We were visited by a merchandiser yesterday who shifted three titles from impulse locations so they could better promote the titles they are paid to promote. I am annoyed because we select titles for these locations carefully. We are going to stop this and require the merchandisers to work with us.
We have had the same problems in the past, in the supermarket, with reps. They turn up and begin to rearrange entire categories to suit their products. I can recall one that repetadly done this even after being asked not to – she was asked to leave and not come back.
We have made it celar to all our reps/merchandisers that they are not to change any layout. If they have suggestions and ideas great; we will take them under advisement and make a decision.
Your right to make merchandisers work with you – afterall, it is your store.