FEATURE: MERCHANDISING & POS


impact on customer satisfaction and repeat visits. In a competitive market, these details matter.


Bridging the gap between digi- tal and physical


Although independent DIY retailers remain firmly rooted in their local communities, digital influence on purchasing behaviour is growing. Customers increasingly research products online, check availability or compare prices before visiting a store.


This does not mean that independents need to become full- scale ecommerce operators. However, having a basic digital presence, such as online product visibility, click- and-collect or reserve-and-collect options, can significantly enhance convenience and capture additional sales. Crucially, the physical store remains the primary point of conversion. The goal is not to replace it, but to support it with digital touchpoints that make the customer journey smoother.


Playing to the independent advantage Perhaps the most important takeaway for independent retailers is that they already possess a powerful competitive edge: local trust and expertise. Unlike larger chains, independents can offer personalised advice, tailored product recommendations and a deeper understanding of local customer needs. In a category like DIY, where confidence and knowledge are often barriers to purchase, this is a significant advantage. Merchandising should reflect this strength. Clear signage, “how- to” guidance, project lists and staff recommendations can all help customers feel more


in their purchases. Even simple additions, such as problem-solving displays or quick tips, can make a meaningful difference.


A practical path forward The outlook for 2026 is not without its challenges, but it is far from bleak. Independent DIY


hardware retailers who adapt to current trends can not only protect their position but grow it.


The formula for success is confident and


increasingly clear: • Merchandise around projects, not just products • Buy smarter and stay flexible • Use POS data to drive better decisions • Make checkout fast and frictionless • Combine physical retail strengths with light-touch digital support • Lean into local expertise and service In a market defined by cautious spending and changing habits, the winners will be those who make it easiest for customers to get their jobs done – quickly, confidently and in one trip.


For independents, that is not just a strategy. It is a natural strength waiting to be fully leveraged.


Getting Greener with FrogTape plastic-free packaging


Shurtape is eliminating thousands of kilograms of plastic annually, with the launch of its new FrogTape cardboard packaging. The new packaging is created


from environmentally responsible FSC certified paper board, replacing the existing plastic canister and lid. Presented in the same iconic, distinctive bright green and yellow FrogTape colours for on-shelf standout, the new stand-up, resealable packaging means that Shurtape is able to offer a more sustainable and responsible solution that can be easily recycled when finished.


The Multi-Surface and Delicate Surface product itself remains unchanged apart from its new 55m longer length: with the same PaintBlock Technology, FrogTape helps to ensure decorators have the confidence to tackle any indoor painting project, enjoying a market- leading position with end users and professionals alike.


“The priority for our packaging is of course to protect the popular product, as it is stored and


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transported on a global scale and needs to perform as it is expected to, delivering straight lines without paint bleed,” says Shurtape UK MD Jason Burns. “But it’s also important to recognise the importance of using renewable and recyclable materials as much as possible. From the paper and adhesive we use to make FrogTape painter’s tapes to the packaging that brings them to market, we are taking small steps to make a big environmental impact.”


Further info: A report from the Roundup last year revealed that 78% of people feel that sustainability is important; 62% of people say they “always or often” seek products to purchase because they are sustainable, 55% of consumers are willing to pay more for eco-friendly brands and a whopping 84% of customers say that poor environmental practices will alienate them from a brand or company.


 www.frogtape.co.uk MARCH 2026 DIY WEEK 25


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