Retail Insight
“Top sellers” is a slippery phrase — largely relative to the specific retailer and season, since fragrances are only distributed to certain stores, and even then not always to every location. But retail merchandising quietly signals which products are actually moving, if you know what to look for.
Fragrance Help Quick Take
After 25 years in retail, I can say with confidence: you’d be amazed how many customers ask me for a product while standing right next to a very large display of it. Merchandising is designed to grab attention, and most of us have learned to tune it out anyway.
What Store Layout Tells You
Retailers constantly redesign and remerchandise to highlight top-selling products, high-dollar items, or new launches — which is exactly why the sale rack usually ends up in the back of the department. Read the space, and it tells you what the store actually prioritizes.
A Few Finer Points to Remember
- Shelf height: Taller shelves in fragrance and beauty areas, or larger cases and retail space, generally signal higher popularity — and higher sales.
- Fixture size: Permanent fixtures, dedicated signage, or large dedicated areas generally mean strong, consistent sales.
- Aisle placement: Hard aisles — the freestanding displays in main walkways — are generally reserved for new launches or special promotional events.
Slow Down and Actually Look
Taking a step back and genuinely looking at what’s in front of you — and how it’s merchandised — can be more difficult than it sounds. We’re all surrounded by displays designed to grab attention, and most of us tune out the majority of it during a normal shopping trip.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell which fragrances are actually top sellers in a store?
Look at shelf height, fixture size, and aisle placement — taller shelving and permanent fixtures generally indicate stronger sales, while hard aisles are usually reserved for new launches.
Why do “top sellers” vary between stores?
Fragrances are distributed to specific retailers, and not always to every location, so what sells best genuinely differs by retailer and season.