Everything You Need To Know About Shop Counters
A Shop Counter is an essential piece of display furniture used across a wide range of businesses. We’ll be answering:
- What is a Shop Counter?
- What are the different types of Shop Counter?
- What materials are best for Shop Counters?
- How do I choose a Shop Counter?
- Can Shop Counters improve customer flow? Where should I position a Shop Counter?
- How hard is it to assemble Shop Counters?
- How do I clean and maintain a Shop Counter?
- What are the Shop Counter colours available?
- Where can I use Shop Counters?
- What are the Shop Counter ranges we have?
What is a Shop Counter?
A Shop Counter is a type of display unit used primarily in retail environments as a till or purchasing point. They are also widely used in other businesses that require a customer service desk or reception area.
In terms of design, shop counters are typically rectangular, and are often fitted with shelves or cupboards on the back or staff-facing side to provide storage for personal items or supplies. Usually, this side is oriented so that it is hidden from view. The front or customer-facing side is generally solid (or plain) but can have a glass viewing panel or a full glass front.
What are the different types of Shop Counters?
Shop counters are available in a variety of styles, though there are several main types that you’ll typically see.
The most common have a solid front, maximising storage in the back for shop supplies and keeping items hidden. This storage can comprise of shelves, cupboards (which can be lockable) or a combination of the two.
Another frequently used type of counter incorporates a glass display section on the front, positioned at the top. This type of counter is frequently seen in jewellers, sunglasses retailers, and other stores selling smaller and/or high-value items. The partial glass design means there is still storage space at the back, which is handy for staff to access shop-floor stock. A similar variation has a full glass front, which maximises display space, although it reduces storage space on the back.
Related counter types that complement the standard rectangular shop counters include Till Stands and Corner Counters. Till stands can be used on their own, often as a compact greeting or reception point, but both types are commonly used in combination with a shop counter, creating an extended display counter to suit available space.
What materials are best for Shop Counters?
The best material for a shop counter may depend on your requirements. For example, if you’d like to display items in your counter, then a shop counter with a glass display is best suited.
Otherwise, the main body or frame needs to be strong and durable, and our shop counters are made from MDF or particle board with a melamine coating, all of which form a robust, sturdy unit.
While other types of display furniture need to be strong too, they don’t necessarily experience frequent interactions like shop counters, which is why it’s important that they’re durable. Customers and staff may lean on them, tills or computers may be placed and moved around on top, and stock or supplies may be regularly taken out or put into the rear storage.
How do I choose a Shop Counter?
When choosing a shop counter, consider what you’ll be using it for. In most cases, it will be a till point or customer service area, but there may be other features that benefit you. If displaying smaller items, a counter with a glass top could be a good option, offering both visibility and storage. Or if you’ll predominantly use it for product displays, a full-glass front may be more suitable.
Or if you simply want to use a shop counter as a reception desk, customer service counter, or help desk, then a solid shop counter may be all you need.
Can Shop Counters improve customer flow? Where should I position a Shop Counter?
From a customer navigation perspective, shop counters do not necessarily improve customer flow, but they do create a clear focal point.
Counters are commonly placed near a shop’s entrance and/or exit, so staff can greet and clearly see everyone coming in, and it gives customers the chance to browse freely and then easily circle back to make a purchase when they are ready to leave. If customers know what they’re looking for, then this placement also makes it easy for them to ask as soon as they enter the shop.
Some shops, particularly larger retail stores, tend to position shop counters further inside the store. This encourages customers to explore more of the space, increasing the likelihood of additional purchases. It also frees up valuable front-of-store space that can be used to show new or popular products.
When used as a reception desk, a shop counter provides a clear, obvious point for visitors to go to, whether to book in or ask questions, helping to minimise confusion and frustration.
How hard is it to assemble Shop Counters?
Shop counters are no more difficult to assemble than other types of furniture you may have put together before. Our display furniture is supplied with instructions, and if you need any assistance, we’re always happy to help.
But if you’d prefer to avoid assembly altogether, we offer pre-assembled units, meaning you can unpack and get started straight away.
How do I clean and maintain a Shop Counter?
Shop counters are easily cleaned and can be wiped down with just a damp cloth. You just need to make sure that the MDF/particle board is fully dried afterwards. For glass panels, a glass cleaner and microfibre cloth will remove smudges and leave a clear, polished finish.
Maintenance is minimal but important. As with all furniture, inspect your counter periodically, checking over the full unit but paying extra attention to areas like the hinges, shelves and panel joints. And while shop counters are designed to be able to support tills and computers, we recommend avoiding placing very heavy items on glass surfaces, especially concentrated on one spot. If you’d still like to have a till set up, adding a till stand gives you the option.
What are the Shop Counter colours available?
We offer Beech shop counters, which are a more traditional option that, while less common than in the past, remains an excellent choice for adding warmth and a natural feel to a retail space. We also have White shop counters, which provide a clean, crisp look and continue to be a modern staple. Or for something a bit more dramatic, our elegant Black shop counters are a bold option that has grown increasingly popular.
Where can I use Shop Counters?
While we may call them ‘shop’ counters, these units can be used by a range of businesses beyond retail. They’re frequently used to create a main customer area, till point, or reception desk, and can be found in hotels, gyms, healthcare facilities, restaurants, and museums, to name just a few.
What are the Shop Counter ranges we have?
We have shop counters available in our Aura and Silhouette ranges.
Aura is manufactured in the UK using robust 18mm MDF with a premium melamine finish. The range is delivered fully assembled for convenience and, in addition to shop counters, includes Gondola Towers and Display Islands.
Silhouette is another range of stylish display furniture, constructed from commercial-grade particle board with melamine coating, and supplied flat-packed for ease of delivery. Alongside shop counters, the Silhouette range also features Slatwall Towers and Display Islands.
Our team of experts are always on hand for everything from personalised assistance on project planning, such as a shop fit, and to offer recommendations to help you choose the right products. Find out more about our Business Services.
For more topics, such as product advice and industry insights, view our Knowledge Base.
More Product Blogs & Articles:
Types of Display Furniture & Where to Use Them
Silhouette: Stylish, Showcase Display Furniture
The Psychology of Retail: How Placement Influences Purchases