Style Versus Cost in Pharmacy Shelving

Style versus cost, like the age-old question of form versus function, seems to represent two ends of one spectrum. It need not necessarily be that way, though. Something, for example, can possess both pleasant form and good function, just as something with good style doesn't always have to cost a lot. This, however, is generally the exception rather than the rule.

When it comes to pharmacy shelving, it's like this good ol' boy down home used to say: "Good things ain't cheap and cheap things ain't good!" The fact is, having good style usually comes with an elevated cost, and if you're trying to exhibit a certain level of "class" or "style" within your independent pharmacy space, paying a little extra to acquire higher-quality pharmacy shelving and fixtures will mostly just hurt once—when that hefty check is written to your supplier.

On the plus side, you get to enjoy the positive effects of your plus-quality furnishings decision for years since higher-quality units should naturally be expected to last longer than their cheaper alternative. You also get to appreciate the beauty of your fixture selection every day, and your stylish shelving and fixtures can go a long way toward creating a store environment that customers look forward to visiting and patronizing.

Types of Pharmacy Displays

There is a variety of pharmacy shelving available in the marketplace in a wide range of color, material composition, functionality and cost. Some of the most popular include:

• Gondola: These are two-sided displays used to merchandise products in the center area of your store. They typically have adjustable shelves, are sturdy and free-standing, and may have centers consisting of pegboard or slat wall. They're usually easy to move about when change is desired and can be used to create a particular customer traffic flow throughout the store by the way they're arranged.
  
  
• Slatwall: These are panels with horizontal recesses made to accept shelves, hooks, hangers, bins, pegs, and a variety of other display options. They can be placed directly on perimeter walls, made free-standing by adding a base or incorporated into the design of gondolas. They're great at displaying different types of merchandise.
  
  
• Pegboard: These are panels, usually made from fiber board, designed with rows of evenly-spaced holes that will accept hooks, pegs, hangers, shelves, bins or other display accessories.
  
  
• Specialty displays: These can be designed for merchandising various products that don't fit well in the above-mentioned fixture types. An example is the display of jewelry, watches, or perfumes in your store. These are often made as display cases, sometimes with security locks.

Two factors that should guide your selection of pharmacy shelving include:

1. How well will this form of shelving highlight the products intended to be placed on them?
2. How consistent are these forms of display shelving and fixtures with my store's overall branding?

Cost Versus Style

The cost versus style question often comes down to the material composition of your shelving. Choices include:

• Glass
• Hardwood
• Painted Metal

Glass and wood generally denote class and/or sophistication. They're also environmentally friendly. Metal is strong, functional, and efficient. With a wide range of design and color options, it's often the best choice for most pharmacy shelving, with other materials used in various other specific display areas.

High-quality gondolas and specialty shelves will often lie at the top of the cost range but also deliver the greatest "wow" factor. Low-quality or used shelving, usually purchased to save money, will likely fall on the low end of the "style" spectrum.