Wall fixtures

Slatwall and Gridwall Uses

Any fashion items

Housewares

Fixed Rail Uses

Hanging clothing items

Not only can a well-merchandised wall produce great sales, but it can also be used as a backdrop for a specific product area. Some systems are more flexible than others. Many retailers favor an arrangement that can offer as many options as possible. Smaller boutiques often incorporate the linear fixtures into the store design and so may not be so concerned about being able to change the configurations.

Slatwall and gridwall systems

Large chains often use a slatwall or gridwall system because of the flexibility each can offer. They are generally designed and used to show high-turnover products because they can be replenished easily. Best used for showing fashion garments, they can also support shelves for housewares or to support a display above eye level. There are various components that can be purchased and used with these systems, such as brackets, rails, and shelves. There are many options for brackets available for all types of fashion items. The most common is the waterfall bracket, which holds more than one item; these are available either as a horizontal or angled-down version. The bar itself features spacing nodules that hangers can sit in or against. A straight arm without spacing nodules will hold more merchandise because the hangers will not be spaced. Both are available as round, square, or rectangular. Many retailers build up a kit that they draw from when required.

A slatwall is made up of panels of wood that are painted or laminated and fixed directly onto the wall. The components simply slot into the gaps between the strips. A gridwall consists of a sturdy wire grid that also fixes directly to the wall, and the bracket clips onto it. Neither system is particularly aesthetic when stripped of its merchandise. It is always advisable to ensure that the brackets are placed close enough together so that when the product is hanging from them, the system is hidden. Ideally a slatwall or gridwall system should be painted the same color as the wall, enabling it to blend in with, and not over-shadow, the product.

Fixed rails

A fixed sturdy rail that carries fashion garments will always look smarter than a rail supported by a slatwall or gridwall system. However, remember that they will not offer the same flexibility. A strong metal or wooden rail is often supported by wall brackets at each end of the pole. It is imperative not only that the pole is strong enough to take the weight of the garments, but that the brackets are too; winter clothing in particular can be heavy.

The use of front and side appraisal for this women’s fashion collection in Topshop, London, helps show many clothing options. The strong graphics act as an impressive backdrop and can be changed to complement the product.

Stylish fixed shelving throughout the Alexander McQueen store in New York is used to exhibit women’s accessories in this high-end fashion store. Concealed lighting is incorporated into the underside of the shelves.

Nike has cleverly created valuable linear selling space in its store near Phoenix, Arizona, by designing freestanding fixtures that not only divide the department but also display products.

Fixed Shelf Uses

Housewares

Fashion items

Fixed shelves

As with a fixed rail, a shelf securely attached to a wall offers no flexibility but may be visually pleasing. A shelf may be attached using brackets that are used as a design feature, or by an invisible bracket that is screwed to the wall with the shelf casing slid over it, concealing the hardware. Walls with natural alcoves suit shelving; planned carefully, they can create interesting merchandise areas. Shelves can be constructed from various materials, including wood, metal, glass, and acrylic. Consideration of the product should be taken into account when introducing shelves to a store. If they are to carry weighty items, a glass shelf may not be appropriate as it may break. Acrylic shelves are prone to scratching and may warp if overstocked. Wooden shelves are best laminated or lacquered; handpainted glossy paints or emulsions will scratch easily.

Lighting shelves can be difficult; the deeper the shelf, the more shadow it will cast on the shelf below it. Ceiling spotlights can be aimed at the shelved wall, however, the lower the shelves, the less light they are likely to get. An alternative is undershelf lighting, which can be fixed to wooden or metal shelves.