Choosing the right gondola store supplier is a strategic priority for optimizing your retail space and maximizing sales. In a European market that accounts for a substantial 28% share of the global shelving market, retailers now have access to an impressive variety of modular solutions tailored to their specific needs.
The effectiveness of these investments is measurable: recent studies show that optimizing shelf layouts can generate a 14% increase in sales with a return on investment reaching up to 800:1. This exceptional performance is explained by the direct impact that product arrangement has on consumer purchasing behavior.
European retailers who invest in quality shelving systems see measurable results quickly. Europe is the largest market for smart shelving, with typical returns on investment between 12 and 24 months, mainly thanks to improved product availability and reduced labor costs.
A recent analysis by InContext Solutions reveals that testing different layout strategies can turn a $15,000 investment into $40 million in gains, demonstrating the critical importance of strategic planning. These results are driven by several factors: increased average basket size, reduced stockouts, and optimization of available space to maximize SKU density without clutter.
Major European groups such as Schwarz Group (Lidl and Kaufland) have invested heavily in advanced shelving infrastructure as part of their digital transformation, underscoring the strategic importance of these solutions in maintaining competitiveness.
Retail design specialists agree on the fundamental impact of shelving systems on commercial performance. According to experts, shelf management intrinsically influences consumer behavior and reflects a retailer’s understanding of market dynamics and customer needs.
Angela Ahrendts, former head of retail at Apple, highlights that personalization is key to breaking through the noise and creating meaningful connections with customers. This approach translates into shelf layouts that create a welcoming and thoughtfully curated impression, encouraging positive purchasing behaviors.
The results speak for themselves: retailers who adopt a data-driven approach to optimize their shelf space see substantial increases in both sales and customer satisfaction. Strategic product placement, guided by shopping habits, significantly improves sales per linear meter and stock turnover.
European manufacturers of commercial shelving maintain a decisive competitive advantage over generic Asian suppliers. This superiority is evident in three key areas: material quality, exceptional durability, and optimized total cost of ownership.
CAEM Group perfectly illustrates this European excellence with its modular TN9, M25, and S50 systems. Established since 1958, this leading manufacturer develops precision-engineered solutions using high-strength steel and zinc-coated finishes. The TN9 system stands out for its exceptional versatility through multi-formed uprights, while the M25 system optimizes merchandising space with 25mm increments and slim shelves incorporating EPOS rails.
Major European retailers such as Tesco, Sainsbury's, and Boots explicitly choose European manufacturers for their long-term advantages, prioritizing reliability and store image over short-term savings. This preference is explained by the prolonged lifespan of the equipment, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced store aesthetics that attract more customers.
European systems also offer extensive customization to meet specific retailer needs, robust after-sales support, and strict compliance with European safety and sustainability standards. This holistic approach guarantees superior return on investment despite a higher initial cost.
Today’s gondola store market meets the diversity of sector needs with specialized configurations. Light-duty shelving supporting up to 200 kg represents over 60% of market value in 2024, especially well-suited to European hypermarkets, grocery stores, and electronics outlets.
This modularity meets new requirements where adaptability, durability, ease of installation, and aesthetic appeal make gondola systems particularly popular in high-traffic retail environments. Retailers are seeking solutions that can quickly adapt to seasonal changes and evolving merchandising strategies.
CAEM Group offers a comprehensive range including UNIZINC storage systems for backrooms, UNImove mobile shelving for maximum flexibility, and LS9 long-span solutions for industrial and e-commerce applications. This diversity covers needs from large food retailers to specialty stores.
Installing a gondola shelving system requires a methodical approach to ensure safety and commercial performance. Modern systems favor modular designs that facilitate assembly while maintaining exceptional robustness.
Preparation is a fundamental step: accurately measuring retail space prevents costly repositioning and optimizes use of available surface area. The assembly process follows a logical sequence, starting with a thorough inspection of all components and positioning the uprights according to recommended spacing.
CAEM systems incorporate innovations that facilitate mounting: the multi-formed uprights of the TN9 system offer exceptional assembly versatility, while the 50mm compatibility of the S50 system enables integration with existing installations. This technical approach simplifies later extensions or modifications, especially appreciated during partial renovations.
Balanced load distribution, with heavy items placed at the bottom, prevents tipping risks and ensures the longevity of the installation. Regular preventive maintenance preserves user safety while maintaining commercial efficiency in the long term.
The evolution towards smarter solutions is transforming traditional layouts. Intelligent shelving integrating digital labels and IoT screens enables dynamic content, real-time pricing, and personalized product recommendations, opening new opportunities for optimization among European retailers focused on innovation and performance.