Blog – Bluestones One

Emerging technologies reshaping retail merchandising

Nick Baldwin — Tue, 21 May 2024 11:06:38 +0000

Emerging technologies reshaping retail merchandising

In this blog post, we’ll explore the exciting world of emerging technologies and their potential impact on the future of retail merchandising.

Interactive and immersive displays

One of the most captivating trends in retail merchandising is the integration of interactive and immersive displays. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies are opening new realms of possibility, allowing customers to virtually try on clothing, visualise products in their homes or even step into immersive brand experiences.

Imagine a clothing store where customers can use AR mirrors to virtually try on different outfits, accessories and makeup looks without ever physically changing. Or a furniture retailer that leverages VR technology to allow customers to virtually redesign their living spaces and experiment with different product arrangements and colour schemes. These innovative technologies not only enhance the shopping experience but also provide valuable data insights for retailers, enabling them to understand customer preferences and optimise their merchandising strategies accordingly.

Intelligent product tracking and inventory management

The future of retail merchandising will also see a significant leap in inventory management and product tracking capabilities. Radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, combined with advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms, will enable retailers to accurately track inventory levels, monitor product movements and optimise merchandising layouts based on real-time data.

This level of intelligence and automation will revolutionise the way products are displayed and replenished, ensuring that the right products are always available in the right quantities and locations. Retailers can leverage these insights to make data-driven decisions, reduce stock-outs and create dynamic, adaptable merchandising strategies that continuously evolve based on customer behaviour and sales patterns.

Personalised and contextualised experiences

The future of retail merchandising will also be shaped by the ability to deliver personalised and contextualised experiences to customers. By leveraging advanced data analytics, retailers can gain deep insights into individual customer preferences, purchase histories and browsing behaviours. This information can then be used to tailor merchandising displays, product recommendations and promotional offers to each customer’s unique interests and needs.

Imagine walking into a store and being greeted by personalised digital displays that showcase products and suggestions tailored specifically to your preferences and shopping history. Or receiving real-time notifications on your smartphone about relevant promotions or new arrivals based on your location and browsing patterns.

These personalised experiences not only enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty but also increase the effectiveness of merchandising efforts by ensuring that the right products and promotions are presented to the right customers at the right time.

The future of retail merchandising is brimming with exciting possibilities, driven by emerging technologies that are redefining the shopping experience. From immersive and interactive displays to intelligent inventory management and personalised experiences, these innovations promise to revolutionise the way products are presented and sold. As retailers embrace these technologies, they will not only elevate the customer experience but also gain a competitive edge in an increasingly dynamic and competitive marketplace.

How effective retail merchandising can increase profitability

Georgia Bellis — Fri, 07 Jul 2023 11:07:36 +0000

What is effective retail merchandising and why is it important?

Effective retail merchandising refers to the strategic planning, presentation, and arrangement of products in a retail store to maximize sales and enhance the overall shopping experience for customers. It involves various techniques and considerations, such as product placement, visual display, pricing, promotions, and overall store layout.

Here are the main benefits of effective retail merchandising for retailers…

1. Attracting customers

Effective retail merchandising helps create an appealing and engaging shopping environment. By strategically arranging products, creating eye-catching displays, and utilising visual merchandising techniques, stores can attract customers’ attention and encourage them to enter the store. It helps create a positive first impression and entices potential customers to explore further.

2. Increasing sales

Well-executed retail merchandising can significantly impact sales. By showcasing products in an organised and visually pleasing manner, stores can highlight their key offerings, new arrivals, or promotional items. This helps drive customer interest, leading to increased sales. Additionally, effective merchandising techniques such as cross-selling and upselling can encourage customers to purchase additional items or higher-value products.

3. Enhancing customer experience

Retail merchandising plays a vital role in creating a positive customer experience. It involves creating a well-organised store layout, clear product signage, and intuitive product placement. When customers can easily find what they’re looking for and navigate the store effortlessly, it improves their overall shopping experience. A positive experience increases customer satisfaction, encourages repeat visits, and fosters customer loyalty.

4. Branding differentiation

Effective retail merchandising involves careful planning and management of inventory. By analysing sales data, trends, and customer preferences, stores can make informed decisions about product assortment, quantities, and placement. Proper inventory management ensures that popular items are adequately stocked, reducing out-of-stock situations, and maximising sales opportunities.

5. Inventory management

Merchandising allows stores to showcase their unique brand identity and differentiate themselves from competitors. By aligning the visual elements, store ambience, and product assortment with their brand image, stores can create a distinct identity that resonates with their target customers. Strong branding through merchandising helps build brand recognition, customer loyalty, and a competitive advantage.

6. Maximising space utilisation

Retail space is valuable, and effective merchandising helps optimise its utilisation. By strategically arranging products and displays, stores can make the most of their available space. This includes utilising vertical space, creating focal points, and implementing effective product categorisation. Maximising space utilisation leads to improved product visibility, easier customer navigation, and increased sales per square foot.

Overall, retail merchandising is essential for stores as it drives sales, enhances customer experience, strengthens branding, optimises inventory management, and maximises the potential of the retail space. It creates a visually appealing and customer-centric environment that encourages customers to explore, engage, and make purchases.

Meet Marge Smethurst – Project Support

Georgia Bellis — Fri, 12 May 2023 09:04:57 +0000

How did your journey at Bluestones One begin and what has it been like since?
I work part-time as Project Support. I support the resource team with day-to-day tasks and any issues that crop up during my shift.

How would you usually start your day at work?
Coffee!! I always arrive a little earlier than my start time to make a coffee and start my mornings work. I check my emails from the previous day and then ask my line manager what tasks to get on with.

What does a typical day at work look like for you?

As part of my role, I coordinate and communicate with our team members who are out in the field to discuss their upcoming work schedule.

I’m also responsible for confirming our team’s shifts, sourcing and recruiting new staff members and checking their role understanding through telephone interviews. I also ensure that everyone is efficiently set up on our Bluestones Scheduler app and take charge of requesting hotel bookings for those working out in the field.

What do you find challenging?
Not knowing everything! I also wish I had two sets of ears and arms to be able to help everyone but sometimes there are not enough hours in the day!

What do you enjoy about the role?
I enjoy everything, but the main part is probably recruitment as this is something I have done in previous roles.

What is the best thing about working for Bluestones One?

The people. I’m still learning especially with the new systems but I feel comfortable asking questions when I’m not 100% sure.

Meet Kerrie Oram: Lead Resource Coordinator

Georgia Bellis — Thu, 04 May 2023 08:54:42 +0000

How did your journey at Bluestones One begin and what has it been like since?
I have been with Bluestones One for 6 years. I first started in the logistics section of the business and I then moved to the retail and installations department, putting together teams for our installation clients. Moving forward, as the business consolidated, I moved over to the resource team.

My role is to put teams together for various clients, which involves making sure skill sets are met, dealing with accommodation, managing daily tasks within the resource team, cost tracking, payroll & expenses, and addressing any training requirements within the business.

How would you usually start your day at work?
The start of my work day varies daily and it could be anything from managing calls from field staff to emailing management or addressing other requests that come in.

What does a typical day at work look like for you?
Problem-solving, and supporting the resource team and field staff.

What do you find challenging?
Last-minute changes to plans can be challenging at times but once you have achieved them it feels rewarding.

What do you enjoy about the role?
Every single bit of my job and the company. When you find something you love doing there is no better feeling.

What is the best thing about working for Bluestones One?

The management structure and the people within that structure
Every day is different
My colleagues out in the field as they all work extremely hard

Meet Sam Gidman: Resource Coordinator

Georgia Bellis — Tue, 02 May 2023 07:58:25 +0000

How did your journey at Bluestones One begin and what has it been like since?
I have been with Bluestones One for the last 3 years, moving over with the Bluestones One acquisition of Deeset (store development). My role includes a wide variety of jobs from planning work for the field to completing payroll. I ensure that the field is in the right place at the right time.

How would you usually start your day at work?
My day varies but mainly starts with catching up on what happened overnight and addressing any issues that may have arisen.

What does a typical day at work look like for you?
Planning, booking Accom, arranging travel, and arranging training for staff.

What do you find challenging?
Every one of our field team has different needs and skills so matching them to the right job as well keeping them happy.

What do you enjoy about the role?
No two days are ever the same.

What is the best thing about working for Bluestones One?
The staff, the challenges, and the support they have given me.

Annual Field Awards 2022

Nick Baldwin — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 11:18:17 +0000

Every year we aim to recognise and reward the individuals in our teams who have gone above and beyond while embodying our company values.

Without further ado, here are the 2022 winners!

New Employee of the Year Award

For surpassing expectations of a new starter, always turns up for work and receives good feedback.
Winner – Adil Hussain

Directors Award

Identified as an integral person within our business who has worked to a consistently high standard throughout the year.
Winner – George Mazzoncini

Effective Communication Award

Communicates effectively with Bluestones Management, Resource and Field Teams as well as with the customer
Winner – Nigel Bew

Commitment Award

Consistently shows a high level of commitment and the level of commitment regardless of the situation has never faulted.
Winner – Mark Goulding

Above and Beyond Award

Dedicated to getting the job done and always goes the extra mile to achieve great results.
Winner – Tonianne Adamson

Leadership Award

Leads by example and represents the Bluestones One brand in a positive way through demeanour, values and ethics.
Winner – Jason Crawley

Timekeeping and Attendance Award

Always punctual for work and carry out their daily duties on time.
Winner – Dave Brady

Pair of Aces Award

Two Individuals who have worked together to a consistently high level across multiple accounts within the business.
Winner – George Mazzoncini and Carly Trainor

Employee of the Year Award

Outstanding in all areas of the business. Someone who is dependable, reliable, and responsible at all times.
Winner – Kryn Wolszcak

Star Performers Award

Someone who stands out from the crowd and are recognised for displaying individual excellence.
Winners – Paul Merryweather, Steve O\’Conner, and Aleck Errington

The winners all received One4all gift vouchers.

We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their commitment, professionalism and resilience over the past year.

Well done and thank you for a fantastic year in 2022. We can’t wait to see what this year brings!

What is a Retail Merchandiser?

Nick Baldwin — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 08:27:58 +0000

A Retail Merchandiser is a professional who is responsible for executing the presentation of merchandise and products in retail stores, using a planogram. Retail merchandisers usually work under the guidance of the retailer they’re working with, and their duties include de-merchandising and re-merchandising stock and installation of shelves and equipment required to house the stock.

Retail merchandising requires excellent organisational skills and a very keen eye for detail in order to present each section to new store standards which enhances the overall customer experience.

Travel opportunities
Retail merchandising is a unique career path that offers many great opportunities and benefits. Working as a retail merchandiser can give you the chance to collaborate with others, and travel around the country. It also provides plenty of room for growth and job satisfaction. Along with these great advantages, there are numerous other benefits to working as a retail merchandiser such as flexible working hours and the ability to explore different areas of the retail industry.

Rewarding opportunities
Merchandising is a rewarding and challenging career choice for those interested in the retail industry. As a retail merchandiser, you will have the opportunity to develop relationships with the team and the wider stakeholders such as our customers and their teams. Working as a retail merchandiser can provide many benefits such as increased job satisfaction, improved communication skills and knowledge of the retail industry which will help build your career.

Variety of work tasks
In today’s retail world, working as a retail merchandiser is an invaluable asset to any company. You will be able to learn new skills, develop new relationships and expand your knowledge of the industry.

A career in merchandising
Working as a retail merchandiser has many benefits that make it a highly attractive career choice. From the flexibility of the job to the abundance of opportunities, those looking for a career in retail should seriously consider becoming a retail merchandiser. Through taking on this job, individuals can develop and hone their skills, gain experience in the industry, build relationships with clients, and enjoy steady employment opportunities.

Overall, working as a retail merchandiser is an excellent way to advance one’s career in the dynamic field of retail. It provides an opportunity for individuals to learn new skills while also leveraging existing ones; these skills can be applied in other aspects of life or future positions within the industry. Furthermore, it offers promising earning potential with numerous chances for promotion and growth down the line.

If you’d like to find out more about our Merchandiser opportunities, take a look HERE.

Meet Gary Lowe, Operations Director

Nick Baldwin — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 14:10:44 +0000

How did your journey at Bluestones One begin and what has it been like since?
I was lucky enough to be one the first to join Bluestones One and since joining the business we have grown significantly, we are now a strong business with a great reputation for being customer and people focused.

Why do you enjoy about working in this industry?
Everything! From interacting with customers to visiting stores and meeting the teams that do the hard work at the shelf edge. I have some great relationships with customers and our field teams which we have built over time. Every day is both challenging and rewarding and I can’t imagine ever working in any other industry than this one.

What is your proudest professional moment?
It is really difficult to pick just one moment as there have been many in my career. But if I had to pick one, it would have to be when we won ‘Best New Business’ at the Bluestones Investment Group Awards. To share this accolade with my fellow Directors made me very proud indeed.

What are your values as a leader?
I have 3 values I tried abide by in everything I do:
1. Lead by example.

2. Respect everyone.

3. Always be honest.

How would you describe the company culture at Bluestones One?
There is a strong work ethic within our management team, everyone works collaboratively to ensure that we deliver the best possible service. It is very much a ‘teamwork makes the dream work’ mentality and in everything we do we try our best to ensure we respect each other and our field teams.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
Any spare time I have is spent following Liverpool Football Club, playing football with my son or going on family adventures such as camping with my partner, son, and daughter.

Meet Martin Sweeney, Installations Director

Nick Baldwin — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 11:31:05 +0000

How did your journey at Bluestones One begin and what has it been like since?
I joined the business in February 2020 and was really excited with my role and new opportunity to develop. Unfortunately, I was grounded slightly by the pandemic. This then presented the business and me with lots of obstacles which we had never experienced but with the support from the internal team and from our partner company, Bluestones Investment Group (BIG), we overcame these. Whilst many businesses have failed to survive, Installations continued to develop and grow its customer base. The next few years may present many challenges, but I am excited to drive the business forward in the coming years.

What do you enjoy about working in this industry?
I believe you must be a self-motivator and be ready to tackle daily challenges. Each day presents itself with new challenges, and whilst this can be difficult, you get a sense of achievement when you deliver for the customer. One thing that really excites me is the opportunity to see lots of the UK whilst on client and site meetings. We have a fantastic internal support team who are young and ambitious, and this allows us to develop.

What is your proudest professional moment?
I have two that really stand out to me. My proudest moment was when I was nominated and won three awards a few years back at the Tesco annual awards. These awards were nominated by three senior projects managers for my support and efforts delivering successful projects. The other is seeing how proud my family are at what I have achieved to date in my career.

What are your values as a leader?
The key values for me as a leader in our industry are focused on our people, who come together daily to support and deliver for our customers. I always try to treat and talk to people the way I would like to be spoken to.

How would you describe the company culture at Bluestones One?
Bluestones is a fantastic place to work and I’m extremely proud to be part of it. The culture I have experienced is a willingness to grow and go beyond expectations. Having now met more individuals across the group it is clear to see that everyone has a clear vision and determination to be successful and grow the various Bluestones brands.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my 2 children (soon to be 3!!!!) and wife, visiting National Trust sites and walking with the dog on our local beaches. I am also an avid Newcastle United fan and enjoy going to watch them at home when time allows.

Meet Ashley Jewitt: Commercial Director

Nick Baldwin — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 10:59:49 +0000

How did your journey at Bluestones One begin and what has it been like since?
I joined Bluestones One in March 2018 after meeting with all the key stakeholders within the Group. It felt right and we were very much aligned in terms of how we wanted to approach building the business. Having the support network available, whilst having full rein to run our business, has been the reason why we have achieved what we have today and a testament to all involved.

What do you enjoy about working in this industry?
I like to be busy and working in our industry it is certainly that! There are always new challenges to overcome which is a big strength of ours and very rewarding when we deliver for our customers. We are always pushing ourselves with ideas and initiatives to maximise our service offering and lead the business to the next stage of the journey, which is very exciting to be a part of.

What is your proudest professional moment?
I have had some very proud moments throughout my career, but the proudest moment for me would be winning the most profitable business within the Group within a 3-year period of setting the business up. The work that went into this was immense and shows what a great network of people we have surrounding us.

What are your values as a leader?
Our service is very much about our workforce and the customers, so a big key value for me is the focus on our people which leads to delivering the highest standard of service in the industry. Vision is also a big value for me as we need to continuously thinking of new ideas and ways to keep the business ahead of the curve.

How would you describe the company culture at Bluestones One?
The culture at Bluestones One is one of the very best I’ve worked with. We are experiencing rapid growth so we have invested in new faces within the business that will bring a different dynamic to the team. Our focus will always be to recognise our people and maintain our \’one team\’ approach which in turn creates a very enjoyable place to work.

What do you like to do in your spare time?
I have a lovely wife, two amazing children, and we are always busy together in the outdoors camping or visiting new places. I enjoy catching up with friends and I also like to mix dance music.

Tell us something about yourself that we wouldn’t expect
When I was younger, I used to go to school in Tenerife and spoke fluent Spanish.