Knowledge is power. In the competitive cannabis retail space, the way products are presented can significantly influence sales and customer perception. A well-designed retail cannabis display riser is more than just a shelf – it’s a strategic tool to guide shopper behavior, highlight premium products, and optimize limited floor space.
Before You Start
Ensure you have the following prerequisites before implementing display risers:
1. Clear understanding of your store layout and customer traffic patterns.
2. Compliance knowledge regarding local cannabis display regulations.
3. Inventory insights including best-sellers and seasonal products.
4. Budget allocation for riser materials and design updates.
5. Staff training for consistent merchandising execution.
Understanding the Role of Display Risers
Display risers elevate products to eye level, naturally drawing attention and enhancing visibility. This positioning increases the likelihood of impulse purchases, especially for new or premium cannabis strains. Retailers often overlook the subtle psychological impact of elevation: products placed higher are perceived as more valuable. Conversely, placing high-demand products on lower tiers can create a deliberate “discovery” experience for customers exploring the shelf.
Material and Design Considerations
Choosing the right material for your cannabis display riser is critical. Acrylic or glass risers convey a clean, premium look, while wooden or metal structures provide a rustic or industrial aesthetic. Transparency can also influence purchasing behavior – clear acrylic allows products to be visible from multiple angles, reducing the need for staff assistance and speeding up decision-making.
Design should balance accessibility with security. Cannabis products require regulated handling, so risers must enable easy customer viewing while maintaining compliance. Integrating risers with lockable display cases or modular shelving can enhance safety without sacrificing visual appeal.
Placement Strategies for Maximum Engagement
Strategic placement of display risers is a critical part of the blueprint. Risers should be positioned along natural sightlines and high-traffic areas, but not obstruct pathways. Using risers near point-of-sale counters or in dedicated promotional zones can increase cross-selling opportunities. For multi-tier risers, place high-margin or new products at eye level, with complementary items on lower tiers to encourage add-on purchases.
Lighting and Visual Merchandising
Lighting can dramatically affect how cannabis products are perceived. LED spotlights or under-riser illumination can highlight specific strains or accessories, making them more attractive. Complementary signage, product labels, or subtle color coding enhances clarity and reinforces brand messaging. Properly executed, these elements increase dwell time at the display and improve customer recall.
Measuring Effectiveness
Retailers should monitor sales data and customer interactions to measure the effectiveness of display risers. Track metrics such as conversion rates, average order value, and product turnover before and after implementation. Combining these insights with foot traffic analysis provides a quantitative basis to optimize riser placement and design over time.
Integrating these strategies with digital tools can further amplify impact. For instance, pairing in-store risers with online promotions on Instacart allows for consistent messaging and expands reach beyond the physical store. This multichannel approach can create a seamless experience for customers and drive repeat sales.
Potential Drawbacks
While display risers can boost visibility and sales, there are potential drawbacks. Overcrowding shelves or using excessively tall risers can make products difficult to reach and overwhelm customers. Material costs and maintenance may also be higher than standard shelving. Additionally, misalignment with regulatory requirements could result in compliance issues. It is important to balance aesthetic appeal with practicality and legal considerations.
Conclusion
Implementing a retail cannabis display riser strategy requires careful planning and ongoing evaluation. By considering material, placement, lighting, and compliance, retailers can enhance product visibility, drive sales, and improve customer experience. While some variables like customer preferences may be difficult to predict precisely, a data-driven approach ensures that display risers contribute meaningfully to overall retail performance.
