Store Fixture Criteria

Cost, quality, and service are the three standards that retailers regard in all parts of the industry. This is invariably true during the process of purchasing store fixtures and creating a retail display design. The priority of these three criteria shuffles depending on the individual, but it is the goal of most to find a balance. Retailers want something that is durable and made with quality, provides excellent display service, while at a reasonable cost as well. To determine the best store fixtures that will fit these criteria for a particular store, retailers need to know what they are looking for.

Determining a store fixture according to shape, function, fit, finish, and fabrication will narrow the search dramatically and bring the purchaser much closer to meeting their criteria. The shape of a fixture describes one of six basic shapes, though it is not limited to these. Shelving, countertops, showcases, wall displays (such as slatwall displays), merchandisers, and garments racks are the most common of retail store fixtures. Usually the type of merchandise helps determine the necessary shapes. It is also important to consider the amount of products displayed by a single fixture compared to the cost of the fixture.

This brings us to function. Merchandise capacity will determine the amount of merchandise that can be displayed. If store fixtures are already at max capacity, chances are, the floor space is not totally utilized. It is extremely helpful to use larger fixtures where possible and display merchandise according to floor space rather than limited display fixtures. More efficient and functional displays will increase the number of items shown and have a direct influence on sales.

The fit of a fixture refers to the assembly, or movable parts. Units that need to move frequently must be durable and have a minimum number of moveable parts. The more pieces that separate or move, the less likely a fixture will last. However, for more stable store fixtures, smaller parts and accessories may bring a lot to the display arena. Slatwall or gridwall displays with customizable accessories are very professional and greatly enhance specific, valuable, or featured merchandise. Similarly, any fixtures with glass should stay. No manager or owner wants to be moving the glass showcase to the other side of the store once a month.

The finish and fabrication of store fixtures complete the ensemble by creating a visually coordinated sales floor. Customers see consistency as success, and making decisions like staying with wood finish or changing every thing to fit a new color scheme will keep your sales floor recognizable and appealing. It is better to get rid of an odd ball expensive fixture rather than keep it on amidst an entirely new floor design.

Keep these fixture qualities in mind and use them to create a narrowed list of desirables. This list can then be balanced according to budget, quality, and functional service, but don't be afraid to ask a few customers what they think. Not only will you often gain insightful information but most customers will get a kick out of helping in the store design process.

Ron Maier is the Vice President of S & L Store Fixtures, a leading online provider of slatwall displays and other retail store fixtures. For more information, please visit http://www.slstoredisplays.com