Store fixtures
Store fixtures are usually a major expense for a new store. Planning the fixtures
necessary for a store is a major budget decision and needs to be carefully
thought out.
If you are not familiar with store fixtures, it may be wise to obtain
assistance from a consultant or a store fixture company representative.
If you are affiliated with a franchise or a buying group, these organizations
often will provide store-planning services for a fee.Depending on the fixtures needed and your budget, you may want to
investigate the cost of used fixtures in your market. Most store fixtures are of
very durable construction and will last for many years—in other words; used
fixtures are a good deal.
In most markets, there are many store fixture manufacturers from which to
choose.
You are liable to find that the size of the various fixtures available and the
spacing of the modules are quite similar.
One of the reasons for this is that each company wants to purchase their
fixtures by both new stores and existing stores that may have bought their
original fixtures from another company. Therefore, the fixture companies
need their fixtures to fit in with the other fixtures in the store.Choose fixture modules of a size that will be used in more than one area of the
store. More than one module can usually be fitted together to make a larger
fixture, whereas a larger module cannot be broken up.
Pick standard sizes of fixtures and shelving that will fit with most brands of
fixtures in the market.
If some of your merchandise does not display well on standard shelving and
gondolas, ask your fixture supplier for suggestions. You may be surprised at the
creative solutions that are available.
Be very cautious about accepting free display racks and displays from
suppliers. It doesn't take many of these on the floor in your store before your
store starts to look cluttered because they usually do not fit in with the fixtures
in your store.