This article is part of Retail Business Review Insight series featuring expert contributions nominated by our subscribers and reviewed by our editorial team.

Butch West,  Merchandising Services, Co. | Retail Business Review | Top Retail Merchandising Solution

The Operations Partner Convenience Stores Rely On

Butch West, Senior Director of Operations , Merchandising Services, Co.

Retail Operations Strategist

Editor’s Note: Retail leaders must rethink store-level execution as convenience formats face mounting pressure from shifting consumer expectations, operational complexity, and margin constraints across high-frequency retail environments. This perspective highlights how strategic operations partnerships can transform fragmented store management into a scalable, efficiency-driven model that strengthens consistency, profitability, and customer experience.

Company Overview

Since its founding in 2008 as MSLLC (now MSCO), our organization has specialized in delivering comprehensive merchandising solutions for convenience stores. Initially focused on beverage resets for a single Tennessee-based chain of 300 stores, we have expanded significantly over the years to include Center Store categories and a wide range of merchandising services. Today, we provide end-to-end solutions in over 8,000 locations that ensure stores are organized, compliant, and optimized for sales.

Core Service: Center Store and Beverage Resets

Our reset process is designed to deliver precision and efficiency. Once a project is approved, we assemble dedicated teams by region, establish schedules, and procure all necessary materials. Each team follows a structured approach:

Pre-Reset Communication: We maintain clear communication with store personnel before and during the reset process, ensuring alignment and minimizing disruptions.
Planogram Compliance: All sections, including doors and coolers, are set according to the store’s specific planograms or category manager directives.
Shelf Optimization: Shelves are adjusted for proper spacing, tilt, and height, then thoroughly cleaned.
Beverage Glide Systems: Products are placed in the correct glide systems—whether traditional plastic or Flex Roller—with adjustments made for optimal fit.
Product Identification: Shelf strips and paper tags are installed to clearly identify products across beverage and Center Store sections.
Item Removal: Discontinued items are sorted by vendor, placed in designated totes, and staged for pickup or store-directed sell-through.
Backstock Management: Excess inventory is returned to designated areas, including coolers and storage sections.
Final Presentation: All products are properly faced and fronted. Floors and cooler doors are cleaned, and all trash is removed.
Manager Walkthrough: Our project manager reviews the reset with the store manager, addressing discrepancies and confirming deleted items.
Survey Documentation: A detailed Doform survey is completed, including before-and-after photos, deleted product lists, and any additional notes.

Expanded Merchandising Capabilities

Beyond beverage and Center Store resets, we offer merchandising services across multiple categories:

OTP/Tobacco: Resets, rack installations, and product cut-ins.
Beer, Wine, and Beer Cave: Resets, cooler builds, and rack installations.
Snacks and Packaged Goods: Chips, pastries, and sweets merchandising.
Fresh Food Coolers: Open-air and case cooler resets and installations.
Display Racks: Vendor and take-home rack builds for various product lines.
Soft Drinks: Rack installations for 2-liter bottles, 12-packs, and vendor-specific displays.
Outdoor/Pump Areas: Sidewalk and pump display setups, including point-of-purchase (P.O.P.) materials. Installation and Relocation Services for existing and New to Industry locations

Our expertise extends to fixture installation and relocation, including:

• Gondola shelving systems—complete tear-down and rebuild.
• Beverage cooler systems for packaged drinks and beer caves.
• Backstock shelving for coolers.
• Specialty racks for meat snacks, candy, cereal, and more.
• Peg replacement systems for product pushers.
• P.O.P. materials for coolers, racks, shelves, and windows.
  • MSCO’s vision is to be the premier merchandising company in the US, respected for our innovative planning and execution. Our pursuit of success will be accomplished through our principles of Service Excellence, Superior Execution, Entrepreneurial Spirit, and Leadership. We refer to these principles as “Success in Collaboration” and will be achieved together through our employees, clients, and customers.


Comprehensive Store Surveys

We provide detailed surveys to support store planning and compliance:

Coolers: Walk-in, reach-in, and open-air units, including door counts, shelf dimensions, and photos.
Center Store Sections: Measurements, shelf depths, and section-specific details with visual documentation.
Other Areas: Pumps, parking lots, dumpsters, backrooms, and restrooms, with photos and relevant data.

Why Choose MSCO?

We don’t just reset shelves—we reset expectations. Our precision, efficiency, and relentless commitment to customer satisfaction make us the partner convenience stores trust to boost sales and elevate the shopping experience.

Ready to transform your store performance? Let’s make it happen. Contact us today.

EXPLORE OUR KNOWLEDGE NETWORK



The articles from these contributors are based on their personal expertise and viewpoints, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of their employers or affiliated organizations.