Total Linear Inches

Linear Inches

A large percentage of our projects ask vendors to collect linear inch data in a store. This is done by measuring the length of a shelf or a rack.  To do this, use the skills you learned in the previous article about "How to Measure".  To simplify things, we are going to utilize those good old math skills you learned in elementary school, Multiplication and Estimation.

Below is an example of a shelf space in the Ollie's Bargain Outlet toy section.

 

To measure this space for the toy's category you would do the following steps:

Step 1: Measure the length of the aisle in inches (utilize whichever method you prefer).

Step 2: Count the Shelves in the aisle - 5 shelves (six if there is product located on the top shelf).

Step 3: Calculate aisle linear inches - (Aisle inches) X (# of Shelves) = Linear Inches for 1 aisle of toys.

Step 4: Subtract out empty space - For example, let's say that about 10% of the space is empty. (Put those estimation skills to work!) Simply subtract out 10% from your total, and that is your aisle total.

Step 5: Now that you have your aisle measurement, go through each toy aisle and repeat step 2 through 4.

Step 6: Add up all of your aisle totals to get your Total Linear Inches for the Toy Category.

Above is a picture of shelf space in Leslie's.  How many shelves would you multiply this measurement by?

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If you answered 4 and then add additional inches for the shelf that is about 1/3 total shelf width you would be correct! (That one was tricky.)

KEY ITEMS TO REMEMBER

1. If you are measuring aisles in a store, they should all be about the same length, measure once and throw math at it

2. We don't count empty space (unless specifically specified in a project), so estimate and subtract.

3. We collect measurements by category, so it is easiest to measure a whole category before moving on.

4. Do Math at Home! Don't try to do math in the store.