Using shelves to optimize your sales space

As a shop owner or manager, the layout of your sales space is essential to maximize the appeal of your products and optimize the customer experience. Good use of shelving plays a crucial role in this optimization. 

Indeed, the choice and organization of your shelves can make all the difference in terms of presentation and functionality. No matter what type of business you run - a wine shop, a florist or a ready-to-wear store - shelves need to be strategically chosen and arranged to make the most of the available space. 

Choosing the right shelving for your business

Shelf selection is crucial to the layout of your store. Depending on the type of business you run, you'll need to choose shelving adapted to your specific needs. 

Fixed shelves, for example, are the most commonly used in shops. Available in a variety of sizes, shapes and materials, they are ideal for workshops, ready-to-wear stores and other types of stores. 

Mobile shelving, on the other hand, is ideal for retailers who want to regularly reorganize their sales space. Mounted on castors, they offer great flexibility, making it easy to move products around. Low shelves, on the other hand, are used to showcase promotions and flagship products, and are available in a range of styles and sizes to suit all types of business.

To optimize every square meter of your store, corner shelves and columns are ideal. They enable you to make the most of your store's often under-exploited nooks and crannies. Finally, shelving for wine and other beverages, designed for wine merchants and delicatessens, can accommodate a large number of bottles and cartons, offering a practical and aesthetic storage solution. 

Tradis corner shelves in a wine cellar

Maximizing the use of vertical space

One of the greatest assets of shelving is its ability to exploit wall height, thus maximizing the use of vertical space. Utilizing vertical wall space is essential, especially if your store has limited space or if you want to free up floor space. For example, you can opt for shelving with racks, which are excellent pieces of furniture for occupying vertical space. You can also use wall height to increase storage capacity without encroaching on floor space. Column shelving, for example, offers several levels of storage, enabling you to store a large quantity of products in a small area.

Tradis racks in a grocery store

For less popular or surplus products, consider overhead storage. This frees up space for more in-demand items that need to be easily accessible. Efficient use of vertical space also gives the impression of a well-organized, airy store. Customers appreciate being able to see products without having to bend over or search too hard.

Install high shelves to make full use of available vertical space. High shelving is the ideal solution for optimizing the display of a wide range of products. By adjusting the height of the shelves, you can adapt storage to different product sizes and shapes.

Place your products strategically

The strategic placement of products on your shelves can significantly influence customer buying behavior. Place your best-sellers and products with high sales potential at eye level. Customers are more likely to notice and buy items at eye level. Heavy and bulky products should be placed at the bottom of the shelves to avoid any risk of falling and to make them easier to handle.

Create dynamism by sorting your products by category, color or shape. This attracts customers' attention and encourages them to explore your offerings further. You can also vary the layout of your shelves according to seasons or national events to create universes around your products. For example, a Christmas or back-to-school setting can stimulate interest and sales.

Finally, use areas close to the checkout to display impulse products, such as accessories or special promotions. These items should be easily accessible and visible to encourage last-minute purchases.

Tradis shelving in a grocery store

By choosing the right shelves, exploiting vertical space and strategically organizing your products, you can create a functional sales environment. Don't forget that the layout of your store directly influences the customer experience, and can therefore have a positive impact on your sales. Remember to regularly adjust the organization to maintain a dynamic and welcoming space. By following these tips, you can transform your sales space into a place conducive to discovery and purchase, while reflecting the professional and polished image of your business.

If you'd like to get some ideas, take a look at our customer projects and discover the best combinations our customers have come up with using our shelves.