In retail, shelf placement is not random. It is strategic. One of the most widely used and debated tactics in merchandising is eye-level placement. You have heard the phrase: “Eye level is buying level.” But is there real science behind it? And more importantly, does it drive more revenue?

Let us break down the psychology, data, and strategy behind eye-level merchandising and how modern planogram solutions help retailers turn this principle into measurable results.

What Is Eye-Level Merchandising?

Eye-level merchandising refers to placing products at the average customer’s eye height on shelves. In most retail stores:

• Adult eye level: 4 to 5 feet from the floor.
• Children’s eye level: 2 to 3 feet from the floor.
• Training that grows with your team.
• Wheelchair-accessible eye level: Slightly lower than average adult positioning.

This zone is considered premium shelf space because it naturally attracts attention without requiring customers to bend down or stretch upward.

The Psychology Behind Eye-Level Placement

Eye-level merchandising is rooted in consumer behavior science. Here is why it works:

1. Visual Attention Bias.

Humans instinctively focus on objects directly in their line of sight. When scanning shelves, shoppers tend to process products placed at eye height first.

2. Reduced Effort Equals Higher Purchase Likelihood.

The easier a product is to see and grab, the more likely it is to be purchased. Products placed too low or too high create friction, even if minimal.

3. Decision Fatigue.

Modern stores offer thousands of SKUs. When overwhelmed, customers choose the most visible option rather than analyzing each alternative.

4. Perceived Importance.

Shoppers subconsciously associate eye-level products with popularity, quality, or retailer recommendation.

Eye-Level Strategy by Category

Different product categories respond differently to eye-level placement using planogram .

Grocery Stores: Staples often perform well regardless of placement. However, premium or private labels benefit most from eye-level exposure.

Kids’ Products: Placing snacks, cereals, or toys at children’s eye level directly influences purchase requests and increases engagement.

Health and Beauty: Eye-level shelves are ideal for best-selling SKUs and products with strong packaging appeal.

Impulse Categories: Candy, beverages, and grab-and-go snacks gain higher conversion when placed within direct sight and reach.

How Do Planograms Optimize Eye-Level Strategy?

Modern retailers use planograms to strategically allocate eye-level space based on:

• Sales performance.
• Profit margins.
• Category roles.
• Customer demographics.
• Store format.

With AI-powered planogram tools, retailers can:

• Simulate shelf performance.
• Optimize product adjacencies.
• Allocate premium shelf space dynamically.
• Test different layouts before implementation.

This removes guesswork and turns eye-level placement into a structured revenue strategy rather than a visual assumption.

Eye-Level vs Other Shelf Zones

Understanding the full shelf hierarchy helps maximize results:

Top shelf: Lower visibility but can signal premium perception.

Eye level: Highest engagement and conversion potential.

Touch level or waist level: Suitable for value packs or bulk items.

Bottom shelf: Ideal for heavy items or low-priority SKUs.

A balanced shelf strategy distributes products across all zones based on performance goals, category strategy, and shopper behavior insights.

Overview of Nexgen POG

Nexgen POG is a robust and user-friendly cloud-based visual merchandising tool. It is designed for quick and efficient planogramming with minimal effort. Planograms in retail can be designed by easily dragging and dropping the products. The multi-device compatibility feature of POG allows you to obtain, share and edit on any device, including your phone. It helps in designing store-specific planograms for increased product visibility and sales.

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