If you observe supermarket chains like Costco, Sam's members, or other hypermarkets, you know how important a well-organized, well-presented, and aesthetically pleasing floor layout of the gondola shelves is. But how do you get the same great sensory and shopping experience in a convenience store? Supermarkets rely on shelving systems to store goods and make them easily accessible to customers.
A good shelving system improves efficiency, maximizes storage space, and allows goods to be prominently displayed. In this article, we'll cover how to design a shelving system for a convenience store.
Types of Supermarket Shelving
There is a wide range of supermarket shelving systems available in the market. These shelving are designed to maximize floor space and create a seamless shopping experience for customers. With their flexibility and functionality, gondola shelving units are an essential fixture in commercial retail settings.
Gondola Shelving
Gondola shelving is a versatile choice for convenience stores, characterized by its freestanding design that can be easily moved and reconfigured as needed. They are available in various heights and widths, making them suitable for different product types.
- Single-Side Gondola Shelving: Featuring a base shelf and a vertical panel that forms an L-shaped configuration, making it ideal for placing against walls. It allows for easy access to products and can be used to display specialty items or seasonal promotions.
- Double-Side Gondola Shelving: Offering shelving on both sides, double-sided gondolas designed to showcase products on both sides, resembling an upside-down "T" shape when viewed from the side. It allows to arrange different kinds of products on a double-sided display shelf. It is great for creating display areas by aisles in your store.
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Corner Shelving: specifically for corners and comes in both single and double-sided designs. Properly placed corner shelving can create efficient space utilization and improve navigation for customers through the store.
End Cap Shelving
Endcap shelving refers to the display shelves located at the end of an aisle. These are prime real estate spots in retail stores because they're highly visible to shoppers as they navigate through the aisles. You can use endcaps to showcase special promotions, seasonal items, new products, or high-margin goods (package drinks, snakes, cans, swim pool accessories) to grab attention and boost sales. They're typically eye-catching, often with bold signage or unique arrangements, designed to draw customers in as they pass by.
Island Shelving
Island shelving stands alone in the middle of the store, offering 360-degree access for shoppers. Double-sided shelving units fit compactly into tight areas, allowing retailers to display a wide variety of merchandise without overcrowding. The open design of island shelving makes it easy for customers to reach products, contributing to a smoother shopping experience and encouraging impulse purchases. Generally, display for high-demand items, seasonal promotions, or sale items, island shelving can create focal points in your store that draw customers in.
Accessories
Checkout Counter: A well-placed checkout counter can facilitate smooth transactions while providing additional opportunities for impulse purchases directly before customers leave the store.
Wall-Mount Cigarette Shelves: These shelves effectively utilize vertical space and free up floor area, making them a practical choice for displaying tobacco products and other items.
Common Convenience Store Shelving Layouts
When designing your gondola shelf layout, several factors come into play, including the size of your store, the types of products you offer, and how customers navigate through your space. There are 3 common store layouts for convenience stores. Each of these options has its distinct benefits and can be tailored to meet your specific requirements.
Race Track Layout
The race track layout creates a continuous loop for customers, encouraging them to explore the entire store. In this design, gondola shelving units are arranged back-to-back, with products displayed outward on both sides. This configuration promotes a natural flow of customer traffic, allowing shoppers to browse various sections without feeling confined. The open nature of this layout fosters impulse buying, as customers are more likely to discover new products while navigating the store. Additionally, the accessibility of products from multiple angles enhances visibility and engagement, making it an effective choice for maximizing sales.
Power Aisle Layout
In contrast, the power aisle layout features a central aisle that runs perpendicular to other shelving units. This central aisle is typically wider and serves as a focal point for displaying high-margin or featured products. Gondola shelving is positioned in rows on either side of this main aisle, creating a clear sightline for customers as they walk through the store. This layout not only highlights key items but also facilitates a more organized shopping experience. Customers can easily locate products while being drawn toward special promotions or seasonal offerings positioned in the power aisle.
Grid Layout
The grid layout consists of shelves arranged in a uniform pattern throughout the store, resembling traditional grocery store configurations. This design is particularly effective in smaller spaces, allowing for efficient use of available square footage. The consistent arrangement of shelves simplifies navigation for customers, enabling them to quickly identify product categories and locate specific items. This predictability enhances inventory management as well, making it easier to restock and organize products.
Let Heda shelves Help you with your Supermarket Shelving!
Heda Shelves is a well-known Chinese manufacturer offering Supermarket shelves and shelving layout solutions. You can always get in touch with us for your convenience store shelving. We offer custom designing of store shelves based on your specifications at affordable prices and unmatchable quality. Send Your Inquiry Now.