Retail Shelving Guide

Understand Your Retail Environment

Retail shelving must do more than hold stock. It should present products clearly, support easy replenishment and help customers move comfortably through the store.

Start by considering the type of shop, product range, customer flow and available floor space. A supermarket, pharmacy, hardware store and spaza shop may all use gondola shelving, but each requires a different layout and accessory mix.

• What products will be displayed?
• How large and heavy are the products?
• How often will stock be replenished?
• Which products should receive the most visibility?
• Will the layout change seasonally?
• Do you need wall runs, centre aisles or both?

Choose Between Wall and Centre Units

Single-Sided Gondola Shelving

Single-sided gondola shelving normally stands against a wall. It uses the perimeter efficiently and creates a clean display without taking up central floor space.

Double-Sided Gondola Shelving

Double-sided gondola shelving creates freestanding aisles. Products display on both sides, making it a space-efficient choice for supermarkets, hardware stores and general retail environments.

Most stores use a combination: single-sided units around the walls and double-sided rows in the centre.

Plan Aisles and Customer Flow

Customers should be able to browse without feeling crowded. Leave enough space for baskets, trolleys and people moving in both directions where necessary.

The best layout depends on the shop size and customer behaviour. Straight aisles make products easy to locate, while feature displays can draw attention to promotions and new stock.

• Keep entrances open and welcoming
• Avoid narrow dead ends
• Maintain clear access to tills and exits
• Place popular products where they do not block movement
• Allow staff enough room to replenish shelves safely

Select Shelf Depth and Spacing

Shelf depth should suit the product without creating excessive empty space. Small packaged goods may need shallower shelves, while larger cartons and containers need deeper levels.

Adjustable shelves allow you to reduce wasted vertical space. Position each level just above the product height, while leaving enough room for customers and staff to remove items easily.

• Use shallower shelves for small products and high visibility
• Use deeper shelves for larger cartons and bulkier merchandise
• Keep heavier goods on lower levels
• Avoid placing products so high that customers cannot reach them safely

Understand Gondola Shelving Components

Uprights and Base Feet

Uprights form the vertical structure. Base feet support the lower shelf and help stabilise the unit.

Base and Upper Shelves

The base shelf normally provides the deepest display level. Adjustable upper shelves can be positioned horizontally or, where compatible, at a down-sloping angle.

Infill Panels

Solid infill panels create a clean backing, while pegboard panels accept compatible hooks and accessories.

Kick Plates and Finishing Parts

Kick plates close the space below the base shelf. Top covers, end panels and header boards can improve the finished appearance and support signage.

Use Accessories to Improve Displays

Accessories make gondola shelving more adaptable. The right combination can improve product visibility and use available space more efficiently.

• Peg hooks for hanging packaged products
• Wire baskets for loose or irregular items
• Shelf dividers to separate product lines
• Wire fronts to stop products moving forward
• Slotted shelf bins for small items
• Header boards and label holders for pricing and signage

Plan Product Placement

Place everyday products where customers can find them easily. Use eye-level positions for priority products, promotions and higher-margin items, while keeping heavy products lower.

• Eye level: priority products and strong sellers
• Waist level: everyday products and easy-reach stock
• Lower levels: heavy, bulky or value products
• Upper levels: lighter products and reserve display stock

Group related products together so customers can compare options and add complementary items to their purchase.

Consider Load Capacity and Safety

Retail shelving must support the expected product weight without overloading shelves or the complete bay. Spread loads evenly and follow the stated capacity for the specific shelf size and configuration.

• Place shelving on a firm, level floor
• Connect and assemble components correctly
• Keep heavy products on lower shelves
• Do not climb on retail shelving
• Inspect shelves, brackets and uprights regularly
• Keep aisles free from cartons and replenishment equipment

Plan for Seasonal and Future Changes

Retail ranges change over time. Choose adjustable shelving and accessories that allow you to reconfigure displays without replacing the complete system.

Modular starter and add-on bays make it easier to extend rows. Leave room in the floorplan for future expansion where possible.

Retail Shelving Checklist

• The shelving suits the product size and weight.
• The aisle width supports comfortable customer movement.
• Wall and centre shelving have been planned together.
• Shelf depths suit the product range.
• There is enough space for pricing and signage.
• Accessories have been selected for hanging and loose products.
• Heavy goods will be displayed on lower levels.
• The layout allows future expansion and seasonal changes.