Most shop owners planning a retail fit-out in Manchester tend to ask the same questions. What size shelving works best? Should you choose single-sided or double-sided units? How many bays will fit your floor space? And is there somewhere local where you can collect shelving the same day instead of waiting for delivery?
This guide covers everything you need to know, including which gondola shelving units are best suited to different types of retail stores.
Our gondola shelving range is stocked at our Manchester warehouse on Waterloo Road and available for same-day collection with no minimum order quantity.
What Is Gondola Shelving?
If you walk into a convenience store, pharmacy, off-licence, or supermarket anywhere in the UK, the shelving units forming the centre aisles are typically gondola shelving.
These freestanding retail shelving systems feature adjustable shelves mounted onto central uprights, allowing products to be displayed on one or both sides. Because the shelves can easily be repositioned, gondola shelving is ideal for retailers whose stock layouts change throughout the year.
Wall shelving works differently. Those units are fitted along the perimeter walls of a shop, while gondola units create the aisles across the shop floor. Most retail stores use a combination of both to maximise display space.
In Manchester especially, gondola shelving is popular with independent retailers operating from older buildings where floor space is limited. Double-sided shelving helps increase product capacity without taking up additional room — particularly valuable in busy retail areas like Rusholme, Cheetham Hill, or the Northern Quarter where every square foot matters.
Single-Sided vs Double-Sided Gondola Shelving
Double-Sided Gondola Shelving
Double-sided units are the standard choice for centre-floor retail layouts. Shelves are fitted on both sides, allowing customers to browse from either aisle.
These units are commonly used in:
They provide maximum shelf space while keeping the layout compact and efficient.
Single-Sided Gondola Shelving
Single-sided units have shelving on only one face and are designed to sit against walls.
They are ideal for:
Perimeter shelving
Narrow retail spaces
Smaller shops
Corner layouts
Using double-sided shelving against a wall wastes usable display space, which is why most retailers combine single-sided perimeter shelving with double-sided centre runs.
Recommended Gondola Shelving Units
Best Gondola Shelving for Small Shops
Gondola Unit B300 – 1350x300
The B300 unit is ideal for smaller retail stores with limited floor space or lower ceiling heights.
Key features:
This model works especially well in:
Newsagents
Pharmacies
Small convenience stores
Compact retail spaces
Starting from £105 per bay, it offers an affordable entry point for smaller shop fit-outs.
Most Popular Gondola Shelving Choice
Gondola Unit B370 – 1950x370
For most Manchester convenience stores, the B370 is the most popular option.
Why retailers choose it:
This unit is commonly seen across UK convenience retail because it provides strong product capacity while keeping the store layout practical and customer-friendly.
Price: From £150 per bay.
Best Gondola Shelving for Supermarkets & Bulk Products
Gondola Unit B470 – 2250x470
Larger retail environments carrying heavier or bulkier products often benefit from the B470 unit.
Features include:
Ideal for:
At £180 per bay, this option is designed for retailers needing maximum storage and display volume.
What to Check Before Buying Gondola Shelving
Always look for powder-coated steel shelving.
A quality powder-coated finish:
Cheaper shelving often uses thinner steel with weaker coatings that chip or bow over time.
Viewing shelving in person before purchasing can help you spot differences in build quality that photos often hide.
2. Adjustable Shelving Is Essential
Retail layouts constantly change due to:
New stock lines
Seasonal displays
Supplier changes
Promotions
Shelves should adjust quickly without specialist tools. Our gondola shelving systems adjust in 50mm increments for easy layout changes.
3. Keep Your Shop Colour Scheme Consistent
White and light grey remain the most popular retail shelving colours because they:
Black or anthracite shelving works particularly well in:
Whichever finish you choose, keep it consistent across both gondola and wall shelving for a professional appearance.
Many retailers overlook gondola end bays during the initial planning stage.
End bays are positioned at the ends of shelving runs and attract high customer visibility, making them ideal for:
Promotional products
Seasonal stock
High-margin items
Best sellers
Our Gondola Head Unit B370 – 1950x370 provides a practical finishing solution while creating additional display space.
Same-Day Gondola Shelving Collection in Manchester
Many large shelving suppliers operate from central UK distribution hubs with delivery lead times of several working days.
For retailers working to tight deadlines, waiting for pallet delivery can delay store openings or refurbishment projects.
Our Manchester warehouse is located at:
Unit 4, 200 Waterloo Road, Manchester, M8 8AE
Benefits include:
Same-day collection
No minimum order quantity
View stock before purchasing
Immediate availability on most shelving lines
Retailers regularly travel from:
Salford
Stockport
Bolton
Oldham
Rochdale
because collecting locally is often faster and more cost-effective than waiting for courier delivery.
Our gondola shelving range currently starts from:
A typical convenience store between 500–800 square feet usually requires approximately:
For tailored recommendations based on your retail space:
Send your floor dimensions and product categories, and we can quickly recommend the most suitable shelving setup.
