SHELF OBSESSED

With 2016 fast fading in the rear-view mirror and retailers having just moved through their traditionally busiest time of the year, we're now into 2017 and looking at a new, fresh start to a year full of hope and promise. The coming year looks to be unique for retail store operations partly because store owners, amid the pressure to compete with their eCommerce rivals, are exploring new innovations to help stabilize a retail market that's recently been softening.

When people come into your store, your #1 mission should be to appeal to their desire to buy. Plenty of studies have been conducted regarding the psychology of buying and, in a retail store setting, a great deal of emphasis has been placed on the visual elements of the selling environment, including:

• Prominent colors
• Lighting
• Signage
• Flooring material
• Retail shelving

Just about every kind of retail establishment utilizes one or more types of retail shelving, from the most basic to the more elaborate custom-designed units, and each has its own specific place out there in the marketplace. When considering the purchase of retail shelving there are several questions that will be helpful in guiding you toward making the best buying decisions.

Are you busy planning a remodel of your current retail store or even building from scratch? It may seem as though it's a good idea to plan for "everything else" first, and then stick retail shelving and fixture purchases in at the end.

However, and trust us on this... this is not a good plan.

Whether you are a running a pharmacy or a retail business, the way you display your products throughout your store is more important than you might think. Don't be mistaken into thinking that throwing your products on any old shelving will do the trick – it won't. The environment that your products are being sold in has a huge subconscious impact on your customers.

Looking for an easy way to give a much-needed facelift to your store?

New retail shelving can do this – even if you're on a budget.

Thinking of upgrading your retail shelving, but not sure if now is the time? There may not be any hard or fast rules when it comes to changing up your shelving, but there are three big questions to consider to help you know if the time for change is now.

Retail shelving is so ubiquitous that you may not even give it much thought until it comes time to buy new pieces. These five tips will help you choose the right retail shelving for your business.

Do you need to replace the retail shelving in your store? Are you thinking about purchasing used shelving to "save money"?

The retail shelving in your store is ubiquitous, always there. It's also your first and best line of defense against poor sales, as long as you know what you're doing.