Why Accurate Measurement Will Be Critical in 2026?
In retail, executing well is no longer enough. In 2026, what will separate leading brands from the rest is their ability to measure in-store execution with precision, in real time, and with KPIs that truly explain what’s happening at the point of sale.
The truth is simple: if it’s not measured, it can’t be improved. According to multiple industry studies, brands that consistently monitor retail KPIs increase sell-out between 12% and 25% thanks to rapid visibility, availability, and merchandising adjustments.
That’s why we’ve compiled the 12 must-track in-store execution KPIs for 2026: clear, actionable, and directly tied to what actually moves the needle at retail.
The 12 In-Store Execution KPIs You Can’t Miss in 2026
- 1. On-Shelf Availability (OSA)
The classic — and still the king. Out-of-stocks account for 4% to 12% of weekly sell-out losses. Tracking this KPI daily is essential to avoid gaps and maximize sales. - 2. Planogram Compliance Rate
A poorly executed planogram can reduce visibility by up to 30%. This KPI measures whether the store is executing exactly as planned. It is critical for brands with frequent launches or sensitive categories. - 3. Number of Facings per SKU
Facing equals visibility — but it’s not just about counting spaces. It’s about ensuring each facing generates impact. Adding +1 facing can increase sales by 3% to 6% depending on the category. - 4. Share of Shelf
This metric shows how much shelf space your brand occupies compared to competitors. Essential in highly competitive categories like beverages, beauty, and technology. - 5. Promotional Execution Rate
Promotions drive up to 40% of sell-out in some categories. This KPI measures whether the promo is installed, how well, and at the right time. - 6. Presence and Condition of POS Materials
Displays, endcaps, stoppers, vinyls — it all matters. Poorly installed POS materials lose more than 60% of their effectiveness. This KPI evaluates whether materials are present, in good condition, and fulfilling their role. - 7. Average Installation Time
A late campaign loses impact instantly. This KPI tracks real execution speed, helping optimize calendars, routing, and staffing. - 8. Same-Day Issue Resolution Rate
Speed is everything in retail. A high ratio shows agile, well-coordinated teams. A low one signals inefficient processes or lack of visibility. - 9. Visual Audits (with Evidence)
Execution matters — but so does proof. Visual audits with geo-tagged photos are now a standard: they eliminate doubt and validate performance objectively. - 10. Product Rotation per Store
A foundational KPI for identifying which stores perform well and which need support. When crossed with availability and facing, clear patterns emerge. - 11. Logistics SLA Compliance
On-time delivery, materials in perfect condition, optimized routing. According to sector studies, 68% of campaign failures stem from logistics issues. This KPI is crucial for detecting problems early. - 12. Cost Per Intervention (CPI)
It’s not just the cost of installation — it’s the cost of installing, fixing, reinstalling, and ensuring quality. A stable CPI reflects an efficient partner; a volatile one signals inefficiencies or recurring errors.
How to Interpret These KPIs: Signs You’re on the Right Track
KPIs aren’t meant to “inform” — they’re meant to drive decisions. Here are some positive signs that execution is strong:
- Availability > 97% in most stores.
- Planogram compliance > 90%.
- Same-day issue resolution > 85%.
- Stable or growing Share of Shelf versus competitors.
- Logistics SLA > 95%.
When these KPIs decline, operational issues, weak follow-up, logistics failures, or in-store errors are usually the cause.
Typical Retail Scenario: What KPIs Reveal When No One Checks Them
Many brands face the same situation: the campaign is designed, materials are produced, everything seems ready… until the first reports arrive and KPIs start telling a different story.
A common example occurs when a brand launches a national activation in major retailers. Everything appears on track, but the in-store execution KPIs reveal three clear issues:
- Availability below 92% in more than 25% of audited stores.
- Planogram deviations in key endcaps or aisle placements.
- POS materials missing or incorrectly installed in high-traffic zones.
What happens next? The data speaks clearly:
- A sell-out gap of 8 to 12 points between well-executed stores and those with issues.
- A 40% increase in logistics incidents when SLA isn’t monitored.
- A direct decline in Share of Shelf versus competitors with more active field teams.
When KPIs aren’t reviewed or acted upon, brands often discover — too late — that their investment only worked partially. And in retail, having half of your stores performing well is not success: it’s lost money.
However, when KPIs are monitored daily or weekly, the impact is immediate:
- Stock gaps are corrected before they impact the shopper.
- Planogram deviations are fixed before visibility suffers.
- POS maintenance is activated to keep the network consistent.
In short: KPIs don’t just describe what’s happening — they allow action before problems hit sales.
The SIG Spain Approach: Real Data for Real Results
At SIG Spain, we work in-store every day and know that a poorly defined KPI wastes time — but a well-measured KPI can multiply sales.
That’s why our field marketing, trade execution, and POS installation services include real-time reporting, geo-tagged photos, comparative dashboards, and pattern analysis that enable decision-making with the kind of operational precision that truly drives results.
What we measure, we improve. And what we improve, sells more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The most impactful ones are: facings per SKU, planogram compliance, share of shelf, and POS material presence. They best explain real visibility to the shopper.
The frequency of review is tailored to the needs of each category and campaign. Some KPIs, such as availability or critical incidents, can be audited at each visit, while others are reviewed periodically according to the pace of the category. The important thing is that all KPIs are audited at each visit to ensure that no detail is overlooked in the execution.
The most effective platforms offer digital reporting, geo-tagged photos, and real-time dashboards. At SIG, we work with systems that validate execution in minutes — not weeks.
The main “red flags” are: low availability, poor planogram compliance, and rising incident numbers. When these drop, sales follow.
Look for KPIs like: logistics SLA, stable CPI, same-day resolution rate, and audits with real evidence. Without data, there’s no guarantee.
Conclusion
Retail execution KPIs will be the biggest competitive differentiator in 2026. Brands that measure well — and fast — will execute better, correct faster, and sell more. At SIG Spain, we turn execution into data, and data into results.
Want us to analyze your current KPIs and recommend an improvement plan? 👉 Contact us