What is cross merchandising?

Cross merchandising is a retail strategy that involves placing different but complementary products together in the same display or aisle to encourage customers to purchase multiple items. This approach capitalizes on the idea that when shoppers see items that can be used together, such as pasta and pasta sauce or chips and salsa, they are more likely to buy both, thus increasing overall sales.

This strategy not only enhances the shopping experience by making it easier for customers to find related products but also helps in creating visual interest in the store, which can draw customers in and encourage impulse buying. Retailers often use cross merchandising to promote seasonal items or to highlight new products alongside established bestsellers, making it a versatile tactic in increasing sales and improving customer satisfaction.

The other options describe various retail practices but do not capture the essence of cross merchandising, which specifically focuses on the strategic placement of complementary products to drive additional sales.