In the competitive world of retail, your storeās layout is a powerful tool for driving sales and shaping the customer experience. While products are the heart of your business, retail shelving is the backbone that holds it all together. It’s not just about storage; itās about strategic product display, brand identity, and creating an inviting environment that encourages customers to browse and buy.
Choosing the right shelving can be the difference between a cluttered, confusing space and a clean, efficient, and visually appealing one. This guide will help you understand the different types of retail shelving, their benefits, and how to choose the perfect system for your store.
Types of Retail Shelving: Finding the Perfect Fit
The world of retail shelving is vast, with options designed for every store type, product, and aesthetic. Here are some of the most common types youāll encounter:
Why the Right Shelving Matters: More Than Just Storage
The benefits of a well-chosen shelving system go far beyond simple product storage. Effective retail shelving:
Choosing Your Shelving: Key Considerations
When selecting retail shelving, consider the following:
Investing in the right retail shelving is one of the smartest decisions you can make for your business. It’s an investment in efficiency, aesthetics, and ultimately, your bottom line.
In the wake of recent tragic events, the United Kingdom has taken a significant step to enhance public safety with the passage of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, widely known as Martyn’s Law. This landmark legislation, championed by Figen Murray, mother of Manchester Arena attack victim Martyn Hett, is a crucial shift from voluntary best practices to a legally mandated duty for public places to improve their protective security and preparedness against terrorism.
This blog will break down what Martyn’s Law means for businesses, venues, and event organizers across the UK.
Martyn’s Law applies to a broad range of publicly accessible locations and events, adopting a tiered approach based on capacity. This ensures the requirements are proportional to the risk.
The law requires a “responsible person” to be designated to ensure compliance. This can be an individual or a company with control over the premises or event.
Compliance with Martyn’s Law isn’t just about a checklist; it’s about embedding a culture of security and preparedness. The key requirements are centred on three core areas:
What You Should Do Now
Martyn’s Law received Royal Assent on April 3, 2025. The government has announced an implementation period of at least 24 months before the Act comes into force, but proactive preparation is crucial.
Martyn’s Law represents a fundamental shift in how the UK approaches public safety. By prioritizing a proactive approach to security and preparedness, businesses can not only meet their legal obligations but also contribute to a safer environment for everyone.
Oak bollards are commonly used for various purposes, such as traffic control, pedestrian safety, and decorative landscaping. Proper operation and maintenance (O&M) of oak bollards can help ensure their longevity and functionality. Here is some information on the O&M of oak bollards:
Cleaning: Regular cleaning is essential to maintain the appearance and condition of oak bollards. Use a soft cloth or sponge and mild detergent mixed with water to clean the surface of the bollards. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals that can damage the wood.
Protective Coatings: Oak bollards can benefit from protective coatings to enhance their durability and resistance to environmental elements. Apply a suitable wood preservative or sealant to protect the wood from moisture, UV rays, and insect infestation. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific product you choose.
Regular Maintenance: Maintain the integrity of the oak bollards by sanding and refinishing them periodically. Sanding helps smooth the surface and remove any splinters. Apply a fresh coat of protective finish, such as varnish or exterior-grade paint, to maintain the appearance and protect the wood.
Weed Control: If oak bollards are installed in areas with vegetation, ensure that weeds or grass do not grow too close to the bollards. Overgrown vegetation can retain moisture and promote decay. Regularly trim the surrounding vegetation and remove any weeds or grass around the bollards.
Snow and Ice Removal: During winter months, it’s important to clear snow and ice from around the bollards to prevent damage caused by freeze-thaw cycles. Avoid using de-icing chemicals that may be harmful to the wood. Instead, use gentle methods such as shovelling or brushing off snow.
Bollards add protection to your landscape or site and are aesthetically appealing to the eye.
What is a bollard?
For these out there asking: āWhat is a bollard?ā ā road bollards are brief and sturdy, vertical posts used to manage avenue traffic, forestall ram-raiding assaults and adjust entrances and exist to unique areas.
Youāve in all likelihood viewed many special patterns of bollards in public areas, regularly lining the avenue or blockading car get right of entry to in an in any other case open space.
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Why Powder Coated Yellow?
Bollards are designed to protect against accidental crashes. Still, you will want to
make sure your bollards are noticeable enough to grab the attention of distracted
drivers. Search for bollards in eye-catching colours, such as bold yellow, to add
visual security for your site or building.
Check out our range of bollards here < Timber Bollards – Stainless Steel Bollards – Steel Bollards – Telescopic Bollards >
The purpose of such Access Control systems is to restrict access where necessary so that the number of people entering and exiting can be better monitored.
Access controlĀ is an updated and effective methodĀ ofĀ ensuring thatĀ accessĀ to a business system, certain areasĀ ofĀ a premises or physical and virtual resources are restricted, either by an authority or a business.
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TheĀ purposeĀ ofĀ such systems is to restrictĀ accessĀ where necessary so thatĀ theĀ numberĀ ofĀ people entering and exiting can be better monitored.
Access controlĀ is an updated and effective methodĀ ofĀ ensuring thatĀ accessĀ to a business system, certain areasĀ ofĀ a premises or physical and virtual resources are restricted, either by an authority or a business.
Additionally, access control is a means to protect people within an organisation from unauthorised entry.
It also stops staff and visitors from gaining access to potentially dangerous areas such as warehouses.
Furthermore, for businesses looking to track and monitor the flow of people around a building, there are various access control systems that fulfil this objective too.
Our family of mechanical gates offers an extremely effective yet economicalĀ access security solution.
As reliable as it is practical, the mechanical gate is designed to be used inĀ areas to positively indicate the entrance/exit flow and is particularly suited to
where maximum security is not required.
The gate is designed to open through 90 degrees and return to the closedĀ position under spring tension. A standard feature of these gates is the ability to
be opened in the reverse direction by firm body pressure to give an emergencyĀ exit facility.
A simple adjustment negates this facility when used as an exit.
Access control systems help restrict entry to areas of a business premises containing hazardous waste, expensive IT equipment and sensitive information. These restrictions help reduce theft, damage and more.
Some sites arenāt guarded or staffed 24/7. There are occasions when suppliers, contractors and delivery drivers require access outside of business hours.
Full height turnstiles are the ultimate in security and control of foot flow throughĀ an entrance/exit point.
They provide secure closure of passageways and are well suited forĀ checkpoints where high security and attractive design are equally important.
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By investing in an access control system, businesses will benefit from a system which:
Helps protect assets such as expensive equipment
Creates a safe working environment for employees
Provide data on staff movement, timekeeping and productivity
Reduce the potential for breaks ins and theft
Our TrolleyĀ Anti Roll Back StripĀ is designed to complement our shopping trolley shelters. Providing that extra security preventing shopping trolley from rolling back out of the shelter onto oncoming or parked cars.
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Positioning
One antiāroll back strip should be fitted at the front of the shelter with the leading edge level
with the outside of the front hoop and an equal gap left to the left
and right side.
Usually fixed using 4 x M6 x 60 Coach screw and expansion plug
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Our Dalby Shopping trolley shelter itself is an elegant shape, made from aluminium with lots of gentle curves and glazed with 6mm clear polycarbonate.Ā In order to fit the space available it was designed for entry from one side.Ā Ā The back consists of 3mm aluminium sheets powder coated in two shades of grey, curved from top to bottom, preventing any view into the shelter from the adjacent car park, whilst a gap at the top enables air circulation.Ā The roof is clear 6mm solid polycarbonate that was cold-curved during fitting, as is the vertical panel on the side opposite to the entrance.Ā The glazing was fitted using our P226 screw-down glazing bar and in line with current legislation 50% of the shelter sides are open to the elements.
1.All concrete pads should be laid and given sufficient time to harden before shelters are installed.
2.Tarmac should be laid new, or made good to a maximum depth of 50mm over the concrete pads before shelters are installed.
3.Tarmac should be clearly marked to identify the position of the external perimeter of each concrete pad.
4.Approximately 3-4 shelters can be erected per day, therefore sufficient pads should be laid
prior to shelter installation to allow for consecutive working days for the total quantity of shelters
to be fitted.
1. STORAGE PRIOR TO ASSEMBLY
A suitable secure storage area (compound) will be required prior to delivery to site. This needs to be large
enough to accommodate the total number of shelters required.
2. REVIEW GROUND WORKS
Check that ground works have been carried out and made good as per previous ground work section.
3. LOCATION OF ASSEMBLY
Main assembly of the shelters must be undertaken within an area of 6 car parking spaces around the parking
bay that is to be the final fixed position of the shelter as described in the āWorking Areaā paragraph below to
avoid unnecessary manual handling issues.
4. WORKING AREA
A clear working area must be provided incorporating a total of 6 car parking spaces, 1 space either side of
the parking space the shelter is to finally fixed to and three spaces directly behind. This area should be made
safe for working by erecting Herras fencing around the perimeter as per AWOW V5.
1. CHECK PARTS
Check all parts have been supplied correctly.
2. ASSEMBLE BRACKETS
Assemble end and middle brackets as shown above. Use M8 x 16 Hex Head Bolts, M8 Nyloc Nuts and
M8 Washers.
ā¢ Quantity required for each shelter is:
o 4 x Middle Bracket
o 8 x End Bracket
3. ASSEMBLE SHELTER SKELETON
ā¢Assemble lower steel railings. Do not fix railings to concrete until step 5.
ā¢Slide assembled brackets and loose bolts into loop channel in the following quantities.
ā¢Front loop requires 4 end brackets for horizontal beams (see detail A), 2 M8 x 16 bolts for side stiffening bars and 1 M8 x 40 bolt in the middle for the trolley park sign and top stiffening bar.
ā¢Middle loop requires 4 middle brackets for horizontal beams (see detail C), 3 M8 x 16 bolts for internal support beams.
ā¢Back loop requires 4 end brackets for horizontal beams (see detail A), 3 M8 x 16 bolts for internal support beams.
ā¢Loosely assemble loops to railings using M8 x 25 bolts, M8 washers and M8 nylocnuts (see detail B above).
ā¢Locate and fix side and top internal support beams to tie loops together using the loose M8 x 16 bolts, M8 washers and M8 nylocnuts.Secure middle internal support beam at top centre of loops. Fix the 2 other internal support beams either side at equal height.
ā¢Locate and tighten horizontal beams on to brackets on one side at a height of 755mm from the bottom of the loops to the centre of the beam / brackets.(see detail A/C above).
4. FIX FIRST CLEAR GLAZING PANELS
ā¢ Bend 2 glazing panels into loop channels on opposite side of the trolley park to the 755mm high fixed horizontal beam.
ā¢ Slide glazing around loop in channels and locate onto 775mm high horizontal beams.
ā¢ Locate 2 horizontal beams above glazed panels and secure to brackets as per stage 2.
ā¢Repeat stage 2 for all glazing panels, finishing with locating final 2 horizontal beams at 755mm high to ensure the trolley park is even.
ā¢Tighten all M8 fixings except M8 x 40 front top centre fixing.
ā¢Rivet 4x side support bars through side glazing panels to internal support beams as shown, 12 places in total. Again ensure trolley park bars are even on both sides.
6. FIX SIGN
ā¢ Slide sign into top centre stiffening bar and using the M8 x 40 bolt mentioned in stages 2 and secure with M8 washer and nyloc nut.
7.FIX TO CONCRETE
ā¢Move and locate trolley parks to centre of concrete pads. Concrete pads should have been pre-installed by others to suit the attached layout. Chemfixtrolley park in position with two chemfixfixings per leg. (See detail C above).
ā¢If hitch rail is included in installation, locate hitch rail in appropriate position and fix using 200mm long chemfixstud (see detail D above).
ā¢Fix hitch rail to horizontal beams as shown using U-brackets and offset spacers as required (shown above).
ā¢Clean all debris from drilling from work area.
Positioning
One antiāroll back strip should be fitted at the front of the shelter with the leading edge level
with the outside of the front hoop and an equal gap left to the left
and right side.
FASTENER LIST
ā¢Fixing Kit:
ā¢69 No M8 x 16 Hex Head Z/P
ā¢16 No M8 x 25 Hex Head Z/P
ā¢1 No M8 x 40 Hex Head Z/P
ā¢85 No M8 Nyloc Nuts Z/P
ā¢85 No M8 Large Washer
ā¢12 No FIX-90036 4 X 16 LARGE HEAD POP RIVET
ā¢Chem fix Kit:
ā¢1 -Tube Chemfix380ML (C/W 2 Nozzles)
ā¢16 -M10 X 200 Resin Anchor Stud / Nut / Washer
ā¢16 -1.1/2 X 3/8 Mudguard Washer ZP
ā¢Anti Roll Back Strip
ā¢4 -M6 x 60mm coach screw
ā¢4 -M6 rawlplugs
ā¢4 -M6 washers
TOOL REQUIREMENTS
ā¢13mm A/F spanner.
ā¢Soft mallet.
ā¢Socket Set
ā¢Impact Driver
ā¢110v SDS Drill & 12mm drill bits
ā¢Large Chemical Resin Gun
ā¢Rivet Gun
ā¢110v Generator
IF THEREāS one invention that demonstrates just how far technology has come in the past 80 years it might be the humble shopping trolley.
It seems so simple, and certainly something we all take for granted when itās time to load up on groceries each week, but it hasnāt always been so easy.
Once upon a time shoppers had to struggle with the limitations of wicker or wire baskets. That is, until in 1937 the owner of the Humpty Dumpty supermarket chain in Oklahoma came up with what at the time was a revolutionary idea: put a much bigger basket on wheels to allow people to keep shopping.
It was an idea that would end up netting Sylvan Goldman his impressive fortune and was later hailed as a piece of innovation that drove the force of American capitalism.
But it didnāt catch on right away.
Men thought they were effeminate and women were reminded of pushing baby strollers ā a task they had apparently had enough of.
Seeking to sway public opinion the 39-year-old inventor took out a number of newspaper ads to promote the new grocery store feature.
āCan you imagine winding your way through a spacious food market without having to carry a shopping basket on your arm?ā read one.
However they proved ineffective. In a 1977 interview with CBS, Goldman recalled the difficulty he had in getting the American public to embrace his invention.
Goldman persisted and hired attractive men and women to walk around his stores pushing the shopping carts ā a move that proved to be a stroke of genius.
Once they were eventually deemed fashionable enough, the carts took off. Not only did his business go through the roof, Goldman began selling his creation to other supermarket chains and by 1940 he had a seven-year waiting list.
The process leading to the shopping trolley was by no means a straightforward one.
In the end, inspiration for the design of the trolley came from a wooden folding chair in Goldmanās office.
Looking at the chair while sitting in his office one day, it came to him. What if he put wheels on the bottom of the chair and had a second base on which to hold another basket?
According to the folklore, he raced downstairs to find the store handyman Fred Young and the pair spent hours tinkering with a design.
After the first attempt with a wooden chair collapsed under the weight of the basket they designed another using a metal frame.
The design soon evolved into what Goldman called a āfolding basket carrierā and he filed the invention with the patent office ā a move that helped spawn a real estate and retail empire worth half a billion dollars by the time he died in 1984.
The larger, single basket successor to Goldmanās initial design is still in use today.
Who was the inventor of the shopping trolley?
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Sylvan Goldman
UV Air Purifier for General & Commercial Use ā Why You Need One
The past 12 months has been a difficult time for businesses of all kinds, as well as for educational institutions, the health care sector and households. Indeed, every area of industry and commerce has been affected by the covid-19 pandemic which is still very much front-page news. The crisis has changed the way we approach life in many areas of our behaviour, and it is likely a lot of these changes will remain with us.
Our approach to personal hygiene, and that of the environments we live and work in, has had to change ā but in fact itās been for the better. We now have a better approach to washing our hands, keeping surfaces clean and so on. But thereās one area that has been difficult to deal with: the air that we breathe.
Why UV Air Purifier?
In the UK we have now been required to wear a face mask in shops and other public places for many months. These masks are effective to a point but can never provide 100% prevention. This is one reason why many business, retail outlets, industrial units and even some public spaces such as shopping centres are investing in UV Air Purifiers. What do they do?
A UV Air Cleaner Purifier is a device designed to rid the air of bacteria and viruses that exist in minute form. Rather than using a mechanical filter ā a method that many air filters use ā it utilises UV light to kill the microbes. Mechanical filters can miss the smallest bacteria, for example, whereas UV light will not.
Furthermore, the UV Air Cleaner Purifier is a silent device. This is important in, for example, an office situation where the team in place need quiet to concentrate and take calls. Itās also useful in shops, where a mechanical filter will constantly add to the background noise that is already present.
These devices are simple to use and do not take up a great deal of space. The light it uses is correctly known as UV-C light, which is the most effective at dealing with microscopic bacteria and viruses, and they run from a standard 240volt mains socket. Should you be looking at installing a UV Air Cleaner Purifier?
Do You Need a UV Air Purifier?
If you are a retailer you may want to consider an air purifier, and you can find out more about them at Store Fittings Direct who are a leading supplier. They are also used in public waiting rooms of all kinds, as well as in restaurants, cafes and pubs. As restrictions are lifted there is no doubt that UV air purifiers will become commonplace in offices, in industrial units, as well as in schools, colleges and hospitals ā anywhere, in fact, where people are employed and the public visit.
There is bound to be high demand for UV Air Cleaner Purifiers so we recommend you get an order in early and remember that they can also be used in the home.
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