Apart from slatwall, gridwall and gondola shelving, there are several other types of shelves and hardware and of course all the hardware behind the shelves like the brackets that hold shelves together. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes, before a retail store is ready for the public – a lot of thought and a lot of choices.

So let’s look at some decisions that well help you choose the right shelving for your store, the first of which might be location. Is the shelving going to be a focal point on the storefront, used in the stock room, or somewhere else? Is space a major factor, or do you have an alcove, wall, or closet space where some shelving could fit?

If you have spare wall, or closet space then I would suggest thinking about wire closet shelving, this has a place to hang clothing, place folded trousers, put shoes and hang hats if you are fashion boutique, or maybe cushions, materials and embroidery patterns if you are a haberdashery store.

If you require shelving for the stock room, then you don’t have to worry too much about the aesthetic look, as much as the function and stability. This is why many people choose wire shelving for storage purposes. If they want to use nice looking wire shelving upfront then they will look at chrome wall shelving.

Another consideration is what exactly are you are going to put on the shelves. Obviously if you are putting heavy items on the shelves, you will need more sturdy ones, or if you put lighter items on the shelves you won’t need as much support.

Along the same lines, you should try to choose shelving that matches or compliments the décor. It may be that melamine shelving or glass shelving would be what looks best in your store.

Glass display shelves are a good way of showcasing your merchandise. You have to be careful and get the glass shelves from a reputable retailer, as you don’t want to get glass shelves that shatter or chip. If dropped glass will break, but if you get tempered glass it will not shatter into chards and is safe especially in a retail environment. Tempered glass is also less likely to get chipped and is about twice as strong as normal untreated glass. Another consideration is the thickness of the glass.

Glass shelving will come with a rating that tells you what the allowable weights on the shelves are. Any reputable retailer will be able to advise you of these allowable weights before you buy glass shelving from them.

You should make sure that whatever type of shelving you choose that brackets and hardware match as well. Make sure you look at all your options, before making shelving decisions.