Efficiency and presentation are two of the most important factors of success in modern retail environments. Both large and small retailers continuously search for strategies to reduce operational costs and streamline in-store processes like shelf stocking and production presentation. Shelf ready packaging (SRP) is becoming increasingly popular. Projections anticipate a 2.4% growth worldwide between 2024 and 2032. The United States and Canada in particular are seeing a rise in SRP with major retailers like Kroger and Walmart at the forefront. Brands, retailers, and consumers alike all benefit from SRP, as it streamlines supply chains and creates more efficient, visually engaging product displays.
What Is Shelf Ready Packaging?
Shelf ready packaging, also called retail ready packaging (RRP), is a type of secondary packaging that holds individually packaged products. Shelf ready packaging boxes are used in product transport and also serve as a shelf display. Rather than requiring store staff to unpack and stock individual products, SRP allows a single box with multiple organized products inside to be placed directly onto shelves for easy customer access.
Retail ready should be designed and manufactured with five key features:
- Easily identifiable: Packaging is clearly labeled so store staff can quickly locate products and stock them on appropriate shelves.
- Easily opened: Packaging is durable enough to make it through the supply chain safely but also easy to open in-store.
- Easily merchandised: Packaging is designed for quick, simple shelf replenishment and maximizes available shelf space.
- Easily shopped: Even if people don’t recognize the brand right away, this packaging allows them to easily tell what the product is based on how it is labeled and displayed.
- Easily disposable: Packaging is made from minimal materials that ideally can be recycled, such as paperboard folding cartons.
Benefits of Shelf Ready Packaging
Brands, retailers, and shoppers all benefit from how SRP transforms product transportation, storage, and presentation. Some of these advantages include:
Accelerated Replenishment Cycles
SRP reduces the time and effort required to restock shelves. Since products are already packaged and labeled for display, store staff need only place SRP on shelves, instead of unpacking and arranging items individually.
Greater Market Visibility
All packaging serves as a marketing tool and SRP is no exception. These solutions provide a large, more visible display that helps products stand out in a busy retail environment. Eye-catching packaging with brand colors, logos, and key information can make a significant difference in attracting customer attention and driving impulse purchases.
Unified Brand Experience
With SRP, your products are displayed consistently across different stores. This better ensures your products always look the way you intended, reinforcing brand recognition and building positive associations with your target audience.
Minimized Damage and Loss
Products using SRP are often more secure and protected during transport, reducing the chance of damage. This decreases waste and potential losses for both retailers and manufacturers.
Optimized Storage
SRP is typically compact and efficient, allowing more products to fit onto a single pallet. This lowers the need for warehousing space and cuts down on the number of deliveries required. In many cases, SRP also helps retailers maximize shelf space, which means more products can be displayed at any given time.
Enhanced Customer Experience
SRP makes it easier for consumers to find and purchase products, even if they aren’t initially familiar with a brand. With clear labeling and consistent presentation, customers can quickly and easily locate the products they are looking for. A smooth shopping experience tends to mean happier customers, which could increase the likelihood of repeat purchases.