with relation to customer flow and purchasing behavior. A visual merchandiser is in charge of the design aspect of product displays throughout the store, including the storefront and window displays. As a visual merchandiser, your goal is to create aesthetically pleasing displays of merchandise that capture customers’ attention and motivate them to make purchases.