The Secrets Behind Your Grocery Store's Layout

Shelf Layout

The placement of items on store shelves is not haphazard. Here, the experts explain what’s up, what’s down, and what’s in the “bull’s-eye”—and why.

Top Shelf

What’s there: Smaller brands, regional brands, gourmet brands.

Why: The items here give “tone and texture” to the shelf layout, Liebmann says, helping the supermarket stand out from its competitors. These smaller brands usually don’t have the budgets to pay for more favorable placement.

Shopping tip: The specialty items found on the top shelf are generally chosen by local store managers, not determined by the supermarket’s central headquarters. If you’d like your store to stock a particular item on this shelf, talk to the manager.

“Bull’s-Eye Zone” (Second and Third Shelves from the Top)

What’s there: Best sellers and other leading brands.

Why: “Brands that sell best are always in what’s called the ‘bull’s-eye zone,’ front and center, right in your sight line. It is the best placement, and the manufacturers have to pay for it,” says Childress. Tesler adds: “There’s no advantage for the supermarket to show you the lowest-priced item in the most effective spot. So here you tend to see higher-priced items or items with the highest markup.” Secondary brands hoping to benefit from being shelved next to the leaders also pay for placement in the bull’s-eye.

Shopping tip: Look below the bull’s-eye to find similar products for a lot less, says Childress.

Kids’ Eye-Level Shelf

What’s there: Products with kid appeal.

Why: “Kids can react and reach out to a product,” says Tesler.

Shopping tip: Leave the children at home, if possible. Otherwise “you are bound to spend more money,” Liebmann says—10 to 40 percent more, according to industry studies. “If kids are with you, give them something right up front—a balloon, a lollipop, juice, some fruit, a kid-size shopping cart—to help keep them happy and calm and to prevent them from putting things in your basket.”

Bottom Shelf

What’s there: Store and private-label brands; oversize and bulk items.

Why: “Store brands go on shelves four and five because people who buy store brands will always hunt for them,” says Childress. “The supermarkets carry bulk items to compete with warehouse clubs like Sam’s and Costco,” Liebmann explains, and bulk items are awkward to store anyplace but the bottom shelf.

Shopping tips: “Store brands are usually close to the market leader in quality yet less costly,” says Liebmann. Underhill adds: “The same manufacturer that makes the branded product often manufactures the house brand. It may be for all practical purposes the same product in a different package.” When buying bulk items, don’t go overboard. “Americans often buy more than we need with the idea that we’ll store it, ” says Underhill. “If you have 64 rolls of toilet paper, it isn’t really a bargain; it’s money out of your pocket that could be earning interest in the bank instead. And the more you have, the more you tend to use.”