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Merchandising & POP Displays

From Concept To Shelf: The Psychology Of Retail-Ready Packaging

By February 13, 2023April 14th, 2025No Comments
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As a retailer or manufacturer, you know that first impressions matter. The way your product looks on the shelf can make all the difference in whether or not a customer chooses to purchase it. Retail Ready Packaging (RRP) is an increasingly popular solution to this problem, designed to make your product more accessible and visually appealing to customers. But what is the psychology behind RRP, and how can you use it to increase sales? In this post, we will explore the key elements of RRP and how they tap into the psychology of consumer behaviour.

What is Retail Ready Packaging?

Retail Ready Packaging, or RRP, is a type of packaging specifically designed for quick and easy placement on retail shelves. RRP is also commonly referred to as Shelf-Ready Packaging or SRP. Essentially, RRP is packaging that is easy to open and display so that retailers can quickly get the product on the shelf and customers can quickly see and access the product. RRP can take a variety of forms, from pre-packed trays to easy-open cartons, and can be customized to fit the needs of the product and the retailer. The main goal of RRP is to improve efficiency in the supply chain, reduce waste, and increase sales.

The psychology behind RRP is based on the fact that consumers are more likely to buy products that are easily accessible and visually appealing. By designing packaging that is easy to stack and display on the shelf, retailers can save time and money on stocking shelves while also attracting more customers. This is because RRP packaging allows products to be more visible and, thus, more likely to be noticed by potential customers.

How does RRP work?

RRP is designed with five key elements in mind, collectively called the “Five Easies.” These elements are:

  1. Easy to Identify: RRP packaging should be easily identified visually and by product name or description.
  2. Easy to Open: RRP should be easy to open, even for customers with limited dexterity.
  3. Easy to Shelf: RRP should be easy to stack and store on the shelf, taking up as little space as possible.
  4. Easy to Shop: RRP packaging should be arranged in a logical and visually appealing manner on the shelf.
  5. Easy to Dispose of: RRP should be easy to dispose of, with minimal waste and environmental impact.

Benefits of Retail Ready Packaging

Here are some of the benefits you get from RRP:

Easy Stocking 

Including simple instructions with the packaging makes the stocking easy. Shelf-ready packaging is designed with perforated elements that can be opened without a knife or blade. After opening the packaging, stocking is as easy as placing it directly on the shelf. Retail employees can also recognize product packaging for quicker inventory and simplify the restocking process.

Minimizes Labor

Retailers are worried about labour hours, so making products easier to stock creates less labour for retail workers. Shelf-ready packaging minimizes the need for razors, blades, or knives and also limits the risk of liability for those retail workers stocking and restocking the shelves. It allows the product to go straight to the floor and then straight to the recycling, reducing labour costs.

Brand Promotion 

SRP is essentially free advertising space that can be used to your advantage. Making the packaging clear about what brand and product it contains can make an effortless customer experience. The retail packaging could be set up in multiple ways, so it’s ideal to consider the design on all sides of the packaging.

Easy to Identify 

Shelf-ready packaging makes the product easy to identify and promote from a distance, which helps to catch the attention of potential customers. It allows you to promote and advertise your product so that consumers can make an immediate decision.

Improved Customer Experience

Shelf-ready packaging helps customers have a more cohesive buying experience by gaining more information to make educated decisions. Providing a seamless experience will make your product more desirable and build customer trust. It creates the best customer experience possible by providing them with exactly what their problem is and why your product is the answer they were looking for.

Improved Product Appearance 

The product grabs more attention on a shelf when it is displayed professionally. Shelf-ready packaging can help ensure your product has a positive presence compared to competitors.

Retail Ready Packaging (RRP) is a valuable tool for retailers and manufacturers. By designing packaging that is easy to identify, open, shelf, shop, and dispose of, RRP can increase sales, reduce costs, improve branding, and protect products. 

If you are a manufacturer or retailer looking to take advantage of the benefits of RRP, consider contacting Atlantic Packaging. Contact us for more information.