Build a retail visit checklist around the store.

A merchandising check and a product demonstration have different purposes. Explain the objective of the outlet visit before creating a checklist. The team needs to know which observations matter and which activities have been agreed with the store.

Check the location, visit schedule and appropriate store contact. That preparation gives the person visiting a practical starting point and reduces avoidable uncertainty on arrival.

Keep the checklist specific enough that different people can use it consistently. Where a check cannot be completed, allow the team to record a reason and the support needed.

• Outlet details and the purpose of the visit
• Agreed display, availability or activity checks
• Observations recorded in the agreed format
• Store feedback, unresolved issues and next actions

A completed checklist is the start of the follow-up. Decide which issues the field team can resolve and which need another owner. Review recurring questions with the team and update the brief when the store context changes. Keep the format useful for the next visit.