Why Shelf Product Placement Should Not Be Arbitrary

On Saturday 16 May 2026, President Prabowo Subianto inaugurated the operation of 1,061 Koperasi Desa/Kelurahan Merah Putih (KDKMP). However, public attention on social media centred on the layout of goods inside the cooperative’s store. Several posts showing the KDMP shop contents went viral, criticised for an arrangement of products deemed unusual compared with modern retail stores.

Some social media users who say they previously worked in a minimarket network joined the critique of the product placement, for example noting that cooking oil was placed under an air conditioner, which could cause the oil to solidify. They argued that product display is not simply about filling shelves; there are rules and strategies behind it known in retail as merchandising and planograms.

In modern retail, the position of products on the shelves is carefully planned. It covers the height of placement, the spacing between shelves, and the number of items displayed, all of which can influence customer convenience and purchasing decisions. A planogram is a visual guide showing how goods should be placed on shelves, in display cases, and in other display areas. This system helps shops determine the positioning of products, the volume of displays, and the use of space to improve efficiency. The ultimate aim is to make products more visible, easier to reach, and more appealing to consumers. As a result, modern shops can look tidy and have a consistent pattern. High-selling products are typically placed in areas easiest for the eye to reach. Meanwhile new products are often positioned near popular items to quickly attract buyers. The size of products is another consideration; large items require different display space than smaller or lighter products. A good product arrangement is believed to improve the shopping experience by helping customers find what they are looking for and feel comfortable in the store.