Insights

The PlanoIQ Blog

Shelf intelligence, retail execution, and merchandising insights for CPG brands that want to win at the shelf.

Retail shelf audit report showing annotated product photos, availability findings, and pricing checks.

What Should a Retail Shelf Audit Report Include?

A shelf audit report should do more than flag a problem. It should show where it happened, which products were affected, and the evidence behind each finding. Here’s what CPG brands should look for, from shelf photos and pricing checks to human review and follow-up.

Read article →
Skincare shelf with low-stock and out-of-stock areas highlighted, overlaid with “Sales show what sold. Shelf audits show what shoppers saw.”

Retail Sales Data vs. Shelf Audits: What Each Can Tell You

Your sales reports show what sold—but can they explain why sales dropped? Learn what retail sales data and shelf audits each reveal, where their limits are, and how to use both to investigate availability, pricing, and promotional execution.

Read article →
Brand manager reviewing a PlanoIQ retail shelf audit report on a laptop, with low-stock and out-of-stock issues highlighted.

How to Monitor Retail Stores Without Hiring a Nationwide Field Team

How do you check that your products are stocked, correctly priced, and easy to find across retail locations? This guide explains how CPG brands can use store audits and photo reports to monitor shelf conditions without managing their own field teams.

Read article →
Pet-care products on retail shelves beside a PlanoIQ panel reading “What Does Shelf Visibility Cost?” with store coverage, visit frequency, and verified reporting.

How Much Do Retail Shelf Audits Cost?

The price per visit is only part of the picture. Learn what goes into a retail shelf audit budget, which checks matter for your brand, and how targeted follow-up can help you make the most of your spending.

Read article →
Grocery store shelves with a purple rectangle highlighting an empty section beside packaged products and price labels.

Launching in a New Retail Chain? A 30-, 60-, and 90-Day Shelf Audit Plan

You secured the retail listing—but what will shoppers actually find? From missing variants to incorrect shelf labels, small execution gaps can undermine a launch. Here’s how to check what’s happening in stores, follow up on issues, and prepare for your next buyer review.

Read article →
Retail auditor capturing shelf photo

Retail Shelf Audit Checklist: What CPG Brands Should Check in Every Store

What should a CPG brand check during a store visit? This shelf audit checklist covers availability, presentation, pricing, promotions, and evidence for follow-up.

Read article →
Branded PlanoIQ graphic showing the message “Awareness doesn’t guarantee shelf visibility” for a retail execution blog about CPG shelf visibility.

Being Listed Is Not the Same as Being Visible

A product can be listed in retail and still be hard to find on shelf. This article explains why shelf visibility matters for CPG brands, how retail execution breaks down in stores, and why being available is not always the same as being visible.

Read article →