Planogram Implementation Checklist

A practical checklist for consistent, compliant planogram resets with clear escalation and close-out steps.

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About this planogram implementation checklist

Planograms only work when they are implemented consistently — and most inconsistency comes from guesswork: missing components, unclear substitutions, and rushed sign-off. This planogram implementation checklist gives operations teams a clear run-through of preparation, in-process checks, escalation criteria, and close-out actions so every reset is accurate, safe, and measurable.

What this planogram implementation checklist covers

Use this checklist to standardise how your teams deliver planograms across sites. It focuses on the moments where standards typically slip: the strip-out, the build sequence, price integrity, and what to do when the planogram cannot be followed as written.

  • Preparation checks (right version, right bay, right kit)
  • In-process checks (SKU match, facings, blocking, labels, signage)
  • Escalation triggers (range gaps, fixture constraints, price or promo conflicts)
  • Close-out actions (photos, variance log, backstock handling, sign-off)

When to use it

This checklist is useful any time a bay, gondola, endcap, or fixture is being reset — whether it is a seasonal change, a range refresh, a promotional switch, or a compliance-led reflow. It also works well for regional teams who need consistent evidence from multiple locations.

How to run a reset without rework

Start by confirming the planogram version and the exact bay you are working on. Then build in a consistent sequence (left to right, top to bottom) and keep checking price integrity as you go — not just at the end. If anything forces a deviation (missing stock, broken fixtures, conflicting promo), log it and escalate it with a clear decision request. Stop guessing. Start knowing.

What ‘good’ looks like at close-out

A completed planogram is more than a tidy shelf. It is a customer-ready bay that matches the planogram, has accurate shelf-edge labels, correct signage, and a clear record of any approved variances. Capture ‘before and after’ photos, handle backstock properly, and get a named sign-off so you can prove compliance and spot patterns across sites.

Disclaimer: This checklist is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, health and safety, or professional advice. You are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable laws, standards, and internal policies.

Included questions

Here's what's included in this planogram implementation checklist:

Before you start (7)

Preparation checks that prevent rework and make sure the planogram can be implemented safely and accurately.

  • Yes/No

    Is the correct planogram version confirmed for this store and date range?

    Check the planogram ID, effective date, store format, bay size, and any local variations.

  • Text

    Which bay or fixture is being reset?

    Record location (aisle, bay number, fixture type) so the work is traceable.

  • Dropdown

    What is the agreed implementation window?

    Choose the least disruptive option. If you must work during trade, add controls (signage, barriers, spotter).

    Options: Before opening, During trade (controlled), After closing, Other (add notes)
  • Dropdown

    Are all required products and components available?

    Includes stock, shelf-edge labels, dividers, hooks, trays, risers, signage, and any security fixtures.

    Options: Yes — everything available, Partially — proceed with constraints, No — cannot proceed
  • Yes/No

    Are tools and equipment ready and safe to use?

    For example: step stool/ladder checks, PPE if required, label printer, tape measure, cleaning kit, waste bags.

  • Yes/No

    Are safety controls in place for working the bay?

    Think trip hazards, blocked fire exits, manual handling, and keeping customers safe if working during trade.

  • Yes/No

    Has the team been briefed on roles and the reset sequence?

    Agree who removes stock, who builds fixtures, who labels, and who quality-checks at the end.

Strip-out and setup (5)

Remove existing layout cleanly and set the bay up to match the planogram foundation.

  • Yes/No

    Have you captured a clear ‘before’ photo of the bay?

    One wide shot plus close-ups of problem areas (pricing, damaged fixtures, gaps).

  • Yes/No

    Have old labels, POS, and signage been removed?

    Avoid mixing old and new information. Keep anything that must be reused in a labelled bag/box.

  • Yes/No

    Is the bay cleaned before rebuild and refill?

    Dust and debris create poor presentation and can affect shelf-edge label adhesion.

  • Dropdown

    What is the condition of the fixture and shelves?

    If unsafe or unstable, stop and escalate before loading stock.

    Options: Good — no issues, Minor issues — can proceed, Unsafe/damaged — stop and escalate
  • Yes/No

    Are shelf heights and components set to match the planogram?

    Check spacing, number of shelves, hooks, dividers, pushers, and trays before filling.

Implementation checks (as you build) (7)

In-process checks that keep the reset accurate while it’s happening — not after it’s too late.

  • Yes/No

    Are you building in a consistent sequence (left to right, top to bottom)?

    A consistent sequence reduces missed facings and makes it easier to spot errors early.

  • Dropdown

    Do placed SKUs match the planogram exactly?

    Check barcode/SKU, variant, size, and pack type. Avoid ‘close enough’ substitutions without approval.

    Options: Yes — matches, Some substitutions approved, No — mismatches found
  • Dropdown

    Do facings and capacity match the planogram?

    Confirm number of facings, shelf depth use, and any required minimum stock on shelf.

    Options: Yes — matches, Minor variances — documented, Major variances — escalate
  • Yes/No

    Is product blocking correct (brand/variant flow and adjacencies)?

    Check the intended shop-ability: logical flow, hero lines in the right place, and required adjacency rules.

  • Dropdown

    Is price integrity maintained as you build?

    No product should be left without a label, and no label should point to the wrong product.

    Options: Yes — labels accurate, Some labels missing — in progress, Price risk — stop and fix
  • Yes/No

    Is POS and signage positioned exactly as specified?

    Check size, location, fixing method, and that it does not block product or labels.

  • Yes/No

    Are security and safety requirements met for high-risk items?

    For example: tagging, locked pegs, keepers, or restricted placement — follow local policy.

Escalation criteria (4)

Clear triggers for when to stop guessing and get the right decision fast.

  • Dropdown

    Are there range gaps that prevent implementing the planogram as intended?

    Escalate if key lines are missing, long-term out of stocks are expected, or substitutions are being considered.

    Options: No — no range gaps, Yes — minor gaps (logged), Yes — major gaps (escalate now)
  • Dropdown

    Are there fixture constraints that block compliance?

    For example: wrong bay width, missing shelves, broken parts, or insufficient pegboard space.

    Options: No — fixtures support the planogram, Yes — workaround applied (documented), Yes — cannot comply (escalate now)
  • Dropdown

    Is there a price or promotion conflict that could mislead customers?

    Escalate if labels, multibuy, or promotional signage does not match the product or system price.

    Options: No, Yes — contained and being corrected, Yes — high risk (escalate now)
  • Text

    Escalations raised (details, owner, and next action)

    Include what happened, what you need decided, who owns it, and when you expect a response.

Close-out and sign-off (7)

Final checks that confirm the bay is customer-ready, accurate, and measurable.

  • Dropdown

    Final review: does the bay match the planogram?

    Check layout, facings, blocking, signage, and that the bay looks intentional and shoppable.

    Options: Yes — fully compliant, Mostly — minor variances logged, No — not compliant (rework required)
  • Yes/No

    Are all shelf-edge labels present, aligned, and correct?

    Spot-check several SKUs across the bay for barcode, description, and price accuracy.

  • Dropdown

    Has stock been handled correctly after the reset?

    Return surplus to backstock, follow markdown/waste process for discontinued lines, and keep pathways clear.

    Options: Yes — backstock and waste complete, In progress — will complete today, Issue — needs support
  • Yes/No

    Have you captured a clear ‘after’ photo of the bay?

    One wide shot plus close-ups of any approved variances.

  • Text

    What variances were logged and what actions were agreed?

    Keep it specific: what differs, why, who owns the fix, and the due date.

  • Person

    Who is signing off this planogram implementation?

    Choose the responsible person for accountability and audit trail.

  • Signature

    Signature

    Confirms the bay is safe, customer-ready, and implemented as agreed.