Shop shelving buying guide: what to know before you order

Buying shop shelving seems simple — it's 'just shelves' after all. But wrong choices leave you stuck with a suboptimal shop floor for years. This buying guide walks you through the main decisions.

**Type 1: Wall shelving.** Single-sided, against the wall. Ideal along the edges of your store. Usually 90-140 cm high.

**Type 2: Gondolas.** Double-sided, standing free in the store. Form the central aisles. Usually 150-180 cm high. Dominant in supermarkets and DIY stores.

**Type 3: Pallet racking.** For heavy loads and large items. Indispensable in DIY and garden centers. Often up to 3+ meters high.

**Type 4: Wire baskets.** For bulk presentations, promotion items and flexible arrangements.

**Materials.** Steel (powder-coated or galvanized): 90% of retail. Aluminum: lighter but more expensive.

**Compatibility.** Choose systems compatible with existing standards like Tegometall — then you keep flexibility for future expansion.

**Price indication.** Wall shelving €80-200 per m². Gondola €150-350 per m². Pallet racking €200-500 per m². Indicative prices exclusive of installation.

**New or used?** New provides warranty, consistent look and future expansion. Used is 40-60% cheaper but risk of mismatch when expanding.

Doubts between options? WH Retail provides brand-independent advice and delivers from European production.