Store Operations and Store Layout
Store operations covers daily routines that keep the store open, safe and profitable; layout covers how space and fixtures are arranged to move shoppers and lift basket size. The exam tests layout choice, fixture names and daily KPI calculations.
Layout types
- Grid: parallel aisles, maximum shelving, fast to shop; suits supermarkets, pharmacies and hardware.
- Free-flow: curved, informal paths; suits apparel boutiques and gift stores.
- Racetrack/loop: a main aisle loops past departments; suits department stores and large format.
- Spine: a single central aisle with departments branching off.
Fixtures and space
- Gondola (double-sided shelving), four-way and round racks, wall units, end caps, dump bins.
- Hot zones near the entrance and checkout; cold zones are corners and dead aisles.
- End caps carry promoted or impulse items at a visible price.
Daily operations
- Opening: deactivate alarm, check fire exits, switch on lights and POS, count the opening float, walk the floor for cleanliness and price accuracy.
- Closing: reconcile cash, run the day-end report, secure high-value stock, switch off non-essential power, lock and arm the alarm.
- Staff: roster against footfall peaks, briefing on offers, uniform and grooming, clear escalation for complaints.
KPI worked example
Footfall is 2,000 and transactions are 500, so conversion = 500 / 2,000 x 100 = 25%. If sales are Rs 4,50,000, average transaction value = 4,50,000 / 500 = Rs 900. Basket size = units sold / transactions, which is a different number and needs item-level data.
Traps
- Choosing a grid for a boutique or free-flow for a supermarket.
- Confusing ATV (rupees per bill) with basket size (units per bill).
- Skipping the opening float count, which makes day-end reconciliation impossible.
- Blocking fire exits with stock, which is a safety violation, not just untidy.