Final answer:
If the VM manager is unavailable when new merchandise arrives, check for any instructions left behind, use standard merchandising principles to display the new products, and consult colleagues for assistance if needed.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you receive new merchandise and your Visual Merchandising (VM) manager is not available, as a responsible employee, you should take the initiative to ensure that the merchandise is handled appropriately. First, you should check if there are any existing plans or directives left by the VM manager for such situations. If there are no specific instructions, you can apply standard merchandising principles to display the new products. Consider the store layout, product prominence, and customer flow to decide where to place the new items.
Emphasize the new merchandise by positioning it in high-traffic areas to attract customer attention. If the task seems overwhelming, don't hesitate to ask for assistance from colleagues. After the display is set, ensure that the arrangement is tidy, price tags are visible, and all displayed items are easily accessible to customers. When the VM manager returns, inform them of the actions taken and any customer feedback received to ensure a smooth transition and ongoing management of the merchandising.