Introduction
As retail competition increases in the UAE, many brands rely on external merchandising companies to manage in-store execution. However, selecting the right merchandising partner is not always straightforward. Service offerings, coverage, and execution quality can vary widely across providers.
This article explains how brands can evaluate and choose a merchandising company in the UAE based on operational suitability rather than promotional claims.
Define Your Merchandising Requirement Clearly
Before approaching any merchandising company, brands should have clarity on their internal needs.
Key points to consider:
- Number of stores requiring coverage
- Emirates involved
- Frequency of store visits
- Nature of support (availability checks, audits, launches, promotions)
Clear requirements help ensure that the selected merchandising company can realistically support the brand’s retail operations.
Evaluate Experience in the UAE Retail Environment
Retail execution standards differ from market to market. In the UAE, merchandising often involves:
- Compliance with modern trade requirements
- Coordination with distributors and store teams
- Adherence to category and store-specific guidelines
When assessing a merchandising company, brands should focus on relevant UAE retail experience, not just years in operation.
Check Geographic Coverage Across Emirates
Not all merchandising companies operate across all emirates.
Brands should confirm:
- Which emirates are actively covered
- Whether coverage is consistent or limited to specific locations
- Ability to expand coverage if store count increases
For brands with multi-emirate distribution, execution consistency is critical.
Understand Staffing, Training, and Supervision
Merchandising quality depends largely on the people executing tasks in-store.
Important aspects include:
- Training provided to merchandisers
- Presence of field supervision or coordination
- Process for handling execution issues
A structured approach to staffing helps reduce inconsistencies at store level.
Review Reporting and Communication Practices
Merchandising activities should be supported by basic reporting to provide visibility.
Brands may ask:
- What type of reports are shared?
- How frequently are updates provided?
- How are issues communicated and followed up?
Reporting does not need to be complex, but it should be clear and consistent.
Assess Flexibility and Scalability
Retail requirements can change due to:
- New product launches
- Seasonal demand
- Store expansion or consolidation
A suitable merchandising company should be able to adjust coverage and visit frequency without major operational disruption.
Look for Cost Transparency
Instead of focusing only on price, brands should understand:
- What services are included in the scope
- What requires additional support
- How pricing changes with coverage or frequency
Clear cost structures help avoid execution gaps caused by misunderstandings.
Be Cautious of Overpromising
Merchandising companies do not control pricing, promotions, or consumer demand. Claims such as guaranteed sales increases or instant results should be approached cautiously.
Merchandising supports execution and compliance, not commercial outcomes on its own.
Making the Final Decision
Choosing a merchandising company in the UAE should be based on:
- Operational fit
- Market understanding
- Coverage capability
- Communication and transparency
A well-aligned merchandising partner supports stable and consistent retail execution over time.
Conclusion
Selecting the right merchandising company in the UAE is a practical decision that impacts day-to-day retail execution. By focusing on experience, coverage, staffing, reporting, and transparency, brands can choose partners that align with their operational needs rather than marketing promises.
About Rhapsody Merchandising Services
Rhapsody Merchandising Services supports brands with structured merchandising execution across UAE retail stores, focusing on consistency, availability, and compliance with retailer standards.