Introduction to Shelving for DIY and Housewares Stores

DIY and housewares stores are undergoing a significant transformation in how they present their products. Modern store shelving is no longer just a functional support, but a true strategic tool to optimize the shopping experience and maximize sales.

The European retail shelving market reached a 28% share of the global market in 2023, demonstrating the growing importance of this sector. This growth is driven by the need for retailers to adapt to new consumer demands, who seek organized, intuitive, and visually appealing spaces.

Store shelving plays a crucial role in organizing interior spaces, creating clear shopping paths and making it easier to find products. A well-designed layout not only improves daily operational efficiency but also helps reinforce the store’s visual identity. Versatility and customization options allow solutions to be adapted to different types of stores, from specialized hardware shops to large DIY centers.

Choosing the right store shelving directly affects the perception of order and professionalism in the store—fundamental elements for standing out in an increasingly competitive market and attracting loyal customers.

Types of Shelving and Materials Used

The landscape of store shelving presents a wide range of solutions designed to meet the specific needs of the DIY and housewares sector. Among the most common types are gondola shelving, which forms the backbone of commercial furnishings thanks to its versatility and ability to maximize display area.

Modular systems are the most appreciated category among retailers for their flexibility. The CAEM M25 system, for example, features a 25mm pitch design that allows precise shelf placement, enabling retailers to maximize vertical space and increase product displays by up to 10%.

As for materials, metal shelving dominates the sector due to its strength and durability. Modular metal shelving for DIY, made of galvanized or painted steel, guarantees long life even under intensive use. The high-tensile steel used in TN9 systems offers superior strength thanks to multiple bends that provide exceptional structural stability.

Wall shelving is an ideal solution for optimizing vertical surfaces, particularly effective in stores with limited floor space. These wall systems make the most of the vertical wall space and are easily adjustable to fit different product sizes.

Modular accessories significantly expand display possibilities: adjustable shelves, specialized hooks, dividers, wire baskets, and customizable back panels transform shelving into truly intelligent display systems. Compatibility between different systems, such as the S50 series with a 50mm pitch, ensures perfect integration with existing layouts.

Merchandising Strategies: Optimizing Space and Maximizing Sales

Optimizing space in DIY and housewares stores requires specific strategies that take into account the dimensional variety of products and customer shopping habits. Modern strategies prioritize organization by well-defined product categories, creating easily identifiable themed zones that simplify store navigation.

The global smart shelving market, valued at $3.3 billion in 2023, is expected to surpass $14.6 billion by 2030, driven by the adoption of automation technologies that reduce out-of-stock situations and improve customer satisfaction.

The strategic arrangement of display shelving must consider the natural traffic flows of customers. High-turnover products should be placed in easily accessible areas, while impulse-buy items are ideally located in mandatory passage zones. Implementing dynamic inventory management systems allows 20–30% of stock to be reserved for seasonal reallocations based on real-time sales data.

The store’s image and design benefit greatly from modular systems that allow quick layout changes. CAEM systems, designed with low bases and central back panels, minimize floor space usage while maintaining or increasing storage capacity, allowing for wider aisles that improve customer flow.

Customizing furnishings through coordinated colors, selected materials, and branded graphics allows different departments to be characterized and effectively communicates the store’s identity. The integration of retrofittable LED lighting elements, such as the Ardente system, improves product visibility and enriches the shopping experience.

Display shelving must be calibrated in height and depth according to the type of products to be presented. Heavy items require reinforced shelves and easily reachable positions, while small accessories benefit from specific containment systems that maintain order and accessibility.

Innovation and Trends in Store Shelving

The store shelving sector is undergoing a phase of profound technological innovation. The integration of IoT sensors and artificial intelligence into modern shelving enables real-time inventory monitoring, dynamic pricing management, and personalized promotions directly at the shelf level.

The global retail shelving systems market will reach $2.64 billion in 2025, with annual growth of 9.2% through 2032. This expansion reflects the accelerated adoption of lighter, more flexible solutions optimized to quickly respond to changes in demand.

Innovation is particularly focused on sustainable materials and modern finishes. Manufacturers are investing in recycled metals, low-emission coatings, and reusable modular systems that minimize waste during store renovations. CAEM, with over 60 years of global experience, integrates sustainable manufacturing practices into its production processes.

Augmented reality technologies are beginning to find application in the most advanced setups, allowing customers to view detailed product information via smartphones or see how housewares will fit into their home spaces.

Modularity remains the dominant trend, with systems that allow rapid reconfiguration to adapt to seasonal promotions, new assortments, or changes in store layout. CAEM systems, such as S50 and M25, exemplify this philosophy by offering extended compatibility and future expansion possibilities.

The integration of digital elements, such as interactive electronic labels and information displays, is transforming shelving into two-way communication platforms with customers, improving the shopping experience and providing valuable data on shopping behaviors.

Choosing the Right Supplier: Criteria and Tips

Selecting a shelving supplier requires thorough analysis that goes beyond simply comparing metal shelving prices. Fundamental criteria include material quality, compliance certifications, the range of available solutions, and customization capability.

Industry experience is a key differentiator. CAEM Group, founded in 1958 and ISO 9001:2015 certified, boasts over 60 years of expertise in designing and manufacturing retail shelving, with production sites in Italy, the UK, Australia, and India that guarantee global support with local responsiveness.

Supplier compliance should be verified through specific data from the production site, not just corporate information. It is essential to request standardized self-assessment questionnaires and third-party audits to confirm compliance with labor, safety, and environmental management regulations.

The ability to offer complete solutions, from design to implementation, is a significant added value. CAEM provides end-to-end services including in-house design, prototyping, and precision manufacturing, ensuring tailor-made solutions that fit perfectly with the store’s specific layouts.

Metal shelving prices should be evaluated considering the total cost of ownership, which includes installation, maintenance, and potential savings from operational efficiency. Modular systems, while requiring a higher initial investment, offer long-term flexibility that translates into significant savings.

The availability of a wide range of accessories and compatibility between different systems allows for complete and functional setups. Efficient after-sales service, guaranteed delivery times, and transparency in commercial terms complete the profile of the ideal supplier.

CAEM stands out for its ability to develop innovative solutions such as low-base shelving for bulky products and modular cabinets for Click & Collect services, developed in collaboration with major retail chains. This collaborative, problem-solving approach is the added value every retailer should seek when choosing a partner for outfitting their store.