While many topics and categories in our sector are determined by the calendar, the subject of point of sale and merchandising is something that is ultimately always relevant to our readers. However, despite being intrinsic to any form of retailing, it is still an area that even some of the biggest retailers can struggle with. People need to visualise products in a more exciting way and be tempted to buy. It may seem that I'm stating the obvious but, despite the simple formula, some outlets still miss the mark.

One high profile DIY and garden chain I visited recently had created an exciting houseplant display right by the store entrance, complete with a host of orchids, mini cacti and succulents. It stopped me in my tracks, along with a number of other shoppers who were clamouring to browse the offer.

However, when I had selected a few plants I wanted to buy, I then searched in vain to find pots to accommodate them. Convinced I must be overlooking them, I asked a sales assistant and discovered that, not only were the complementary pots not displayed alongside the plants, they were not in fact stocked by the store at all. I was told to try another retailer nearby or search online.

It seemed such a shame that so much effort and time had obviously been invested in pulling shoppers into the category with an eye-catching and inviting display but that potential sales had been lost by not including relevant add-on products.

And it's these simple hurdles that can cause some retailers to fall down. There may be some of you reading this who are thinking, 'how ridiculous, I'd never forget to place relevant add-ons alongside a product display' - in which case, good for you. But for those who would like a few pointers,pick up the November 2 issue of DIY Week for our POS & Merchandising feature, complete with hints and tips from the experts.

And on that note, we will be running our Christmas display gallery online again this year, so feel free to start sending in pictures of those inspired festive displays!