Getting ready to open a new store, or are you replacing current retail shelving? Keep these important features in mind as you buy.
Important features of retail shelving
- It's sturdy
"Buy it once, and use it for years." That's what you should be thinking as you shop. While not all of it will be sturdy (such as glass shelving, used for high end jewelry or other fine merchandise displays), most of it should be. You will save a lot of time, headaches, and money if you focus on shelving that is made of durable metal, wood, and plastic.
Make sure you use the appropriate type of retail shelving for the size and weight of the merchandise displayed
Gondola shelving is the most common type of sturdy retail shelving and is perfect for heavy or bulky merchandise displays, but other types (such as slatwall) will last as well as long as they are only used to display lighter weight items.
- It's versatile
While some of the retail shelving and fixtures by may be specialized, such as the aforementioned glass shelving, most of the retail shelving you buy should be versatile, in that you can use it for a variety of situations. It will save you money, time, and headaches, since you won't have to scramble to buy specialized shelving in a pinch -- and you will not have to store it when not in use, either. For example, if you can use the same shelving to stock heavy bags as you can for casual clothing, all the better. The greater the number of different types of products you sell, the more versatile your shelving should be.
- It's attractive
Even sturdy shelving can be unattractive. Heavy duty metal shelving can be painted to match decor, and today's plastic and wood shelving can take plenty of use and still look good for years.
Buy shelving that matches or provides an accent to your store's decor
Today's retail shelving isn't just attractive; it is intended to become part of your overall decor. Choose shelving and fixtures that match your decor or provide a counterpoint and accent to it, for a fresh and pleasing look that your customers will enjoy.
- It's movable and/or easy to break down and set up again
The shelving you buy should be easily movable, in some fashion. Some shelving, such as gondola shelving, is stationary and looks permanent when set up. It must be broken down and reassembled again each time you want to move it. Other types of shelving, such as slatwall shelving and slatted gondola units, are mobile in that they can be moved while fully assembled.
- It fits your space
If you have a very small store, choose shelving that fits your small space and won't overwhelm it. For example, you may not be able to invest in a lot of gondola shelving because of its bulk and your space limitations. However, you can invest in perhaps one gondola island if you have some heavy duty merchandise to display, and/or can use endcaps or wall units placed strategically throughout the store.
For your lighter weight merchandise, however, invest in lighter weight and easily movable retail shelving options such as the aforementioned slatwall to display your merchandise. In addition, make good use of your countertop space with wire racks for smaller merchandise.
There are a lot of retail shelving options available to you, but all of them have these key features in common. Keep them in mind when you go shopping for your own retail shelving so that what you buy is sure to be in service for years to come.
