Need Shelving & Display Ideas for Your Swimming Pool Store?  Here are some tips:

Swimming Pool Stores use Metal Gondola Shelving because of its durability and versatility. Our Metal Gondola Shelves are made of heavy duty steel with each Gondola Shelf capable of holding heavy loads (up to 500 pounds of general merchandise) such as swimming pool chemicals, chlorine tablets, pool shock, pool water balancers, pool algaecides, pool clarifiers and more.  In addition to displaying swimming pool and spa chemicals, our gondola shelving is perfect for displaying pool equipment and other pool accessories.

A huge benefit that Metal Gondola Shelving provides is that it creates an effective traffic flow management system throughout the store that makes use of the entire retail space, and can help maximize sales. One can achieve this by placing the more common items such as: BioGuard®, Aqua Chem®, Pool Time® and other pool chemicals near the end of the shelving unit. Using this method of swimming pool store organization, your customers can be exposed to all of the other swimming pool accessories that they may need, before finding the ones that they came in for.

Along the perimeter walls of Swimming Pool Stores, many stores use slatwall panels to display a variety of swimming pool and spa equipment accessories including pool skimmers, pool vacuum hoses, pool tile displays, and many other products. Slatwall panels provide a similar benefit to peg backing displays, but in a much more visually appealing manner. You can still display oddly shaped items or shelves, but you also can use it to brand your store while maximizing the retail space in your swimming pool store.

At Discount Shelving & Displays, we have been helping Swimming Pool Stores with affordable, high quality store fixtures including metal gondola shelving, retail displays, store supplies, and many other store fixtures since 1995.

For more ideas check out our Shop By Store Swimming Pool Store Shelving Facts & Tips Page at:  www.discountshelving.com 

As you put together your retail merchandise displays, it’s important to balance creativity with practicality. Plastic Bullnose Shelves are a great store display solution that accomplishes both goals. Retail Bullnose Shelves allow you to achieve a high-end look in your store without the expense of custom shelving.Add New

Plastic Bullnose Shelves are made of injection molded plastic. These store shelves are durable, lightweight and feature a rounded front edge, (also known as radial edge, radius edge or bullnose edge), creating a contemporary and clean looking store display.

Bullnose display shelves come in different color options including black, white and simulated wood grains such as the Maple Bullnose Shelf sold at www.discountshelving.com. One of the best things about Plastic Bullnose Shelving is that the color is infused throughout the shelf so the color doesn’t fade. The plastic material also will not chip or fade.

The Versatility of Plastic Bullnose Shelves

Plastic Bullnose Shelves are versatile, as they can be used with Gridwall, Slatwall and Slotted Standard displays. These plastic bullnose shelves typically come in 13” deep or 15” deep options in 24” or 48” lengths.

• Use shelf knife brackets, sold separately, made to fit your Gridwall, Slatwall and Slotted Standard displays.
• Use 12” knife brackets for 13” deep Plastic Bullnose Shelves. For 15” deep shelves use 14” shelf knife brackets.
• The number of brackets you need depends on the length of shelf.  Use two shelf brackets per 24” long shelf. We recommend using a total of three shelf brackets per 48” long shelf for extra support.
• Each Bullnose Shelf features an open bottom design so that the shelf bracket is hidden from view giving your Plastic Bullnose Shelves a floating appearance.
• Each Plastic Bullnose Shelf will hold up to 40 pounds per four feet of small to medium sized merchandise such as clothing, packaged products, small electronics, stationery, books, giftware, toys, cigars and etc.

Set up is fast and easy. Any store employee can quickly set up these lightweight shelves. No tools, glues or  heavy lifting required! Plastic Bullnose Shelves are also popular shelving display options if you are exhibiting at trade shows or selling at street fairs. Changing up your Plastic Bullnose Shelving displays for new merchandise, or just freshening up your look is simple – just rearrange your Plastic Bullnose Shelves as needed!

When you want beautiful form and reliable function consider using Plastic Bullnose Shelving to create the perfect retail display for your store.

Visit www.discountshelving.com or call 1-888-957-4353 for more information on Plastic Bullnose Shelving , and other retail fixture and display solutions.

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What is Gondola Shelving?

Gondola Shelving is one of the most effective and popular options for displaying a large variety of merchandise for all types of retail environments including: Auto Stores, Hardware Stores, Liquor Stores, Clothing Stores, Beauty Supply Stores, Convenience Stores, Grocery Stores, Pet Stores, Toy Stores, Sports Stores, Office Supplies Stores, Computer Stores and many more.

Gondola shelving systems are manufactured with heavy duty steel components and feature baked enamel finish making them extremely durable and reliable. In addition to strength, Gondola Shelving is a popular retail merchandising system because it offers versatility and maximizes space.

Some of the reasons why Gondola Shelving continues to be a top choice in store fixtures include:

• Shelf heights are adjustable on 1” centers for maximum merchandising capabilities.
• Heavy duty Pegboard and Solid backing Panels are ¼” thick.
• Shelves support up to 500 lbs.
• Low profile 51/2” high base shelf allows more capacity.
• Easy leveler adjustment helps to compensate for uneven floors.
• Easy-to-assemble bolt-less system.  No hardware is needed.
• Optional baskets, fences, hooks and shelves offers multiple versatility for merchandising and displaying products.

What are the types of Gondolas Shelving available?

Gondola shelving systems can include:

• Gondola Shelving Unit – Two-sided standing units.  Used in the center of the floor. Gondola Units are used individually or joined together to form runs.  The first unit is known as a Starter and is free standing.  Additional units joined to the Starter are known as Add-Ons.  Standard backing is heavy duty pegboard or solid panels.

• Gondola Shelving Wall Unit – Single-sided unit mounted against a wall.  Similar to Gondola units, but are one-sided and placed against a wall.  Available in heights from three feet to ten feet in six inch increments.

• Gondola Shelving End-Cap Unit – Single-sided placed at the end or capping-off and facing out of a Gondola Run, a number of Gondola Units placed consecutively next to each other.  The Gondola End-Cap Unit is usually the same height as the Gondola.  It’s recommended that the width of a Gondola End-Cap Unit match the depth (side view) of the Gondola Run.

What should I consider before purchasing Gondola Shelving?

First have a game plan! When laying out your store it is important to consider how to best utilize the available floor space. You want to create an effective traffic flow throughout your retail space. This means maximizing the existing floor space from all four corners.  When planning your gondola store fixtures consider a layout that best allows your customers to move freely from aisle to aisle. Careful planning and positioning of gondola shelving units give you the ability to display a visible variety of merchandise and in turn to potentially increase sales.

Two common store Gondola layout styles include: Racetrack and Power Aisle.

Racetrack Layout consists of a main aisle designed to lead customers from the front of the store and takes them around in a circuit through the entire store past all major merchandise departments, and finally back to the check-out.  It promotes customer traffic in two directions and helps lead them to the sought after items.

The Power Aisle Layout consists of a main aisle running the length of the store from front to back or from corner to corner.  Branching off the main Power Aisle on both sides are departments with retail displays set up on the floor and end units. Power Aisle layouts are set up to allow two way traffic flow and provides  the opportunity for stores to organize merchandise for maximum accessibility and to promote seasonal, specialty or sale items.

What Type of Shelving is available for Gondolas?

Standard Shelving fits all Gondola Unit types and can be positioned flat or angled.  Gondola shelves offer convenient price tag molding in front.  They include perforated holes in front and back ready for you to add fencing and dividers. Arms and brackets come welded to the all steel constructed shelf. Each shelf will support up to 500 pounds.  The most popular color is Ivory, which is carried in stock.  Other colors are available but require longer lead times for delivery.

Shelf sizes are available in 8”, 10”, 12”, 14”, 16”, 18” inch, 20”, 24”, 26”, 30” depths.

The hardware that is used for Gondola shelves are called Wall Uprights.  They come 96” H, but can be cut to size.

What are the steps in determining what size Gondola Shelving I need?

After you’ve determined your store layout and know the types of Gondola units you’ll need (Display, Wall, End) you will need to figure out the height and base size, the length of your Gondola run(s) and the number of shelves you’ll need:

• Step 1: Determine the Gondola Height and Base Size.

The height of a Gondola Shelving Unit starts at 36 inches with a maximum height of 120 inches. Each Gondola Shelving unit requires a deck base.  Base sizes starts at 10 inches wide and come in a maximum width of 22 inches per Gondola side.   Note, for free standing floor gondola units, consider whether you want to be able to see over the units. In addition to allowing customers to see other merchandise in different aisles, many retailers prefer lower units to provide a clear line of sight for store surveillance.

• Step 2: Measure your store to determine available floor space to determine the length of your Gondola Shelving run.

Gondola Shelving Units are available in lengths of 24”, 30”, 36” and 48” long.

• Step 3: Decide on the number of shelves you need for each Wall unit.

Gondola Shelving sizes and colors available from www.discountshelving.com include:

Gondola Shelving Specifications

What are the different types of Gondola Shelving Accessories available?

Adding to the popularity of Gondola Shelving is the availability of a huge range of accessories.  All of these parts and accessories install easily.  Changing or refreshing merchandise displays is simple. Among the different variety of Gondola Shelving accessories available are:

• Display Label Holders
• Divide A Way System
• Fencing Dividers
• Channel Strips & Sign Holders
• Hook Systems
• Open End Baskets
• Power Panels
• Shelving Merchandisers

For retailers fall comes early.  In fact, odds are that even before you’ve had the chance to break-in your flip flops, many stores already have their summer clearance sales in full swing and “new for fall” merchandise already on display.

Getting ready for fall sales is serious business when you consider that Back to School shopping is the second biggest consumer spending event for retailers behind the winter holidays.  In fact, combined K-12 and college consumer spending in fall 2010 will reach $55.12 billion, according to NRF’s 2010 Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey conducted by BIGresearch.  This Back to School survey says that the average American family will spend $606.40 on clothes, shoes, supplies and electronics this year compared to $548.20 last year.

Retailers, it’s never too early to plan and move in new seasonal merchandise.  Whether you sell clothing, shoes, backpacks, electronics, dorm or school supplies, it’s a good idea to take stock of your store and supplies to make sure you’re set for autumn sales. Here are a few Store Planning tips to help you transition from summer sensational to fall fabulous:

1. Plan your new window display.  One of the main ways to update your window display is to change your colors to evoke the change of seasons.  Hot for fall is “sustainable” trends.  According to color and textile design experts, “urban concrete and formal darks meets mid-tones and bright shades” will be “in” this autumn.  So, think colors like: Flax, Dark Oak, Antique Pewter, Sandstone or Champagne, Venetian Red and Sable for your window and displays.  For inspiration on color choices check out fall 2010/winter 2011 Textile/Fashion Color Trends here.
2. If you have space, consider using mannequins to add visual appeal to your window and in-store displays.  Mannequins come in a  range of shapes, sizes, poses, etc. and can be positioned in different ways. Plus mannequins give you great styling options.  Remember customers like to be able to visualize how merchandise, particularly clothing and accessories will look on them.
3. Determine your focal point.  Keep it simple.  Placing too many items will create confusion.  Pick and choose your key items and place them at eye level.  This goes for your window display as well as your in-store displays.
4. Review your store layout and plan your displays. Your goal is to make it easy for the customer to find what they are looking for and to make sense of your product arrangements.  Keep your groupings logical by grouping similar products together, with complementary products nearby.  Remember to view your displays from different angles as your customer would.  Are your focal points still good from different angles?  Is your retail signage clear and readable?
5. Clean it up! You’ve worked hard to attract customers into your store, you’ll want to make sure you keep them there as long as possible and also wanting to come back for more. Nothing ruins a shopping experience more quickly than an unorganized and untidy store.  Evaluate your store from head to toe.  Dispose of litter, reposition displays that may have shifted to where they don’t belong. Check your shelves and make sure all your merchandise is dust-free and in its proper place.  Re-stock inventory as needed.  Are your signs, tags and labels legible and correct?  Enter your store and take a fresh and critical look.  Does it pass your white glove test? Remember that your customer will form an impression of  your store within the first 10 seconds of entering.

Finally don’t get caught unprepared make sure you have the tools and supplies you need to succeed.  Must have items on your Fall Store Fixtures & Supplies Checklist:

• Price labelers, tagging guns – When ordering supplies for price labelers and tagging guns remember one size does not fit all.  Check your brand and model number to get the right labels for your price guns and needles for your tagging guns.
• Retail sale signage, sign holders – Fresh signage helps call attention to your sales. Consider different sizes and colors.  Look for places you can add signage in your store.  In addition to stationary sign holders there are many versatile and portable sign holder options available today.
• Clothing Hangers and Size Dividers / Markers – When ordering hangers keep in mind the sizes you need.  Hang children’s clothing on child sized hangers.   Size dividers and markers help customers find the sizes they need quickly.
• Countertop Displays/Merchandisers – Your counters are prime selling space! Entice impulse purchases with countertop displays and merchandisers.
• Clothing Racks – If you sell clothing make sure you have the right displays.  For clothing: use multi-tier or 4 way racks to pair tops with bottoms to show how coordinated outfits will look.
• Shelving & Hooks – Use shelving to create interesting new displays.  Add new types of merchandise hooks for your slatwall, gridwall or pegboard displays to display more items in new and interesting ways.  Shelving hooks are one of the most cost-effective supplies you can add to your visual merchandising tool kit.
• Acrylic Displays – Help your merchandise really shine through with acrylic displays.  Not only are these displays durable they are versatile available in a range of sizes and shapes.  There are specialty displays available to show off everything from shoes to school supplies.
• Display Tables – Entice shoppers to stop and look with display tables placed in strategic locations throughout your store.  Create visually appealing displays on your tables that make them irresistible and convenient to shop.
• Shopping bags, tissue paper – Customers remember the finishing touches so make a good lasting impression through your shopping bags and tissue paper.  Don’t get caught short of these essentials. It’s a good idea to order and keep a good supply on hand.

For the widest selection of retail store fixtures and supplies for Back to School visit www.discountshelving.com.

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