Choosing the Right Gondola Shelving for Your Convenience Store.

Setting up an efficient and visually appealing layout is crucial for the success of any convenience store. Gondola shelving is a popular choice for displaying products, maximizing space, and enhancing the overall shopping experience. This buyer’s guide will help you navigate the process of purchasing gondola shelving for your convenience store.

Store Layout and Space Considerations:

- Evaluate your store’s layout and available space to determine the number of gondola shelving units needed
- Consider traffic flow and ensure that the shelving configuration allows for easy navigation, allowing 42″-48″ for aisles size.
- Order gondola shelving in “runs”. Each “run” consists of one (1) STARTER unit and one or more ADD-ON units. For example, if you are placing an order for one (1) 12 foot long run of 4 foot wide double sided island gondola shelving you would order the following:

- - (1) 4 foot STARTER island gondola unit and…
  - (2) 4 foot ADD-ON island gondola units.

PRO TIP #1: Ideally you want gondola shelving runs to align perpendicular to the cashier counter to achieve a good line-of-sight for enhanced security and theft reduction.

Shelving Types:

- Choose between single-sided and double-sided gondola shelving based on your store’s layout.
  - Single-sided units work well against walls, while double-sided units are ideal for creating aisles in the center of your store.

Height, Depth and Width:

- Determine the optimal height of the shelving units based on your store’s ceiling height.
  - Our island gondola shelving is available in 48 inch, 54 inch and 60 inch high units.
  - Our wall gondola shelving is available in 48 inches, 54 inches and 60 inches, 72 inches and 84 inch high units.

PRO TIP #2: We recommend 54 inch high gondolas in order to maintain lines-of-sight for greater security and theft reduction.

- Determine the optimal width of the shelving units based on your store’s shelving layout.
  - Our island and wall gondola shelving is available in 36 inch and 48 inch wide units.
  - Island gondola shelving units will come with a 16 inch deep base deck on both sides. The overall size of the units front-to-back is 34-1/2 inches.
  - Wall gondola units will come with a 16 inch deep base one side. The overall size of the units front-to-back is 18-1/2 inches.

- Select different shelf sizes to accommodate various product types and sizes.
  - Chips – Opt for basket shelves or 15 inch deep medium-duty flat shelves with front fencing. Limit number of shelves per section to four (4).
  - Snacks – Opt for a mixture of peg board hooks and 15 inch deep medium-duty flat shelves.
  - Groceries and Sundries – Opt for 15 inch deep medium-duty solid flat shelves. Limit number of shelves per section to four (4).
  - Candy/Energy Bars – Opt for a mixture of peg board hooks and 13 inch to 15 inch deep medium-duty tilt shelves with front fencing. You may use up to seven (7) shelves per section.
  - Soda/Beer/Wine/Liquor – Opt for gondola units with 16 inch to 25 inch deep with heavy-duty bases and shelves (Call for assistance on these type of shelving units – 866.630.2100).
  - Automotive – Opt for a mixture of peg board hooks and 15 inch deep medium-duty flat shelves.
  - Seasonal – Typically, these products are merchandised on end caps with 13 inch to 15 inch deep medium-duty flat shelves and front/side wire fencing and dividers.

Shelf Adjustability:

- Adjustable shelves offer flexibility and allow you to customize the layout to meet the specific needs of your merchandise.
  - Opt for gondola shelving with adjustable shelves to accommodate changing product displays.
  - Our shelves adjust vertically in 1″ increments.
  - Boxed candy and energy bar shelving should have a tilt-option. Our standard “DL” shelves included with our gondola units can tilt three ways: 15 degree upslope, 17 degree downslope and 30 degree downslope.

Weight Capacity:

- Consider the weight-bearing capacity of the shelves to ensure they can support the products you plan to display.
- Take into account the type of products, their packaging, and potential future additions to prevent overloading.
- Our standard “DL” shelves included with our gondola units have a 500lb weight capacity per shelf in the flat position.

Material and Durability:

- Choose high-quality materials such as steel or reinforced metal to ensure durability and longevity.
  - Our gondola shelving is made of durable steel.
- Consider finishes that are easy to clean and maintain, especially in a high-traffic environment like a convenience store.
  - Our standard gondola shelving is finished in three standard powder-coated paint colors: Charcoal (black), Platinum and Silver.
  - Powder-coating provides several advantages, including:
    - Durability: Resists chipping, scratching, and fading;
    - Chemical resistance: Can withstand cleaning chemicals and other harsh substances;
    - Corrosion resistance: Protects the steel/metal from rust and wear.

Aesthetic Appeal:

- Select gondola shelving that complements the overall design and branding of your convenience store.
- Consider options with attractive finishes and colors to create a visually appealing shopping environment.
  - Our standard gondola shelving is finished in three standard powder-coated paint colors: Charcoal (black), Platinum and Silver.
  - We also offer a variety of custom colors.

Accessories and Add-ons:

- Opt for shelving systems that allow for easy integration of additional accessories as your product range evolves.
- Explore accessories to enhance product visibility and sales.
  - We offer a range of accessories to easily accommodate your merchandising needs including front and side fences, wire baskets, peg board hooks, signage and product pushers.

Installation and Maintenance:

- Choose gondola shelving that is easy to install and can be adjusted without extensive tools.
- Ensure that maintenance and cleaning are straightforward to keep your store looking organized and inviting.
- Access our installation videos here: Wall Gondola Shelving | Island Gondola Shelving

Budget Considerations:

- Establish a budget for your gondola shelving and explore options that balance cost-effectiveness with quality.
- Consider the long-term benefits and durability of the shelving system to make a cost-effective investment.

Conclusion:

Investing in the right gondola shelving is a crucial step in creating an efficient and visually appealing convenience store layout. By considering factors such as store layout, shelving types, size, adjustability, weight capacity, material, aesthetics, accessories, installation, and budget, you can make an informed decision that contributes to the success of your convenience store.