Are there any recommended stocking and layout designs for new fireworks sellers?
The good news is there is no rigid store format that everyone must follow to be successful. Some of it will be trial and error, and it always helps to check out what other experienced sellers do with their shops. Nevertheless, we’d like to share a few strategies to help optimize sales and customer traffic.
Our Recommended Stocking and Layout Designs for Fireworks Sellers
It’s a unique situation for fireworks dealers because you could have everything from simple table arrangements all the way to several rows of merchandise. Much of the layout scheme depends on your location (based on what’s allowed by regulators). Believe it or not, some states don’t permit customers to touch anything in a fireworks retail setting.
For the sake of this argument, let’s assume customers can physically inspect before buying. If so, then you’ll need something called a planogram, which you can learn about from your fireworks distributor.
This lets you configure the best layout for either a fireworks tent, store, or stand. Also, when we mention “stores,” those are usually the same as large tents, just indoor operations. They use basically the same merchandising techniques, however.
Avoid Conflicting Merchandising
It’s important to organize fireworks by various categories. You don’t want to have a tent or stand with “conflicting merchandising” where fireworks are scattered everywhere with no scheme or logic. This will inevitably slow you down during the busy season because it makes it way harder for you (and your customers) to find anything.
We always recommend stocking all items by category. This can be an arrangement based on size (i.e., smallest to largest), by type, and often by having your most popular items near the entrance. It’s smart to have special promotions in the front of the store and easy to locate.
Don’t Forget About Children’s Fireworks!
If you don’t have smaller fireworks like sparklers and novelty items, then you’ll lose the young ones, which means you lose most of the parents as well. When children can find cool stuff easily, it’ll keep the parents around your tent longer. It’s important to attract those family fireworks shoppers who like to shop before the busy season, and may be inclined to buy much more from you.
Other Suggestions for Recommend Stocking and Layout Designs
Then, in most locations, you’ll move along to your larger categories, including things like 200g, 500g, and reloadable items. There is no right or wrong way to position fireworks, but you should never place your most expensive stuff at the very back of the store.
By the time customers get that far, they’ll have already purchased enough, and won’t have money left over to consider the premium stuff. Therefore, it helps to mix things up a little, but this depends on your local market and personal preferences.
Pro Tip for Managing Smaller Fireworks Stands
If you don’t have multiple booths, split your stand in half to avoid having folks (employees and customers) stepping over one another while going back and forth for things. This will make things much less hectic when it’s crowded on the week of 4th of July.
More on Popular Items You’ll Want in Your Tent, Store, or Stand
Where can you go to learn more about the best items for your tent, store, or stand?
Once you have a rough idea on where to position everything, it’s all about working with your wholesaler to track down the fireworks people want most. You can learn more about that by browsing through the items on our website. These include outstanding items like:
- Firecrackers
- Bottle Rockets
- Roman Candles
- 200g aerials
- 500g aerials
- 200g fountains
- 500g fountains
- Reloadables
- Novelties
- Assortments (great package deals for families)
- . . . and a bunch more!
Contact Black Cat Fireworks to Learn More About Fireworks Store Layouts
So, there’s plenty of configuration leeway for business owners. Just make sure you do everything to code, obtain all the proper permits/licenses, and have fun experimenting.
Contact Black Cat Fireworks anytime to learn even more about recommended stocking and layout designs for your tent or store.
