For every pharmacy out there—whether old or new, large or small, independent, franchise or chain-store operation—pharmacy shelving plays an integral role in both the back-end prescription filling and stock storage areas as well as the front-end retail merchandising space. The types of shelving you choose to use to outfit your store will depend on the style of store you're looking to create and where in the store each piece will be located.
Custom wood shelves can be used to great effect in the front-end area to add a distinctly unique and finished look to certain of your store's sections, but would be the wrong choice for the back-end area where security and utility are major concerns. Likewise, tall, metal, basic shelving could be ideal for housing stock in your storage room but isn't recommended for use in your retail merchandising area. The type of pharmacy shelving you pick for each area of your store should be selected based on its functionality, flexibility and adaptability for the activities taking place in that specific area. Your merchandise display areas need shelves that will show off the products you have for sale in their most attractive light while not detracting the customer's attention from the products themselves. Shelving used in the back prescription filling area may need to have built-in security features to maintain the safety of controlled substances yet also allow for quick-and-easy access for pharmacy technicians going about their regular daily tasks.
Front-End Functionality
You likely have a variety of different sections in your pharmacy's front-end merchandising area, and each may call for a different style of shelving. Whether building new or remodeling an existing space, it's important to realize the necessity of factoring in your shelving requirements (and shelving budget) at the outset of your project. One of the most common mistakes made in the building of a new pharmacy is waiting until near the end of the project to figure in the shelving requirements and not having a dedicated budget to do justice to this vital requirement.
Gondolas
Modern gondola pharmacy shelving is extremely functional when properly utilized, and this type of fixture can be found in a wide choice of styles, colors, construction materials and sizes. Gondolas also offer plenty of options for added accessories, such as adjustable shelves and pegboard or slotted backings that will accept hooks, hangers, baskets, bins and other display options.
One of the most valuable traits of gondolas is that, when properly installed, they can define your store layout and help draw foot traffic to follow certain predetermined routes that will allow customers to view each of the different areas within the store's retail space. Gondolas can be used to serve as temporary walls and can also be moved into new positions fairly easily when you feel the need to change up your floor plan setup.
In an effort to utilize all available space for fully effective merchandising, different types of wall-mounted shelving can be installed around your store's perimeter, and specially designed fixtures can be mounted in corner areas. Certain spots on your sales floor will lend themselves well to freestanding displays holding especially fast-moving, seasonal or impulse-buying items. Typically, these work best out near the checkout area and near the prescription drop-off area where customers may be waiting and can be attracted to an interesting or eye-catching display.
Functionality is the key to effective front-end display shelving. It should be attractive, so customers are drawn in and make your merchandise easily accessible for them to find, reach and purchase.
