When You Enter a Large Chain Store or Hypermarket
The first thing that catches your eye is the organization and arrangement of products. This order not only makes shopping easier for customers but also helps with better inventory management and prevents wasted space. At the heart of this organization lies the shelving system of chain stores and hypermarkets.
Shelves not only serve as holders for products but also shape the store’s visual identity. When customers see stylish and well-organized shelving, they feel more comfortable and are more likely to make a purchase. That’s why designing and choosing the right shelves is one of the key components of launching a successful store.
In this article, we’ll explore the types of shelves, important features, practical tips, and even common mistakes in store shelving.
The Importance of Shelving in Chain Stores and Hypermarkets
It’s the order of the shelves that makes shopping easier. Shelving in chain stores and hypermarkets isn’t just a way to arrange goods—it’s part of the sales strategy. If the structure isn’t well-designed, customers may struggle to find products and even abandon their purchase.
One major advantage is proper product display. For example, in large hypermarkets like Ofogh Kourosh or Refah, discounted items are always placed on front shelves and in the customer’s line of sight to encourage quick selection. This not only adds order but also boosts sales.
Efficient use of space is also crucial in smaller stores. Imagine a local supermarket without professional shelving—it would look cluttered and chaotic. But with proper layout, even limited space can be enough for all products.
Product quality preservation shouldn’t be overlooked. Some shelves are designed specifically for fragile items like glassware or food products to prevent damage. A clear example is refrigerated shelves in the dairy section of hypermarkets, which offer both aesthetics and product safety.
Types of Shelving Systems in Chain Stores and Hypermarkets
- Wall Shelves Mounted to the wall, ideal for stores with ample space. Commonly used for heavy or delicate items that require careful handling.
- Freestanding Shelves (Single-Sided and Double-Sided) These shelves don’t need support and are usually placed in the center of the store. Double-sided types are more common in hypermarkets, allowing access from both sides.
- Metal Shelves The most common type. They offer high durability, long lifespan, and are easy to clean. Ideal for stores with heavy products.
- Bolt-and-Nut Shelves The most flexible type. Their height, width, and depth can be adjusted. Perfect for stores that frequently change their layout.
- Specialized Stands Some shelves are designed for specific purposes, such as:
- Grain dispensers with glass jars for bulk sales
- Bread stands for packaged bread
- Chocolate and snack stands (appealing to kids and adults)
- Nut and dried fruit stands (with glass or acrylic boxes)
- Cake and basket stands (for light and luxury items)
- Mixed-Material Shelves Combining materials like metal and wood offers both visual appeal and enhanced durability. Many modern stores use this type of shelving.
Which Shelving System Is Best for Hypermarket Storage Areas?
When thinking about a hypermarket’s storage area, choosing the right type of shelving is crucial. Each product has its own storage requirements and must be arranged properly. Here are three practical shelving models that can enhance the efficiency of your warehouse and store:
Panel Rack Shelving
This model is ideal for storing heavy items due to its high durability and customizable sizing. Its shelves are easy to assemble and typically made of bolted metal. That’s why it’s widely used both in the store and in the warehouse.
Mezzanine Flooring
This shelving system is used when you want to maximize vertical space in the warehouse. The columns are spaced widely to accommodate tall items. Although the number of shelves is limited, the adjustable height makes it a highly flexible and efficient choice.
Pallet Boxes
If you need to move sensitive or bulky items, pallet boxes are a suitable option. These shelves are used for storage and can also serve for displaying or transporting certain products within the hypermarket. Their variety of materials allows you to choose the best fit for your needs.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing Hypermarket Shelving
- Weight Capacity Don’t focus solely on price—quality and functionality directly affect customer experience and inventory management. For example, shelves in the detergent or beverage section must support heavy loads, while lighter shelves are sufficient for snacks or cosmetics.
- Visual Appeal Shelf design and color should align with the store’s branding. In a modern hypermarket, combining metal and wood materials creates a more professional look.
- Layout Flexibility Shelves should be movable and allow for adjustable shelf heights. This flexibility is essential during seasonal changes or when introducing new products.
- Durability and Longevity Large stores face high customer traffic daily, so shelves must withstand constant pressure and use. Easy customer access is also vital—shelf height should be suitable for both children and elderly customers to reach products comfortably.
Comparison Table of Shelf Types
| Shelf Type | Advantages | Disadvantages | Main Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wall-Mounted | Space-saving, suitable for heavy items | One-sided access | Large stores |
| Single-Sided Freestanding | Movable, diverse designs | Lower capacity than double-sided | Small sections |
| Double-Sided Freestanding | Access from both sides, space optimization | Requires more space | Hypermarkets |
| Metal Shelves | High durability, long lifespan | Heavy weight | Large chain stores |
| Bolt-and-Nut Shelves | High flexibility | Time-consuming assembly | Frequent layout changes |
| Specialized Stands | Attractive product display, boosts sales | Designed for specific product types | Chocolates, nuts, bread |
Golden Tips for Shelving in Chain Stores and Hypermarkets
- Strategic Placement of Best-Selling Products To boost sales and enhance the shopping experience, place popular products in the middle or back of the store. This encourages customers to walk further and increases the chance of additional purchases.
- The Role of Color in Shelf Appeal Shelf color greatly influences customer perception. Choosing colors that align with the store’s visual identity enhances product appeal and creates a harmonious environment. For example, in grocery stores, bright and cheerful colors quickly attract attention.
- Importance of Lighting Without proper lighting, even the best products may appear dull. Installing LED lights on or above shelves ensures better visibility and makes shopping easier for customers.
- Shelf Safety Safety is a key factor in shelving for chain stores and hypermarkets. Shelves must be sturdy and stable to avoid any risk to customers—especially in busy stores with heavy products.
- Logical Product Categorization Products should be grouped by type and use. For instance, dry foods should be separated from dairy and refrigerated items. This not only improves customer access but also maintains store organization and enhances the shopping experience.
Common Mistakes in Shelving for Chain Stores and Hypermarkets
One of the challenges store owners may face is neglecting shelf height. When shelves are too tall, customers struggle to reach products, which negatively affects their shopping experience. For example, placing heavy items like grains or beverages on upper shelves can be risky for both customers and staff.
Poor product arrangement is another common issue. Some retailers place heavy items on top shelves or position best-selling products away from the main customer flow. This not only reduces sales but also disrupts the natural movement of shoppers within the store.
Ignoring customer movement paths is also a major mistake. Narrow or tangled aisles make shoppers uncomfortable and waste time searching for products. Designing smooth and clear pathways is one of the key principles of shelving in chain stores and hypermarkets, enhancing the overall shopping experience.
Using cheap, low-quality shelves can lead to serious problems in the short term. These shelves may bend, break, or collapse, increasing repair or replacement costs. That’s why it’s better to invest in durable, high-quality materials to ensure customer safety and extend the lifespan of store equipment.
Simple practices like proper shelf height, strategic product placement, smooth customer flow, and quality shelving are essential for successful store layout. These principles bring order to the store and create a comfortable and pleasant shopping experience for customers.
Conclusion
A successful store doesn’t rely solely on branding and product pricing—it also depends heavily on layout and shelving. Choosing the right shelves improves customer experience, boosts sales, and optimizes store space.
If you’re planning to launch or redesign your store, it’s best to consult with our experts at Satrap before purchasing shelves. Based on your product type, available space, and budget, they’ll recommend the best options for your needs.