Planning Out Your Retail Shelving Requirements

The Planning Process for a Retail Shelving Fitout

When planning retail shelving, we have found from experience that the process of establishing the best layout for a retail space is an iterative one. Thus we typically go back and forth with our clients on the design, configuration of the shelving modules and the budgeted costs for their project.

The Process Usually Begins with a Basic Floorplan

The layout design usually begins with a hand-drawn sketch or a simple plan of the space that needs to be fitted out. For example, the diagram below shows a retail space with dimensions 8m x 14m

Plan Out the Display Shelving

Once the dimensions of the available space are established, it’s possible to start planning retail shelving. Firstly, we begin by itemising the various products that need to be stored and displayed, plus any initial ideas about how the store should be laid out.

Secondly, we begin to sketech out the types of shelving that will be required and their approximate dimensions, along with the number of aisles and layers of wall shelving and displays.

In order to ensure easy movement around the retail layout, we recommend an aisle space of 1.2-1.5m for easy trolley access. If trolley access is not required, then the space between rows can be reduced to 1 metre. Any less than 1 metre will make it difficult for customers to navigate the store.

Standard Sizes

With this in mind, some of the standard sizes of the various types of shelving are set out in the table below.

Please note that a standard unit of gondola shelving has 1 bottom shelf and 3 shelves above

Floorplan Showing the Desired Fitout

After the research and planning above, the end result is a first pass hand sketch or retail shelving plan like the one shown below.

At this stage we usually check with the factory to determine the approximate lead time for the shelving order to be produced and get their input on the layout design.

Developing Module Specifications

Next, using the retail shelving plan as a guide, and in collaboration with the factory, we work on developing a basic specification for each of the shelving modules in the plan. For example, the diagram below shows how the 9 custom modules in the centre of the plan above might be specified.

In addition to planning retail shelving, we can also supply a range of shop fittings and compatible accessories such as:

• Display hooks, brackets, sign holders, data strips and price tags
• Slatwall shelving, slat wall panels and back panels
• Pegboard display systems
• Display stands
• Glass shelves
• Garment racks, clothing rails and hanging rails
• Hang sell products
• Fruit and Vegetable Display Rack
• Checkout Counter etc 

Refining the Quote with the Factory

Once the final shelving fitout has been settled upon, the factory then takes the specifications and prepares a list of individual components that need to be produced (bill of materials), along with a quotation and an estimated completion date.

N.B. It may be necessary to go back and forth a couple of times with amendments to the retail layout, until a final design is settled upon.

Finalising the Order

Once the order has been agreed, a 40% deposit is payable before the factory begins production of the shelving fitout.

Production and Delivery

To begin with, production and transport of the shelving to our warehouse usually takes 6-8 weeks.

Once we have the shelving in our warehouse we can then organize delivery to your site at a time that is convenient.

If you would like assistance with planning retail shelving or a quotation you can contact us with your drawings and requirements