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What Is The Standard Height For Retail Shelves?

Instruction: Choosing the right height for retail shelves is an important factor in store design. The height of the shelves not only affects the aesthetics of the store, but also affects the flow of people, accessibility, safety and sales performance of the supermarket.

This article provides a comprehensive guide to choosing the best shelf height for supermarkets, improving customers’ shopping experience and increasing supermarket sales.

The importance of shelf height

Choosing the right shelf height is critical and will impact the overall shopping experience. Shelves that are too high or too low can make products difficult to access, giving customers a bad shopping experience and reducing sales. Proper shelf height ensures that products are easy to access, improves product visibility, and helps create a more reasonable and efficient store layout.

1. Convenience – Consider the ergonomic characteristics of customers and design with the needs of people with disabilities

Ergonomics plays a vital role in determining shelf height. Shelves should be within the reach of ordinary customers. Studies have shown that the most comfortable reachable area is between waist and shoulder height, so that customers can more easily pick products without excessive bending or stretching.

And shelves should be convenient for disabled customers, including those using wheelchairs. Lower shelves and wider aisles ensure that all customers can shop comfortably and independently.

2. Product visibility – hot-selling products are placed at eye level

In all supermarkets, products placed at eye level are the most golden position because they are more visible and easier to pick up. Therefore, according to the world region and the height of the race, the appropriate shelf height is set to match the horizontal direction of the eyes. For example, in Asia and Southeast Asia, the shelf height is 1.5M, plus the height of the goods (0.08M), which is the best position, while in Northern Europe, the shelf height needs to be 1.7M.

3. Safety
Setting the shelves to the right height can reduce the risk of accidents. Too high, the goods will fall, which is dangerous to customers and employees. Too low, it is awkward to take and easy to sprain
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4. Space optimization

In supermarkets, maximizing vertical space is crucial. Tall shelf units can store more products, reduce the need for frequent restocking, and make better use of available space.

Balancing shelf height and aisle width is also very important. Too wide reduces the density of goods placement, which is not conducive to sales. Too narrow, poor passability, poor shopping experience, and easy to cause congestion. So the right design can balance them.

5. Inventory management
The right shelf height helps with efficient inventory turnover. The arrangement of products should make old inventory easy to access, thereby reducing waste and ensuring freshness. Clear labeling and orderly shelves make it easier for employees to manage inventory.
Shelves with the right height speed up replenishment and reduce labor input. Employees can easily take all products, reducing the time and energy required to keep shelves full and tidy.

Common types of shelves in supermarkets:

Shelving
Shelving is a versatile and popular choice in supermarkets. These freestanding shelves can be adjusted to a variety of heights and configurations, making them ideal for displaying a wide range of products.

End Cap Shelving
End cap shelving units are located at the end of an aisle and are the perfect location for promotional items or high-margin products. Their height should be carefully considered to maximize visibility and accessibility.

Peg Board Shelving
Peg board shelving allows for customizable display options, with adjustable hooks and shelves. This flexibility makes it easy to adapt to different product types and sizes, optimizing space and visibility.

Customizable Shelving
Adjustable shelving offers flexibility, allowing store managers to modify shelf heights based on current needs. This adaptability is essential for seasonal changes or changes in product inventory.

Modular Shelving Systems
Modular systems offer a scalable solution for evolving stores. These systems can be expanded or reconfigured as needed, ensuring the shelves always meet the store’s requirements.

Retail Shelf Types in the World

Europe: Tegometall Shelving

Tegometall Shelving is designed by German company Tegometall. It is neat and sturdy, affordable and functional, and is most popular in Europe and the UK,

USA: Lozier Shelving

Lozier Shelving is the number one shelving system in the United States, Canada, Mexico and other Latin American countries. With the largest size and heavy-duty construction and versatile accessories, it meets all the needs of the market.

Australia: Australian Shelving

Australian Shelving features: high feet, volcanic perforated backing and black hammered finish. Dominant in Australia and New Zealand.

Asia and Other Regions: Asian Shelving

Australia: Australian Shelving Asian Shelving: cost-effective, sturdy welding, popular in most developing countries.

fAQs

  1. What is the ideal shelf height for a supermarket? The ideal shelf height typically falls between 48 to 66 inches (waist to shoulder height) for most customers, ensuring products are easily reachable.
  2. How does shelf height affect customer accessibility? Proper shelf height makes products more accessible, reducing the need for customers to bend or stretch excessively, which enhances the shopping experience.
  3. Why is eye-level shelving important? Products placed at eye level are more likely to be noticed and purchased, making this prime shelf space valuable for high-margin or promotional items.
  4. How can I make my shelves more inclusive for disabled customers? To accommodate disabled customers, ensure lower shelves are easily accessible and that aisle widths allow for comfortable navigation with wheelchairs or other mobility aids.
  5. What materials are best for durable supermarket shelving? Metal shelves are durable and can support heavy loads, while plastic shelves are lightweight and easy to clean. Wooden shelves add aesthetic appeal but are best for lighter products.
  6. How can adjustable shelving benefit my store? Adjustable shelving units allow you to modify shelf heights as needed, providing flexibility to accommodate different product sizes and seasonal changes in inventory.
  7. What are the safety considerations for shelving in supermarkets? Shelves should be sturdy and securely anchored to prevent tipping. Regularly inspecting shelves for stability and adhering to load capacity guidelines are essential for safety.
  8. How does shelf height influence inventory management? Optimal shelf height facilitates efficient stock rotation and restocking, making it easier for staff to manage inventory and maintain an organized store layout.
  9. What are the benefits of using gondola shelving in supermarkets? Gondola shelving is versatile, allowing for adjustable heights and configurations. It is ideal for displaying a wide range of products and maximizing vertical space.
  10. How can color coordination improve product visibility on shelves? Using bright, contrasting colors can draw attention to specific products, while uniform colors create a calm, organized look, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the store.

conclusion

Conclusion
Choosing the right shelf height in a supermarket involves balancing accessibility, safety, and space optimization. By considering ergonomics, product visibility, and customer convenience, store managers can create a more efficient and enjoyable shopping environment. Adopting customizable and durable shelving solutions can further enhance store operations and customer satisfaction, ultimately driving sales and success.