Every brick-and-mortar retail business needs shelving. However, not all shelving solutions are created equal, and there are no universal rules regarding what to buy. Instead, business owners need to consider their specific needs and choose a solution that meets them. Read on to find out how to choose the perfect shelving system.
Table of Contents
Step One: Determine Intended Use
Are the shelves going to be used to store items in the back room, where no one will see them, or will they be front-and-center on the floor? How large are the standard items that need to be stored or displayed? How much do they weigh?
Answering these and other key questions regarding intended use makes it easier to choose between storage shelving and retail fixtures. Plus, business owners will have a better idea of how sturdy the shelves need to be and which styles will be acceptable fits.
Step Two: Measure the Space
Everyone has heard the axiom, “measure twice, cut once.” In this case, business owners should measure twice and buy once. This step doesn’t just apply to the shelf’s eventual landing spot, either.
Take the time to measure the head clearance, length, and width of where the shelf will be located permanently but also the doorways, and make note of any pipes, hanging light fixtures, or other impediments to getting the shelving into place. Finally, make sure that the shelves won’t get in the way of fire exit routes.
Step Three: Set a Budget
Once business owners have figured out how they’re going to use the shelves and what kinds of space constraints there will be, business owners should stop to set a clear budget. There are many different types of shelving out there with a variety of features, which means even companies working on strict budgets should still have plenty of choices. Working with a retail shelving liquidator can expand options even further by giving store owners access to more affordable used shelving.
Step Four: Find a Seller
Retail store owners may want to work with a specialized shelving vendor. That way, if they need additional shelves in the future, it will be easier to find what they need. Just be sure to work with a seller that has a positive reputation in the business community.
Step Five: Find the Perfect Shelves
Now that business owners have everything else lined up, it’s time to choose which shelves to buy. Here are the top options for serious retailers:
1. Gondola Shelves
Gondola shelves are a fantastic option for retail floors. They’re strong and sturdy but easy to reposition as necessary to create effective traffic flows throughout the store. Buying gondola shelves also allows retailers to display a greater range of products, making it easier for customers to find what they need.
2. Lozier Backroom Shelving
Lozier is a well-respected brand in the retail shelving world. Their products are made from high-quality structural steel and wood for greater strength and durability, and their S-Series shelves are a perfect fit for backroom storage.
3. Pallet Racks
Pallet racks are much heavier-duty shelving options than backroom shelves. They’re perfect for stores that need to maintain large amounts of inventory in warehouses or on-site storage spaces.
Find the Perfect Shelving Solution
Retailers don’t need to be limited to local shelving suppliers. They can find the perfect solutions online at affordable prices by buying directly with a retail liquidation service.
