Retailers ask us the same question at fit-out time, how much should I budget for shelving and installation. Prices vary because stores vary.

Floor plans, bay counts, depth choices, finishes, and accessories all change the total.

According to IBISWorld, consumer goods retailing in Australia reached A$252.7 billion in 2025, showing steady growth in store expansions and refurbishments nationwide. This rise highlights how retailers continue to invest in presentation and store efficiency, with shelving remaining one of the most visible elements of a fit-out.Good planning avoids surprises. If you need a starting point for system options and layouts, browse our Retail Shelving solutions.

Typical Price Range for Core Units

The figures below use our current entry pricing, ex GST. They give a clean base for calculating equipment cost before accessories and labour.

Notes:

• Each bay includes a base shelf. Additional shelves are sold separately from $9.45 +GST each.
• Prices above cover the bay, not accessories or freight.
• Depth choice affects capacity and aisle clearance.
• Double sided units carry higher ticket weight through both faces.

For full specs and layout ideas, see our Gondola Shelving.

What Pushes Cost Up or Down

A clear breakdown helps you plan. Use the list as a checklist during quoting.

• Store size and layout: Straight wall runs cost less time than irregular spaces. Corners, columns, or tight clearances add setup time. Long uninterrupted runs reduce per-bay time.
• Bay type and depth: Single sided for walls. Double sided for aisles. 300 mm depth suits small goods. 450 mm depth supports bulkier lines. Depth changes shelf size and sometimes fencing.
• Accessories and display upgrades: Small items add real value to presentation and ticketing. Typical entry pricing, ex GST:
  • Flipper hooks from $1.30
  • Ticket holders from $0.21
  • Shelf brackets from $2.29
  • Wire front fence from $2.27
  • Wire shelves from $25.47
  • Folding wire baskets from $33.22
    Add only what the plan needs. Over-accessorising lifts cost without improving sell-through.
• Signage and ticketing: Header panels, end frames, and ticket systems help wayfinding. Budget a line item for these, even for a basic rollout.
• Freight and site access: Ground-floor delivery with easy access costs less. Stairs, lifts, long carries, or strict dock windows add handling time.
• Installation labour: Rates can range from $75 to $125 per hour, depending on the project scope and store requirements.

Equipment Examples Using Real Pricing

Use the mixes below to sketch a budget fast. Prices are ex GST and exclude freight and labour and use a typical 4 tiers shelving bay (base shelf plus 3 upper shelves) 

Small Boutique, Narrow Footprint

• 2 x 300 mm single sided bays with 4 shelves each, $81.40 each
• 1 x 300 mm double sided bay with 4 shelves per side, $149.64
• 20 x flipper hooks, from $1.30 each
• 6 x ticket holders, from $0.21 each

Equipment subtotal: about $340–$380

Convenience Store Aisle Refresh

• 4 x 450 mm double sided bays with 4 shelves per side, $146.79 each
• 2 x end treatments or fencing, from $2.27–$3.27 each piece
• 8 x wire shelves, from $25.47 each
• 2 x folding wire baskets, from $33.22 each

Equipment subtotal: about $900–$1,150

Mid-Size General Retail

• 6 x 450 mm single sided bays with 4 shelves each, $84.50 each
• 4 x 450 mm double sided bays with 4 shelves per side, $146.79 each
• Mixed hooks, holders, fences, and brackets

Equipment subtotal: about $1,400–$1,900

Figures above reflect starter kits. Final numbers change with exact lengths, shelf counts per bay, and chosen accessories.

How to Decide Between DIY Setup and A Pro Crew

Both paths work. The right choice depends on scope and timelines.

DIY suits:

• Two to four bays with simple wall runs.
• Straightforward ticketing.
• Flexible timelines and in-house staff on hand.

Professional install suits:

• Multi-bay aisles, end frames, and complex fencing.
• Tight handover dates or night works.
• Stores that need perfect alignment first time.

Benefits from a pro crew include consistent bay spacing, level shelves, secure fixing, and faster handover. Rates per hour can range from $75 to $125 per hour depending on a variety of factors  determined during the scoping stage with your Mills contact. For small sets, DIY keeps costs lean. For larger runs, pro install shortens programme time and reduces rework.

Quick Accessory Cost Guide

Keep a reference list during planning. All prices ex GST.

Small items shape the shopper view. Hooks group SKUs cleanly. Fences keep facings tidy. Baskets help with awkward shapes. Add what helps sell, skip what will sit unused in the stockroom.

Budgeting Method that Works

A simple approach keeps projects on track.

1. Map the floor plan and traffic flow.
2. Count bays per wall and per aisle.
3. Choose depth per category based on pack size and turn.
4. List accessories per bay, then trim.
5. Add freight and a contingency for site access.
6. Add labour at $75 to $125 per hour, based on the final scope confirmed with your Mills contact.

For product ranges and system options used across Australian retail, see our Retail Shelving solutions and the full Gondola Shelving range.

Getting the Most Value from A Shelving Investment

Cost is one side of the equation, value is the other. High-quality shelving lasts longer, carries more weight, and keeps a uniform appearance for years. Cheaper systems often need replacement sooner, and that adds hidden expense later. Modular steel units, like those used across our range, can adapt to layout changes and new stock plans. Stores can extend runs, add fencing, or shift shelves without replacing the whole bay.

From our experience supplying shelving across Australia, store owners often notice the benefits early. Many of our clients have shared that modular gondola systems help them change layouts quickly for promotions or seasonal stock, saving both time and labour. In busy retail environments such as supermarkets and convenience stores, the durability of quality finishes also prevents early wear, keeping aisles neat and consistent for longer.

Durability also supports consistency across branches. Large retailers benefit from a standardised look, while smaller stores can maintain a professional presentation without frequent rebuilds. The payback appears in fewer maintenance calls and faster resets during promotions.

How to Estimate Total Project Spend

Every retail space has its own combination of bays, end frames, and fittings. A realistic budget combines equipment, labour, and accessories.

Step 1: Count the bays: Create a layout plan showing each wall and aisle. Note single or double sided units.

Step 2: Select the depth: Use 300 mm for narrow aisles or light products. Use 450 mm for larger items or higher turnover categories.

Step 3: Add accessories: Hooks, baskets, and signage vary across departments. Small goods often need dense hook displays, while bulk goods need wider shelves.

Step 4: Add freight and site logistics: Distance from our warehouse, number of deliveries, and unloading conditions affect this figure.

Step 5: Add labour: Include $75 to $125 per hour for installation and coordination.

A finished estimate for a small store might reach a few hundred dollars, while full fit-outs for supermarkets can extend into several thousand. The more bays and accessories, the higher the total.

Accessories that Improve Performance

Accessories turn a simple frame into a complete retail system. Some are functional, others drive sales presentation. Below are common upgrades that improve efficiency and product handling.

Adding accessories in stages helps manage spend while improving merchandising over time. Start with the basics, then add more as sales data highlights where to enhance displays.

Maintenance and Lifespan Considerations

Shelving is a long-term fixture, not a temporary display. Regular cleaning and quick replacement of damaged components protect both presentation and safety. Powder-coated finishes resist corrosion, while zinc-plated parts suit cool rooms and damp areas.

Well-maintained shelving typically serves for many years. Repainting or changing colour trims can refresh store appearance without replacing the frame. Mills systems are modular, so replacing single panels or posts is straightforward. That reduces waste and extends overall service life.

Getting A Custom Quote

The most accurate way to price installation is to request a tailored quote. Measurements, bay counts, and product categories give our team enough information to design a layout and estimate cost precisely. We help retailers plan the most efficient run lengths and accessories to match stock mix.

For personalised advice or a written quotation, contact the team through the Contact Page. Providing a store plan or list of required bays speeds up the process.

Invest Once, Build for Years

Shelving costs vary, but smart planning and quality equipment create a lasting result. A clear layout, the right bay depth, and well-chosen accessories keep displays organised and durable. Labour and delivery complete the total, yet the system itself drives return on investment through lifespan and flexibility.

Retailers ready to plan their fit-out can view detailed options in our Retail Shelving solutions and Gondola Shelving collections. Both ranges use Australian-standard components designed for reliable daily use and long-term value.