This case study involved actual suppliers and merchandise professionals working with various agents using our prototype.
The study commenced in June 2025 and continued through 2026, utilizing two custom-built proof-of-concept platforms — POP Version 1.0 and POP Version 2.0 to 2.2. StoreSnap then started development.
The primary emphasis was on startups and small to medium-sized suppliers, and experienced merchandiser agencies.
Data was gathered directly from real individuals at retail locations spanning multiple provinces, without utilizing AI or internet searches. All records were kept for analysis in as much detail as possible.
Without technology and industry standards, the dynamic between these three is outdated and precarious. Yet the supplier carries the risk, always.
The dynamics and responsibilities among suppliers, retailers, and merchandisers can be outdated and precarious without the aid of technology and industry standards. The supplier's role extends far beyond manufacturing:
This requires a delicate symbiotic relationship with every store and floor manager across multiple regions. For small to medium suppliers in particular, store counts range from 200 to over 10 000.
These responsibilities ultimately lie with the supplier, regardless of their use of merchandisers. If a merchandiser makes a mistake, the supplier ends up losing.
Before proof-of-concept version 1, several issues arose between merchandisers and suppliers. Ultimately these can lead to suppliers being delisted from stores and losing business — often without notification until it's too late.
Records and reports arrive as snippets of data spread across various communication platforms.
Consolidating information from multiple sources means store-level feedback gets overlooked.
There are concerns about the accuracy of — and potential fraud in — visit records.
When a merchandiser changes, their proprietary portal keeps the data — leaving suppliers without the historical records needed for contract disputes.
These challenges result in merchandisers having undue leverage over suppliers.
Managing multiple merchandisers across regions complicates collection of visit records, orders and deliveries.
Depending on services rendered — yet the supplier has it all on the line, ultimately. There is nothing wrong with this arrangement; the problem is that the merchandiser holds the power when it comes to disputes.
Merchandisers loved using custom forms for store visits. It saved valuable time and gave confidence that when a visit is logged, the job is done.
Staff management from just one client app saved the agency significant time, delivered accurate data, and eliminated human error.
Suppliers gained confidence in merchandisers. No more overwhelming WhatsApps, emails, or scattered visit records to piece together.
Suppliers no longer receive non-stop WhatsApps and emails. Hundreds of hours saved monthly by not having to piece data together manually.
See when action is needed, what sales are done, by which agent and at what store. This alone can save a business like never before.
Data sits in a central location with multiple anti-fraud measures. No one can bend the truth — disputes are resolved instantly.
A simple store visit record log form. It worked so well that merchandisers and suppliers requested more features.
Orders, delivery management, returns and claims. Requests came from both merchandisers and suppliers to build more.
Real-time orders. Suppliers mark items as ready for pickup, in transit, delivered, or needs unpacking. All in one place.
The prototype started as a simple store visit record form. It worked so well that suppliers and merchandisers asked for more — and StoreSnap is what came out the other side.
A simple form. Log a visit, prove the work, end of story.
Real-time orders captured in-store. Pickup, in transit, delivered, unpacked — all tracked.
A supplier dashboard manages visits, orders and deliveries to shelf — all in one place, in real time.