The Power Struggle and Pressure of “Shelf Space”
“If it’s not on Mannings’ shelves, it won’t sell”—that’s a common saying in Hong Kong’s drugstore industry.
Mannings holds an overwhelming presence in this market, and its influence is so dominant that many brands believe they simply can’t compete unless their products are stocked there.
As a result, manufacturers often pay high listing fees just to secure a spot on Mannings’ shelves.
But that’s just the beginning. Brands are also required to meet specific sales targets, making it effectively a system of “entry fee + performance-based rewards.” 💸
The Fierce Battle on the Shelf
Even after securing shelf space, the real challenge begins.
With countless similar products crammed into the same category, the question becomes: how can one stand out?
To compete, brands use POP displays, discount tags, and promotional offers—anything to catch a shopper’s eye.
But the outcome?
Shelves often become cluttered and overloaded with information 💥. For consumers, this can lead to confusion:
“There are so many choices, but I can’t really tell the difference.” 😵💫
The Gap Between Seller Logic and Buyer Experience
Manufacturers want their products to stand out.
Retailers want to promote what sells.
Both are understandable goals—but too often, the consumer’s perspective is neglected.
The joy of choosing turns into the stress of indecision.
What we’re seeing in today’s drugstores may be a kind of “lost shopper syndrome” caused by overcrowded shelves and overwhelming messaging.
In Part ②, we’ll explore how brands can still stand out—and be chosen—amid this noisy retail environment. (to be continued)
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