Choosing shelves and displays for your store isn’t a case of simply picking the first option you come across. Several factors need to be considered in order to make the right choice in store shelving types. If you’re currently shopping for store shelves or you plan to do so in the near future, read on to discover six key tips to keep in mind during the process.
By following these guidelines, you’ll likely find the best store shelving for your variety of products.
1- Think About Space
Determining how much room you have in your store should be a primary factor to think about when you’re planning shelf placement. Horizontal wall space is usually the first thing that comes to mind for shop owners, but there’s more to planning than this single dimension.
If, for example, your store has limited floor space, you might want to make use of high ceilings with tall vertical shelving. On the other hand, if your ceiling height is relatively low, you’ll want to concentrate on standard wall shelving and floor displays.
When you are planning your store shelving layout, don’t assign every square inch of space as a spot to place shelves. Making optimal use of space also involves making sure your customers can move about freely without having to squeeze between displays. It’s a good idea to test your shelving space beforehand to create the safest and most accessible layout.
By plotting your floor space as conveniently as possible, you can avoid incidents where breakable products get knocked down by accident. Ensuring enough space also prevents trips and falls from occurring when customers and staff are moving about the sales floor.
2- Consider Security Features
Stores that sell luxury items or over-the-counter medical products often need a special type of display for these items. Certain pieces of merchandise have become popular targets for shoplifters, and running into this situation can result in significant profit losses.
If your store carries vulnerable merchandise or potentially hazardous products (aerosols, chemical compounds, sharp objects, etc.), it’s a good idea to install shelves or display cases that can be locked. This way, customers can see the product, but they’ll need to have a store associate retrieve and handle the item before the purchase is complete.
3- Be Aware of Your Merchandise Type
Certain types of store shelving can fit one product type, but store shelving is not exactly uniform. Store owners want merchandise to be easy to see, and to ensure that this is possible, the right shelving is a must.
When a store primarily carries clothing items, for example, choosing a selection of wire racks might be the most appropriate option. Clothing racks make it easy for customers to search through a selection of items without having to unfold every product they want to see.
Standing displays with deep shelves might be a good idea for shops that carry a variety of products that come in uniform containers. Lotions, shampoos, and other hair products can usually be shelved in neat, space-saving lines without limiting the display potential of each item.
Choosing the best storage for your merchandise type is crucial.
4- Know the Weight of Your Products
In addition to planning your store shelving around the type of products you carry, it’s also worth considering the weight of the items you sell.
Most product types are relatively lightweight when they’re singular, but think about how much your products will weigh when your store is fully stocked. Even the smallest makeup tubes can become quite heavy when enough of the product is stored in a single space.
If your establishment primarily sells books, you’re going to need sturdy shelves that can withstand the weight of your products.
Managing the weight of your merchandise properly prevents shelf collapses that result in broken products. On top of that, weight-appropriate shelves can protect your customers and staff from injuries that might occur as a result of shelf collapses.
5- Look for Shelving That Fits Your Design
Choosing display options that fit your store’s design can help create a cohesive space that simplifies the shopping experience. While this isn’t the most important element to consider, choosing style-appropriate store shelving is worth considering.
Let’s say you own a store that sells auto parts. Most store owners in this industry will choose sturdy metal shelves because, in addition to their weight-bearing capabilities, metal shelves match the overall tone of the store.
A high-end boutique, on the other hand, might choose a combination of sleek wooden shelves and wire racks to display merchandise. Colors and accents are usually a key focus for these display types.
Stores that carry comic books and valuable collectors’ items would likely choose glass cases, magazine racks, and tabletop displays. This way, owners and employees can present the vast selection of products the store offers.
Displaying products by using store shelving that meshes well with your store’s design will help present a sense of professional organization.
6- Budget Appropriately
Shelves and product displays come in several price ranges and for smaller businesses, budgeting for effective shelving can be a challenge. It might seem like a good idea to buy the cheapest shelving available to house your merchandise, but this isn’t always true. Often, the cheapest option is also the lowest in quality.
While an inexpensive investment might be ideal short-term, you might be replacing these shelves sooner than you would like. Covering shelf replacement can be a massive inconvenience, especially for stores with already tight budgetary constraints.
As such, it’s wiser to invest in shelves your store can afford without going for the most inexpensive offering. When shopping around, look for display vendors with experience and a great reputation so that you can ensure that you’re buying high-quality store shelving.
Visit Display Connection to explore a variety of store shelving options. We offer shelves and displays that fit numerous store types and merchandise dimensions. Businesses operating in the automotive, beauty, health, hobby, pet care, sports, and fashion industries are just a small selection of business types we serve.
