Work at Home – Pros and Cons

Setting Up Your Store: Shelving Choices And Why They Matter

by Jared Butler

When you're setting up a retail store, your choice of shelving is important. After all, the shelving that you invest in will play a pivotal role in how your product is perceived by customers. You may be able to opt for bare minimums and let your product speak for itself, but if you want displays that draw people in and showcase the best that your business has to offer, you should choose your display shelves from a place like the National Hanger Company more carefully. Here's a look at some of the options available and how you can make the best use of them.

Glass Shelves

If you're selling small trinkets, delicate or fragile pieces, dishware and other similar items, you may want to invest in glass shelves. The glass will reflect light, creating a bright, clean appearance. Stand-alone shelving units will create a spotlight effect, drawing attention to whatever is on those shelves. Then, you can add some glass shelves along the walls at staggered heights to produce a crystal-like atmosphere around the store. When possible, accent glass shelves with some small colored lights for brightness and contrast.

Corner Shelves

When you are just starting out, sometimes you have to lease a space smaller than you'd like to be in. If your storefront is compact, corner shelves are a good way to maximize the floor space. You can install a corner unit easily if you add brackets to secure them to the walls. These shelves are often stackable as well, allowing you to maximize your vertical space as well.

Portable Shelves

Sometimes, anchored shelves are a great investment, because the permanence allows long-time customers to build a sense of familiarity with the store, portable shelving units also have an advantage. When you invest in portable shelves, you will have more flexibility to change your floor plan at will. By shifting your display shelves around with portable shelving, you can keep your storefront fresh and encourage even the long-time customers to browse, which can lead to more sales. You can also adjust them regularly to create a path to guide customers to specific sections of the store.

Modular Shelves

Modular shelves are designed to share a vertical support but still be adjustable in height. They're commonly crafted from metal or an unfinished wood, allowing you to create an industrial-like atmosphere in your store. If you're selling tools, outerwear and other such gear, it is a great way to create that ambiance. Modular shelves can anchor to the walls or stand free in the middle of the floor. Think about how you'd anchor them to make sure that you choose the one that best suits your needs.

Slide-Out Shelves

Slide-out shelving is a sleek way to store and display your products without the clutter. If you run a business that operates on special orders, samples or high-end products, you may find that using a slide-out shelving system is the way to go. You can install these shelves along the walls and pull them out when your business is open for the day or during client meetings. Then, when you close up shop, you can push them in and even lock them for added security.

Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are another great option for optimizing limited floor space. If you've got a compact retail space and you need display room, consider investing in floating shelves instead of floor-mounted structures. Floating shelves hang on the wall, and can be placed at virtually any height. You can use them for displays, brochures, product samples and even some sales inventory. Since they mount on the walls, it leaves your floor space free for the addition of a counter or couches and small tables for a social area.

Your choice of shelving and other supplies will contribute to the general ambiance in your store. With the information presented here, you can consider each of the most popular choices and determine which one will create the atmosphere you have in mind.

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