Bulk Candy Merchandising

The confectionery industry provides 55,000 manufacturing jobs in more than 1,000 facilities across the country, and has a direct economic impact of $35 billion.

June is National Candy Month and we’re celebrating by highlighting some merchandising tips for bulk candy and chocolate.

• • Bright lighting always showcases the product and signage best. Make sure to keep displays and candy out of direct sunlight though.

• • Varying the colors of the candy mix throughout the display and providing a wide variety of flavors ensures you’ll meet the tastes of the widest variety of customers.

• • To merchandise chocolate most effectively, take a multi-sensory approach. People approach the counter with their taste buds, eyes and their emotions/memories. It’s important to keep that in mind when presenting the product so you capture a little of each of those areas.

• • Store configuration and product positioning within it also play key roles in retailing candy. It’s important for shoppers to be able to navigate a store quickly and to easily find their candy of choice.

• • The 80/20 rule always applies. Highlight the 20 percent of your SKUs that account for 80 percent of the volume.

• • Consider simplicity and keeping one brand straight across the bins. Since customers read left to right it keeps the candy organized and can help buyers find what they need easier.

• • Gravity-feed displays are also a great way for keeping a candy set organized.

• • Milk chocolate still outpaces dark chocolate in sales, but the gap is closing. Consider highlighting the health benefits of dark chocolate to reach your target audience.