Store Planning: Checklist for Organizing Your Back-Stock

By Steve Di Orio
Posted in Store Management
On July 21, 2024

Very few stores ever have enough space or the right number of retail shelving units to properly store items to ensure they are easy to find, access, and always safe so merchandise looks its best on the floor.  Here are a few easy ways to get control of your back room:

 

Bins

 

Bins allow you to safely store your items and keep them clean. Bins are great for grouping similar and complimentary items. Stack your bins to utilize your empty vertical space and you can even find ways to store uncommonly used items (like holiday décor) up in the ceiling.

 

Labels

 

Use bold lettering in standout colors. Consider color coding items for seasonality compatibility, etc. Always have your labels facing out.

 

Strategic placement

 

Store older items, or items that move slowly, lower on shelves or deeper in racks and keep hot new merchandise in a place that is easily accessible for replenishment.

 

Employee cubbies or lockers

 

By providing your employees with a designated place to store their coats, purses, keys, and other personal items, you will not have to trip over them on the floor or have them hanging off your merchandise. Your employees will appreciate it, too!

 

Hanging racks

 

Not everything can go in a bin. Utilize hanging racks and space-saving hangers to maximize your space and keep your merchandise wrinkle free.

 

Work area/shipping area

 

Designate an area of your storage room for unpacking, shipping, labeling, etc. If you have a limited amount of floor space; build a fold-down table that can be quickly and easily put away.

 

Shelving

 

Shelving allows you to optimize every part of your room while getting merchandise off the floor. Retail shelving units allow you to think vertically and maximize floor space. They can even double as supports for bars to hang items.

Steve Di Orio

Steve Di Orio

 

Steve has been with Handy Store Fixtures for over 15 years. After becoming the Marketing Manager in 2006, he was named Director of Marketing. Steven earned his MBA from Montclair State University with a specialization in Digital Marketing in 2019. When not at work, he loves to travel, play golf, exercise, and talk all things search engine marketing and retail display tips.