Gondola Shelving for Store Remodels
Plan gondola for a store remodel: assessing existing fixtures, full vs partial replacement, finish updates, phased installation, and specification decisions.
A remodel that replaces gondola selectively without a compatibility plan produces a store with mismatched fixtures that looks worse than the original full replacement or a compatibility-verified partial plan are the only two correct approaches.
- Condition assessment: inspect existing uprights for bends, base bracket legs for adjustability, and finish for fade these determine whether existing sections are worth retaining
- Compatibility check: verify existing manufacturer and section height before ordering any additions Lozier and Madix are not cross-compatible
- Finish consistency: adding new sections to existing runs requires finish matching order a finish sample before committing to a large addition order
- Layout changes: if run length or positioning changes significantly, full section replacement is often cleaner than partial additions to existing runs
- Phased installation in an operating store: retain product access during installation by completing one section at a time rather than emptying full runs
- Standard finishes support remodel timelines: Platinum, Charcoal Black, and Cool White ship in 1-2 weeks; catalog finish remodels require 8-10 week advance planning
Store remodels present a choice that new store builds do not: retain, supplement, or fully replace existing gondola. The right answer depends on the condition of existing fixtures, the compatibility of new sections with the existing installation, and whether the store's layout is changing significantly enough to make existing positions obsolete. Making this decision without a compatibility assessment leads to mismatched fixtures that cost more to maintain than either a full replacement or a no-change approach would have.
Step 1 Condition Assessment
Assess existing gondola before deciding whether to retain it. Inspect each section for: bent or cracked uprights (structural integrity issue do not retain); base bracket leveling legs that no longer adjust (sections will not level on new floor surfaces after remodel construction); finish fade or rust that will not match new sections aesthetically; and non-standard heights or depths that have become incompatible with current planograms. Sections that pass all four checks are candidates for retention. Sections that fail any check should be replaced.
Step 2 Manufacturer and Height Verification
Before ordering any new gondola for a remodel project, confirm the manufacturer and height of the existing sections you plan to retain. Lozier and Madix components are not cross-compatible new sections from the wrong manufacturer will not connect to existing rails. Height mismatches between new and existing sections mean the top rail will not align, preventing connection. Verify both variables before placing an order, even if you believe the existing fixtures are Lozier older installations may have mixed manufacturers or legacy heights that are not compatible with current production components.
Step 3 Finish Matching for Partial Replacements
Replacing damaged sections within an existing run requires finish matching. Order a single sample section in the target finish before placing the full replacement order finish formulations change between production runs and a current Platinum may not visually match a Platinum installed five or ten years ago. Test the sample under the store's actual lighting conditions, not warehouse or office fluorescent lighting. If the finish does not match acceptably, evaluate whether the entire run should be replaced to achieve consistency.
Step 4 Layout Change Decisions
If the remodel changes gondola run length, aisle width, or section positioning significantly, full replacement is often the more practical choice. Retaining old sections in a new layout requires: cutting runs to different lengths (removing sections from the ends), adding sections to extend runs (requiring compatibility verification), or repositioning sections (requiring full disassembly and reassembly). The labor cost of these operations often approaches the cost of replacing sections with new stock, without the benefit of consistent finish and known load history.
Step 5 Phased Installation in an Operating Store
Most remodels happen in stores that remain open during construction. For gondola remodels in operating stores, phase installation by gondola section rather than by aisle. Remove and replace one section at a time, keeping the run accessible to customers. This approach extends installation time but eliminates the need to close aisles for extended periods. Coordinate installation timing with low-traffic hours when feasible most gondola sections can be removed and replaced in under 30 minutes with two people.
Compatible Products
- Island Sections replacement and new sections in standard heights and finishes
- Uprights replacement uprights for damaged sections within existing runs
- TL and DL Shelves replacement shelves in all depths and finishes
- Base Brackets replacement base components for worn or damaged base assemblies
- Wall Sections perimeter section updates with back panel refresh options
Planning a gondola remodel? We provide fixture assessment guidance, compatibility verification, component lists, and pricing for remodel projects. Free with qualifying orders.
Get a Free Remodel Component PlanFrequently Asked Questions
Should I replace all gondola during a store remodel or just damaged sections?
It depends on condition and compatibility. Replace sections that have bent uprights, base brackets that no longer level, or significant finish fade. Retain sections that pass a condition assessment and whose height and finish will match new sections being added. Full replacement is often the cleaner choice when layout changes are significant, when finish matching is unreliable, or when existing sections are from a manufacturer that does not match the new sections being ordered.
How do I match new gondola finish to existing sections in a remodel?
Order a finish sample in the target finish before placing the full remodel order. Finish formulations change between production runs, and a current Platinum or Charcoal Black may not visually match an older installation of the same finish name. Test the sample under the store's actual lighting conditions, not in a warehouse. If the finish does not match within an acceptable tolerance, plan for full run replacement rather than partial replacement that will leave visible finish transitions.
Can I install new gondola sections in a store that is open during the remodel?
Yes phased installation in an operating store is standard practice. Replace one section at a time to keep the aisle accessible. Most gondola sections can be removed and replaced in under 30 minutes with two people. Schedule section replacement during low-traffic periods when possible. Do not attempt to empty and rebuild full aisle runs in an operating store the operational disruption and safety risk are not justified when section-by-section replacement is feasible.
How long before a remodel should I order gondola?
Order standard finishes 2-3 weeks before the installation date Platinum, Charcoal Black, and Cool White ship in 1-2 weeks, leaving a small buffer for freight scheduling. If the remodel specifies catalog finishes, order 10-12 weeks before the installation date. For large remodels where freight scheduling is complex, add 1-2 weeks to the standard lead time as a buffer. Do not order gondola until the remodel floor plan is finalized and component counts are confirmed partial reorders to complete an under-ordered project add freight cost and delay.
Do I need to remove all existing gondola before installing new sections?
Only if the layout is changing significantly or all existing sections are being replaced. For partial remodels where new sections are being added to extend existing runs, the existing sections remain in place. For layout changes where sections are being repositioned, full disassembly is required before reinstalling in new positions. For in-place replacements (swapping damaged sections), remove the damaged section and install the replacement in the same position without disturbing adjacent sections.