CAEM Blog: Modular Shelving, Shopfitting Trends & Sustainable Retail Solutions

CAEM S50 Modular Gondola Shelving: 50mm compatible

Written by CAEM Blog | May 17, 2025 12:36:06 PM

Introduction

In the competitive world of retail, shopfitting and store presentation are more critical than ever. Success hinges on factors such as adaptability, aesthetics, durability, and cost-effectiveness. When global retailers and local stores alike evaluate shelving systems, their choice determines not only product visibility, but also efficiency, customer experience, and investment longevity. Enter the S50 Modular Gondola Shelving System by CAEM—a truly versatile and robust solution renowned for its compatibility, modularity, and tailorability.

This comprehensive post explores the S50 system’s unique features, detailed technical information (including dimensions and weight tolerances), its flexibility across a diverse range of sectors, and why it is a front-runner for retail giants and independent operators seeking performance and reliability.

S50 Modular Gondola Shelving System: An Overview

CAEM’s S50 modular shelving is meticulously engineered to be compatible with other 50mm pitch shelving systems. That means components—including uprights, backs, bases, and shelves—can be seamlessly interchanged with any standard 50mm system, making upgrades, expansions, and replacements hassle-free. This commitment to interchangeability assures S50 customers that their investment today won’t become obsolete tomorrow, enabling phased rollouts and ensuring legacy compatibility across retail estates.

Key Highlights:

  • Full compatibility with 50mm shelving systems—ideal for new store openings, refits, or phased upgrades

  • Custom-colour availability thanks to a just-in-time painting process

  • High-output manufacturing matched with swift design flexibility

  • Backed by CAEM’s decades of shelving expertise

Technical Specifications: Sizes, Components, and Weight Loadings

Precision engineering is the hallmark of the S50 system, ensuring not only structural robustness but a breadth of configurations suitable for every retail and storage need.

Components, Sizes, and Configurations

Upright (JR01):

  • Tubular steel profile with slotted face at a pitch of 50mm

  • Slot pattern: Fully compatible with global 50mm systems

  • Steel thickness: 2.5mm for exceptional strength

  • Heights: Multiples of 50mm; tailored to client/shop requirement

  • Origin: China

Base (JR04):

  • Material thickness: 3mm

  • Depth Options: 30, 37, 47, and 57cm

  • Height: 14cm

  • Origin: China

  • Connection: Universal fit with 50mm upright

Back Panels (JR08):

  • Steel thickness: 0.6mm

  • Heights: 10cm, 30cm, 40cm

  • Widths: 67, 80, 100, 125cm

  • Standard and perforated (for accessories/hooks)

  • Origin: China & Italy

Shelves (JR13):

  • Steel thickness: 0.8mm

  • Depth: 30, 37, 47, 57cm

  • Running widths: 67, 80, 100, 125cm

  • Origin: China & Italy

Brackets (JR10):

  • Steel thickness: 3mm

  • Available lengths: 30, 37, 47, 57cm; 2, 3, or 4 notches for varying shelf depths

  • Origin: China & Italy

Epos Ticket Strips:

  • Standard: 40mm height

  • Match widths (67, 80, 100, 125cm)

Weight Loading Statistics

S50 is designed to meet the rigorous demands of contemporary retail. Below is a summary of official static weight loadings (valid only with correct and level installation). All ratings include a safety factor of 2 for end-user peace of mind.

Suspended Shelves (Per Level, Evenly Distributed Load)

  • 30cm depth: 400kg per shelf (110kg per width: 66.5cm, 80cm, 100cm, 125cm)

  • 37cm depth: 400kg per shelf (100kg per width)

  • 47cm depth: 350kg per shelf (90kg per width)

  • 57cm depth: 300kg per shelf (150kg per width)

Base Shelves

  • 30cm depth: up to 150kg (66.5cm), 140kg (80cm), 130kg (100cm), 110kg (125cm)

  • 37cm depth: 230kg (66.5cm), 210kg (80cm), 200kg (100cm), 155kg (125cm)

  • 47cm depth: as above

  • 57cm depth: 360kg (66.5cm), 330kg (80cm), 310kg (100cm), 270kg (125cm)

Combined (Total Configuration Per Bay)

  • 30cm depth: 550kg (66.5cm), 540kg (80cm), 530kg (100cm), 510kg (125cm)

  • 37cm depth: 630kg (66.5cm), 610kg (80cm), 600kg (100cm), 555kg (125cm)

  • 47cm depth: 580kg (66.5cm), 560kg (80cm), 550kg (100cm), 505kg (125cm)

  • 57cm depth: 660kg (66.5cm), 630kg (80cm), 610kg (100cm), 570kg (125cm)

These capacities confirm S50’s suitability for intensive merchandising or heavy-duty stock situations without compromise.

Flexibility and Accessories

The S50 system isn’t just about basic shelving—it’s designed as a modular kit that can be adapted and accessorized for countless uses:

  • Slat and perforated panels for hooks/blisters

  • Promotional end-units

  • Pullout/tiered shelves

  • Display accessories: signage, shelf joiners, wire baskets

  • Colour customization: Factory-finished to your bespoke palette

  • Bespoke design: CAEM can support bespoke accessories and displays for unique merchandising requirements

Sectors and Client Types: Where S50 Excels

The true value of S50 shines in its multi-sector applicability. Below is a sector-by-sector breakdown, highlighting real-world uses and benefits.

1. Supermarkets & Hypermarkets

S50 is engineered for the fast-paced world of high-volume supermarkets. Its high load rating handles everything from drinks to canned goods, while interchangeable parts let store planners optimize as seasons and layouts change. Promotional end units and custom-colour options enhance store branding.

2. Convenience Stores & Petrol Forecourts

S50 enables compact, high-density displays that extract maximum value from limited retail floorspace. Its flexibility in width, shelf configuration, and accessory compatibility lets planners merchandise anything from snacks and drinks to OTC medicines and daily-use items.

3. Discount & Variety Retailers

The cost-conscious but demanding discounter sector appreciates S50’s robust build, cross-compatibility (meaning legacy refits are painless), and ability to support bulk or budget merchandise. Flexible accessories allow quick promotional changes.

4. DIY, Hardware & Home Improvement

Stocks can be bulky and heavy—S50’s generous weight ratings and strong components are key. Optional tiered or pull-out shelves, slat panels, and bins provide adaptable storage for everything from small fasteners to paint tubs and power tools.

5. Pet Stores

From bags of dog food to pet toys, S50’s modular kit adapts to the unique needs of pet retailers. Custom bays, heavy-duty bases, and easily adjustable accessories allow rapid changes as ranges evolve.

6. Pharmacies & Health Stores

The cleanliness and organization required in pharmacy displays are made easy with S50. The system’s precise fit and modular options allow optimised shelving for boxed medicines, POS items, and promotional end displays while maintaining compliance with health and safety standards.

7. Electronics & Tech Retailers

Support for heavy items, secure accessory hooks, and customizable layouts make S50 the perfect fit for electronic gadgets, accessories, and devices. Security and display integration are made simple.

8. Fashion, Apparel & Sports

Outfitter and sporting retailers use S50 for mid-floor gondola features, end-cap displays, and accessory racks—with easy reconfiguration as stock changes.

9. Home Goods & Furniture

Whether it’s kitchenware, small appliances, or home décor, S50 offers deep and wide shelving options, plus customizable finishes to match store ambiance.

10. POP (Point-of-Purchase) and Promotional Displays

With robust build and myriad display accessories, S50 can be easily deployed for POP promotions, impulse purchase zones, and event-based installations—vital for boosting seasonal or campaign sales.

Why CAEM S50: Key Advantages Summarized

  • Universal compatibility

  • High load ratings for diverse products

  • Custom colour and surface options

  • Extensive accessory range

  • Prompt supply for large rollouts

  • Tailored design/manufacturing for unique displays

Case Example: Multi-Site Retail Rollouts

Many major global chains standardize on CAEM’s S50 system to ensure every new site matches their existing store estate—minimizing the complexities (and costs) of managing mixed systems, and securing a reliable supply of interchangeable spares.

Retailers often request special colours or branded display elements for new concept stores; S50’s made-to-order painting and accessory flexibility empower chain planners and independent owners alike to keep their shop floors relevant, timely, and efficient.

Conclusion

The CAEM S50 Modular Gondola Shelving System stands out not only for what it delivers today—strength, compatibility, and flexibility—but for what it promises tomorrow: upgradeability, bespoke options, and the confidence that every investment in fixtures is supported by an organization committed to its clients’ long-term success. Whether for large supermarkets, nimble convenience stores, hard-working DIY outlets, or vibrant promotional spaces, S50 brings together everything modern retailers need for store excellence.

If you’re planning a refit, expansion, new store opening, or simply need a shelving system your business can rely on for years to come, CAEM S50 offers the performance, adaptability, and support to help you thrive.

For more details, bespoke quotes, or to discuss your next project, contact CAEM’s expert team at caem.net.

All technical data and sector insight referenced in this article are based on the official CAEM AI Training Dataset: product specifications, load ratings, and sector recommendations are accurate at time of writing.