Shelving systems that look good and work even harder

From a shopfront or showroom to an office or storage area, good display solutions are an invaluable investment. The right shelving system can enhance the appearance of your premises, show off your products to the best advantage - and help increase sales.

Behind the scenes, shelving plays an equally important role in product storage and in keeping vital equipment and materials safely out of the way, but close at hand when you need them.

So what kind of shelving system should your business look for? 

Form and function

It all depends on your needs, says Stan Been from Australian Slatwall Industries - not to mention the look you want to achieve. "It is always a balance between aesthetics and function," he says.

"As with other industries, there are definite trends in display solutions. A few years ago, everyone was into wood, but now we are seeing a move towards metal shelving and glass shelving to go with a more industrial style."  

Acrylic shelving is also a popular choice, as it doesn't have the risk of breakage that glass shelving does. But for heavier merchandise, such as may be found in a newsagency, pharmacy or hardware, sturdy metal shelving may be a more practical option.

Choosing a shelving system

Whether wall mounted or freestanding, there is a huge array of shelving systems and hanging display options available, including:

• Wall and freestanding systems

Slat-panel wall display systems offer unlimited horizontal and vertical options and are a cost-effective way to display your merchandise. A unique groove configuration means you can position the shelves exactly where you want them.

• Puck wall systems

A relatively new shelving system, puck wall systems allow flexible merchandising on both walls and floor fixtures, using easy-to-change hardware display components. The walls can be manufactured in virtually any finish and the pucks attach at predetermined intervals.

• Cable and pole systems

Suspension display systems offer an unrestricted view of your products. They look contemporary and are very versatile, allowing for both horizontal and vertical displays.

• Pallet racking and storage solutions

Used for behind-the-scenes product storage, these systems need to be robust and built for accessibility and practicality.

Merchandising accessories

Today, there are almost as many merchandising accessories available as there are types of merchandise - from shoe racks to leaflet dispensers, swivel displays or side-hanging racks.

Whichever shelving system you choose, however, it should be flexible, functional and easy to change when you need to re-merchandise your premises. Versatility and the ability to change your display when you want can go a long way to impressing customers, both new and old.

For all sorts of display and shelving systems that look good and work even harder, contact a display and exhibition specialist today.