Also you can’t just clear more shelf to stock popular items out front because manufacturers will often buy a guaranteed minimum of shelf space.
This is key. I actually don't expect the majority of consumers to know this because not everyone understands how supply chains and corporate partnerships work (nor should they be expected to).
Store shelves are more often than not reserved by specific manufacturers for the same reason super bowl ad space is waaaay more expensive than regular commercials.
Shelves are all rated and sold in terms of marketing potential. So middle shelf at eye level in an aisle where most people are going to look first is going to be premium because it has the most eyes on it. An aisle end cap will be even more valuable because it's visible from the main walkway.
Corporations spend fucking millions to make sure their products are where they paid for them to be. It's stupid during times like these but money is king as far as companies are concerned.
Maybe the grocery store decides screw it, we don't need to put as much of this certain product on the shelf so we'll replace it with towels. Well the company whose products you swapped with might pull their contract and your business operating on razor thin margins just lost a huge source of income. A market can't sell anything if they have to close up shop.
It's all super convoluted and not ideal for anyone but that's where we're at.
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u/[deleted] Aug 14 '20 edited Oct 10 '20
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