Gondola Shelving Explained

Common Gondola Shelving Layouts

When setting up your gondola shelving layout, it's important to consider factors such as the size of your store, the type of products you sell, and the flow of customer traffic. There are two popular layouts to consider, the race track layout and the power aisle layout, with both offering unique advantages that can be tailored to suit your specific needs. Remember to comply with local regulations and ADA requirements when setting up your gondola shelving. We'll discuss the two common layouts below so you can decide which is best for your business.

Race Track Layout

The race track layout involves placing the shelving units in a continuous loop, creating a path for customers to follow as they navigate through the store. The race track layout maximizes aisle space and maximizes the flow of traffic.

In this layout, the gondola shelving units are positioned back-to-back, with the shelving facing outward on both sides. This creates a central aisle where customers can walk through the store. The shelving units can be arranged in a straight line or curved to create a more dynamic layout. There is also the opportunity to create standalone or feature displays within this layout. The race track layout is ideal for stores with a high volume of products and foot traffic.

Power Aisle Layout

The power aisle layout involves creating a central aisle that runs perpendicular to the rest of the shelving units. The power aisle is typically wider than the other aisles and serves as a focal point for displaying featured or high-margin products.

With the power aisle layout, the gondola shelving units are positioned in rows on either side of the power aisle. This configuration allows for easy access to products from both sides and provides a clear line of sight for customers as they walk down the main aisle. The power aisle layout is commonly used in grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retail environments where product promotion and visibility are key.

Gondola Accessories

Gondola shelving accessories are essential to enhancing the functionality and organization of your shelving system. These accessories optimize the use of space and provide efficient storage solutions for commercial establishments. Let's take a closer look at some common gondola shelving accessories:

• Hooks: Mainly used with pegboard gondolas, hooks come in various styles to accommodate various products and can be easily attached to the perforated uprights of the shelving units.
• Baskets: Gondola shelving baskets are perfect for displaying loose items or products that are difficult to stack neatly. They can be easily attached to the shelves, providing an organized and easily accessible display for items, such as produce, toys, or small accessories.
• Shelves: Selecting the style and size of shelving depends on the products you sell. They can be easily adjusted or removed to create customized shelf configurations.
• Divider Fence: Divider fences separate and organize products on the shelves, preventing them from mixing or falling over. These fences can be attached to the front or rear of the shelves and are available in various lengths to fit different shelf depths.
• Side Fence: Side fences are similar to divider fences but are designed to be attached to the sides of the shelves. They help create a barrier and prevent products from falling off the sides, providing added safety and stability to your displays.
• Front Fence: Front fences are commonly used on gondola shelving to keep products neatly organized and prevent them from sliding off the front of the shelves. These fences can be easily attached and adjusted to fit the desired shelf height.
• Kick Plates: Installed at the base of gondola shelving units, kick plates protect against accidental kicks or impacts, preventing damage to the shelving and the surrounding area. Kick plates also help maintain a clean and professional appearance by preventing debris from accumulating beneath the shelves.