If you're responsible for figuring out what to stock and where to find it — and how to put it out on your shelves where people can find it — then this is the department for you.

Finally there is an affordable and convenient way to create dramatic in-store seasonal promotions... ValuPacks!
	With Back-to-School season just around the corner, are you ready? RCC and Storeimage have partnered to bring RCC members a unique range of in-store seasonal promotions that is affordable and convenient. Simple and versatile, Promo ValuPacks allow small retailers to dress up stores for special holiday promotions. > Click here for more information.
An example of the standard promotional package (Back to School shown)

Retailer's Guides The Retailer's Guides are a series of informational brochures produced by Retail Council of Canada with the independent retailer in mind. Merchandazzling: Tips for Great Merchandising Great merchandising is like sleight of hand: if it's done right, it's magic. If it's done wrong, it's silly. Merchandising is a combination of science and art that takes strategy, imagination, money and persistence. What follows is an overview of how to build a merchandising plan for your store that will help you dazzle customers. It is also a good refresher for those of you who need to revisit your current merchandising strategies! More Retailer's Guides Education Solutions Winning Retail 2nd Edition (Source: Industry Canada/The Graff Retail Group) Chapter 2: Merchandise Planning What you will Learn How a seasonal merchandise plan will greatly assist you in deciding what to buy. The external factors that can affect a store's merchandise planning process. How to prepare your own merchandise strategy. Industry stock turn benchmarks for different retail store types. How to increase your stock turns. Chapter 3: Buying Practices What you will Learn How to determine the number of product styles to purchase in each merchandise category. How to design your own "Assortment Planning" forms. How to negotiate better terms with your suppliers. How to rate your suppliers against various performance criteria. How to correct over-stock situations. Advantages and disadvantages of operating a central warehouse. Chapter 5: Visual Merchandising What you will Learn Why making effective use of your space is so important. How to position your departments and products. How to improve store lighting. The importance of atmosphere and cleanliness in your store. How to create great displays and signage. Supplier Directory: Merchandising & Buying Are you looking for better ways to merchandise your products? Want to find other suppliers to increase your buying power? Check out RCC's Supplier Directory, a list of RCC associate members that are ready to provide you with products and services that can help you make the most of your design budget. Are you a supplier interested in being listed in RCC's directory? By joining RCC as an associate member, you not only get a free listing, but you have full access to RCC's Members-only Web site and other key resources. Click here for more information on becoming a member. Canadian Retail Institute (CRI) Are you looking for tools to help your sales associates better understand the art of creating an exciting store layout? RCC offers a Sales Associate training program and Module 6 covers just this subject. If you'd like more information on just this module or the entire training program, visit the Canadian Retail Institute (CRI) or contact our education department at (888) 373-8245; e-mail: certification@retailcouncil.org.