Define "planogram" in the context of retail merchandising.

A planogram in the context of retail merchandising refers to a visual representation of how products should be arranged on retail shelves. This tool is essential for effectively managing product placement, optimizing space, and enhancing customer visibility and accessibility to products. By using planograms, retailers can ensure that products are displayed in a manner that aligns with sales strategies, maximizes space efficiency, and improves the overall shopping experience for customers.

Planograms help in various ways, including maintaining consistency across different store locations, guiding store employees in product placement, and influencing purchasing behavior through strategic arrangement of products. By visualizing the layout, retailers can analyze sales data to determine which products should be featured prominently or adjusted based on customer purchasing patterns.