The layout of your point of sale plays a decisive role in your customers’ buying behaviour. Among the most important furniture elements, the gondola occupies a central place. Much more than a simple support, it structures the customer journey, enhances the value of the products and contributes to the visual identity of your store.
So how do you choose the right gondola for your shop, based on your needs, constraints and sales strategy?
Here’s a complete guide to help you make the right choices.
The importance of a well-designed gondola
Optimising your sales space means maximising the display of products while keeping traffic flowing. An airy shop makes customers feel more comfortable, prolongs their time on the shelves and increases buying opportunities.
The shop gondola fulfils three essential functions:
1. An essential sales tool
In self-service outlets, products need to be able to sell themselves. A high-quality, well-organised gondola displays items from their best angle, making them visible, accessible and attractive. The impact on the conversion rate is immediate: a clear presentation increases the likelihood of impulse buying.
2. A structuring tool for the customer journey
Gondolas guide traffic. Strategically placed, they create a natural flow and encourage customers to browse all the shelves. Their layout has a direct impact on product discovery, frequency of purchase and the average basket.
3. A major element in the atmosphere of the shop
Colour, style, materials… The gondola is part of the décor. It helps to create a pleasant atmosphere that’s consistent with your shop concept. A harmonious atmosphere builds customer confidence and enhances their overall experience.
How can you use gondolas to optimise your layout?
A number of best practices must be followed to ensure an effective layout:
- Define a seamless customer flow thanks to double-sided and corner gondolas.
- Keep everything tidy: tidy shelves make offers easier to read.
- Make it easy to restock and get to grips with the product: the shelves (tablars) must remain accessible.
- Optimise filling while avoiding visual overload.
- Break up monotony by varying heights, widths and layouts.
- Decorate certain gondolas with signs, banners or lighting.
- Respect the rule of hot and cold zones: place strategic products at eye level.
The different types of shop gondola
To choose the ideal gondola, it’s essential to understand the specific features of each model.
1. The double-sided gondola
Also known as the central gondola, it is placed at the heart of the sales outlet. Advantages:
- Double-sided display for maximum visibility
- Optimisation of available space in the centre of the shop
- A structuring role in the organisation of the customer journey
- Perfect for segmenting shelves and creating product universes
2. The single-sided gondola (or wall-mounted gondola)
Installed on the periphery, it forms the basis of the wall display. Its advantages :
- Modularity : multiple height and depth options.
- Ideal for maximising vertical space along walls.
- Wall-mounted: can support heavier loads
3. The head of the gondola
Positioned at the end of the double-sided gondolas, this is a strategic location.
Why use it?
- Boosting sales: this is one of the most profitable areas of the shop.
- Highlight promotions, new products or flagship products.
- Improve visibility thanks to a naturally frequented location.
- Optimising areas that are often under-exploited.
A well-maintained gondola display (with appropriate furniture, accessories and an airy presentation) can multiply a product’s sales several times over.
4. The corner gondola
Designed to exploit difficult areas, it allows :
- Structure a product universe.
- Smoother transitions between departments.
- But above all, to optimise every square metre, even in small spaces.
5. The specialised gondola
Some activities require specially adapted gondolas:
- Pharmacy: secure drawers, backlit shelves.
- Fruit and vegetables: airy, crate-friendly and hard-wearing structures.
- DIY: perforated bases for accessories and spare parts.
- Decoration or lighting: adjustable grid backgrounds.
They provide an elegant and secure presentation while meeting the technical constraints of certain products.
What type of background should you choose for your gondolas?
The base determines the modularity and aesthetics of your shelf.
The solid background:
Sober, attractive, easy to match with a shop concept. Ideal for :
- Pharmacies
- Pool shops
- Specialist shops
Perforated bottom:
Thanks to its perforations, it is perfect for hanging products. Widely used in :
- DIY shops
- Accessories stores
- Spare parts department
The grid background:
Economical and very practical for double-sided use, as a single base is sufficient for both sides. Benefits :
- Maximum modularity
- Suitable for presentation pins
- Quick installation
Generally used in hard-discount outlets, paint shops, garden centres, pet shops or household equipment shops.
How do you choose the right gondola for your needs?
Here are the main criteria to consider:
1. The nature of your products
Weight, volume, need for specific accessories… A food shop will not have the same requirements as a DIY shop.
2. Available surface area
In small shops, wall-mounted and corner gondolas are preferable.
For large surfaces, central gondolas give better structure to the space.
3. Your customer journey and your shop concept
Define the type of traffic flow you want – fixed path, free-flow or mixed – then harmonise it with your shop concept: colours, atmosphere and materials. The gondola must fit in with the rest of the store and reinforce your visual identity.
4. Your commercial strategy
What’s new? Frequent promotions? Seasonal products?
That’s when the headlines become essential.
The gondola, a strategic lever for boosting your sales
Choosing the right gondola is not just a question of furniture: it’s a strategic decision that impacts on shop profitability. A well thought-out gondola improves the attractiveness of the point of sale, optimises the space available, reinforces your brand image and effectively guides the customer path. By combining the right types of gondola with a well thought-out layout, you can maximise the potential of every square metre of your store.
Do you have a gondola project in mind? Let’s discuss it together!