Shelf Obsessed

Gondola Shelving and the Importance of Stackability

Written by Robert Walthall | Thu, Jun, 29, 2017 @ 02:30 PM

When you choose display shelving for your store, several factors must be considered. It has to be convenient to use, efficient as storage, sturdy, and must be able to showcase merchandise so that customers will want to buy. In addition, it also has to be "stackable" to make the best use of space. 

Gondola shelving: Your nearly "one-size-fits-all" solution

While gondola shelving isn't quite "one-size-fits-all," it comes pretty close. Why? Because when you buy it, you have a versatile, flexible shelving system that will meet many if not most of your needs for many years to come.

Gondola shelving is the ultimate in "stackability" and versatility

Shelves "stack" as close to or as far apart from each other as you wish

Gondola shelving can be adjusted in one-inch increments, so that you can place shelving as close together or as far apart as you wish.

You can horizontally "stack" separate gondola islands together into longer units called "runs"

The gondola island is constructed of a central, heavy duty metal piece that has shelves attached to it on either side. The island can be used as a standalone unit or can be"stacked" horizontally with other islands to create one long run.

Customers will not see that these separate islands exist, however. Instead, they'll simply see a single cohesive shelving unit that is as long as you make it.

Complete your stackable display with an endcap

If you need just a little more room for a particular merchandise display and don't need the room provided by another island, opt for an endcap instead. An endcap is placed at the end of an island or run (as the name suggests) to complete the display.

You can make good use of your wall space by horizontally "stacking" wall units, too

The wall unit is similar to the gondola island in that it utilizes shelving attached to a sturdy central piece. However, unlike the gondola island, the shelving is only attached on one side instead of two. As with the gondola island, you can join wall units together seamlessly to create one long display.

You can create your floor plan with gondola shelving – and then change it as you wish

Don't bother using inflexible structures when you set up your sales floor. Instead, construct your entire floor plan with gondola shelving. Use its various components (wall units, endcaps, and islands) to create aisles that look permanent. This shelving is so sturdy that it simply "becomes" part of your store's interior when you set it up. The good news is, though, you can break down gondola shelving any time you want to and change your configuration based on your customers' needs, new display requirements, product or business expansion, etc.

You can buy in a variety of colors and styles

Gondola shelving is exceedingly sturdy and versatile – but you don't have to stick with plain institutional shelving. Instead, choose shelving that will best fit your decor and will make your retail space inviting. You can mix and match for an avant-garde look, or choose one style and color for a streamlined effect.

As a business owner, you know that shelving "stackability" is one of its most important characteristics; your ability to use both vertical and horizontal space to best effect on the sales floor will make it possible to sell a greater amount and variety of merchandise - without making your space look crowded. Gondola shelving is exceedingly stackable both vertically and horizontally; its various components give you the ability to create displays that are aesthetically pleasing, utilize space most efficiently, and are cost-effective all at once.