Gondola shelving shapes how customers move, see, and buy. It’s the backbone of retail fit-outs for supermarkets, chemists, hardware stores, and convenience outlets. Without the right shelving, stock presentation suffers, and aisle flow breaks down. Choosing the correct type and placement directly affects sales and store usability.
Designed to sit flush against a wall. Ideal for stores where perimeter space is critical. It keeps walkways open while still offering vertical display space. Good for pharmaceuticals, automotive parts, and personal care products.
• Available in multiple depths and heights
• Suits aisle ends or walls
• Best paired with signage for promotional display
Browse the range: Single-Sided Gondola Shelving
Used in the middle of the store to create aisles. Offers storage and display on both sides. High product density makes it useful for fast-moving goods or bulk inventory.
• Common in supermarkets, discount stores, and pet shops
• Creates clear shopping paths
• Increases product exposure
View available options: Double-Sided Gondola Shelving
Often overlooked, but highly strategic. Wall units anchor store perimeters. End bays highlight specials or seasonal products. They work well for high-margin items or featured displays.
• Boost visibility at key junctions
• Easy to change product focus weekly or monthly
• Helps guide foot traffic to featured zones
Store layout affects gondola suitability more than people realise. A good match between floor plan and shelving type improves traffic flow, space use, and visual consistency.
Narrow spaces benefit from wall-mounted units paired with short double-sided runs. This setup maintains clear lines of sight and prevents bottlenecks. Using single-sided units against walls frees up floor area, while compact centre aisles provide sufficient stock display.
Mid-sized stores often require a hybrid approach. Shelving height can vary between sections to distinguish departments. Shorter gondolas near store entrances allow open visibility and a softer transition into the browsing area.
With more room comes greater flexibility. Long runs of double-sided gondolas can divide the space into clear product zones. Wall shelving can showcase bulkier items or premium ranges. Combining long aisle shelving with occasional end bays supports impulse sales.
Corners work well with L-shaped or stepped shelving. This avoids dead zones and keeps products in sight. End bays should attract attention without blocking flow. They’re prime positions for new items or limited-time promotions.
Visual rhythm matters. Alternating heights disrupt flow. Stick to consistent measurements in related aisles. Each section should feel intentional, not patched together.
| Factor | Notes |
|---|---|
| Floor Area | Measure total usable space. Exclude door swings and POS stations. |
| Product Weight | Heavier goods need deeper shelving and strong load ratings. |
| Customer Movement | Plan traffic flow to avoid dead ends or tight turns. |
| Product Category | Adjust height and shelf count depending on SKUs. |
| Cleaning Access | Leave space underneath for cleaning and maintenance. |
Avoid overloading aisles. Shelving shouldn’t block sightlines or access. Think in terms of zones: browsing, grabbing, and queuing.
• Start with a scaled floor plan. Mark out entrances, exits, and checkout areas.
• Test layout ideas using tape on the floor before ordering fixtures.
• Prioritise eye-level space for high-margin products.
• Keep shelving heights consistent within sections.
• Leave at least 1.2 metres between gondolas for two-way flow.
• Use end bays to push promotions or cross-sells.
• Group complementary items close together for faster decision-making.
Professional advice helps reduce mistakes. For large orders or full store fit-outs, contact a specialist early in the planning phase.
Common in grocery stores, hardware chains, and discount retailers. Uses long rows of double-sided gondolas for maximum product density. End bays support frequent promotions. Wall shelving holds category anchors or bulk displays.
Seen in convenience shops and smaller pharmacies. Encourages one-way foot traffic. Best achieved using a mix of short double-sided gondolas, end bays, and wall units. Entry points should remain visible throughout.
Popular in boutique or specialty retail. Prioritises openness and flexibility. Relies more on wall shelving, staggered gondolas, and small islands. Items are grouped for discovery rather than efficiency.
Each layout benefits from a unique shelving mix. The key is consistency in shelf spacing, visual lines, and product groupings.
We support retailers across Australia with gondola shelving that fits both the space and the job. Each unit is made for real-world retail conditions—durable, modular, and practical. Our team offers layout advice, product recommendations, and nationwide delivery. Whether it’s a single wall unit or a full store fit-out, we’ll help you plan and execute it properly.
Gondola shelving should support your layout—not obstruct it. Matching shelving styles to store goals, space, and stock delivers real results. Better flow, clearer displays, and smoother shopping experiences.
If you’re planning a new store or improving an existing one, speak to us. Mills Shelving is here to help you build a fit-out that works.
