Day in the Life of Retail Merchandiser: Kane
At RGIS, we know it’s our people who make the difference. This week, we caught up with Kane Devine, our Regional Retail Merchandising Manager, to find out what a typical day looks like in his role — and what it takes to deliver outstanding retail merchandising and installation projects.
Leading From the Front
Kane has been part of the RGIS family for over two years, leading installations and merchandising teams across the UK. In his words, his role is about “leading from the front and delivering operational excellence.” From full store resets to ESL installations, he ensures every job is completed smoothly and professionally.
What Does a Typical Day Involve?
Recently, Kane worked on a full store reset, where floor plans and planograms were reviewed before the team got started. He and his team de-merchandised shelves, allowing contractors to replace old equipment with new. Once installed, Kane and his colleagues checked every planogram to make sure fixtures and products were correctly placed.
After profiling the shelves and restocking, point-of-sale materials were added and product labels checked, guaranteeing the store met legal requirements before reopening.
Planning for Success
Forward planning is a vital part of Kane’s role. His merchandising teams receive a three-week schedule in advance, giving them time to plan and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Once shifts are confirmed, Kane organises transport, meeting points, and accommodation when needed, ensuring team members stay safe and don’t travel excessive distances.
The Tech That Keeps the Job Moving
At RGIS, technology plays a key role in every aspect, including delivering seamless projects. Kane makes full use of RGIS’s proprietary scheduling systems and digital reporting tools to keep everything running smoothly. With tablets and mobile devices, he can instantly access phasing packs, floor plans, and planograms, ensuring every detail is in place for a successful project.
Overcoming Challenges on Site
Like any operational role, challenges pop up daily. For Kane, the biggest obstacle is when equipment is delayed or certain parts of a store aren’t ready. However, problem-solving is a strength of the RGIS team. “What our clients appreciate most is how quickly we react and get things done — even at the last minute,” Kane explained.
Building Relationships That Last
One of the most rewarding parts of Kane’s job is seeing the impact his team makes. “When project managers know our team by name, I know we’ve made a difference,” he said. Kane ensures every merchandising project feels personal, treating each store as if it were his own.
Stand-Out Feedback
Kane’s leadership doesn’t go unnoticed. One retailer shared this fantastic feedback:
“They are the best and most helpful staff we have ever had. Absolutely amazing — no faults at all. Would have them back anytime!”
What Makes a Great Retail Merchandiser?
According to Kane, essential skills include forward planning, resilience, organisation, out-of-the-box thinking, and strong people skills. He especially loves transforming stores and seeing the difference it makes for customers.
Growth and Development
Since joining the RGIS merchandising team, Kane’s role has evolved. As his team has grown, he’s built a structure he now manages personally, focusing on mentoring and developing his people.
Quickfire Questions
Go-to snack or drink: Protein bar or scrambled eggs
Dream retail visit: China — “They lead the way in new working methods.”
Describe your day in three words: Exciting, eventful, rewarding
Kane’s story shows the passion and commitment behind every RGIS retail merchandising project. If you need help with installations and merchandising, please get in touch.