Maximising Retail Space: The Benefits of Open Wardrobes in Stores
Clothing stores require a range of storage and display, such as hanging rails, garment stands, and shelving, to accommodate a selection of sizes and styles. Open Wardrobes, also referred to as Clothes Racks, are a flexible option for retail environments. They help optimise and add structure to a space, and also provide a practical and visually accessible way to display merchandise, enhancing both functionality and store aesthetics. But how else can open wardrobes benefit retail stores?
Smart Storage, All in One Unit
What sets open wardrobes apart from other clothes storage options is that they combine shelving and hanging rails, offering dual-purpose storage in one freestanding unit.
The hanging rail is neatly hooked underneath the top shelf, and the shelves are adjustable along the uprights, making it easy to tailor the setup to your needs.
Our clothes racks are easy to put together, requiring no extra tools or equipment to build. While the shelves could be placed anywhere on the uprights, we recommend having a shelf at the very top and bottom for stability.
Other freestanding clothes storage products also feature shelving (such as our Clothes Rails with Shelves), but open wardrobes are ideal for storing larger stock quantities. Their sturdy shelves can securely hold Storage Boxes or Storage Baskets, while also providing ample hanging space.
Durable Design for Demanding Spaces
Constructed from high-strength steel, these units are built to last. Each shelf can support up to 150kg of uniformly distributed weight, while the hanging rails can hold up to 15kg UDL. With mobile options, the castors can support a total load of up to 200kg.
Closely related to our popular Chrome Wire Shelving, clothes racks are designed for heavy-duty use, making them ideal for stockroom management and retail clothing displays on the shop floor. For stockrooms, they can be used to efficiently store boxes for better organisation or support picking bins to help streamline order fulfilment.
Clothes racks are well-suited to the stock room and staff areas, helping to organise equipment and garments.
Visibility Through Minimal Design
The open wire shelving and minimal framework ensure visibility, allowing garments to be seen clearly from every angle. Customers can quickly spot styles, colours, and sizes without having to sift through tightly packed displays or hidden rails.
In retail, visibility is a key driver of purchasing decisions. No matter how attractive or well-made a product is, if it's not easily seen, it's unlikely to sell. High-visibility displays not only draw customer attention but also encourage interaction, making it more likely that shoppers will engage with and ultimately purchase the items on show.
Tailored Retail Display with Expandable Storage Options
Open wardrobes feature a simple modular structure built from a few core components. Adjustable shelves can be repositioned along the uprights in 25mm increments, allowing you to tailor the layout to suit changing stock requirements. By increasing the space between shelves, you can also create more vertical room for hanging longer garments such as dresses or coats.
Additional shelves and hanging rails can be easily added for expanded storage, while optional castor wheels transform the unit into a mobile solution - ideal for dynamic retail environments or flexible stock management.
Shelves can be adjusted to suit storage needs and castor wheels make it easier to transport stock and/or adjust store layout.
Adds Structure & Shapes Store Layouts
Clothes racks not only provide functional storage but can also help structure and define retail spaces. While Wall-Fix Hanging Rails and traditional Clothes Rails are excellent for boosting hanging capacity, they don't necessarily change the overall layout of a store.
Open wardrobes, on the other hand, are ideal for placement along walls or around the store's perimeter, reflecting a common retail layout. Depending on your floor plan, these units can also be positioned centrally to help guide customer flow and create distinct shopping zones.
Their open design offers a unique balance – they’re substantial enough to section off areas, but have a simple design that maintains visibility and accessibility from all sides.
The clothes rack frame can help to shape a space. Combine with other retail display equipment, like a Clothes Rail and Mannequins, to complete a clothing store.
Timeless & No-Fuss Industrial Look
Trends in interior design may come and go, but industrial style has proven to be a consistent favourite. Whether incorporated into modern spaces, rustic interiors, or minimalist settings, industrial design elements have a way of fitting in seamlessly.
One of the key reasons for its enduring popularity is its simplicity. Clean lines, exposed materials, and a focus on function give industrial pieces a neutral character that complements a range of styles.
Whether you're outfitting a retail space or updating a home office, a metal clothes rack delivers both practical utility and a sleek, contemporary edge.
Use an open wardrobe in the home as an all-in-one clothes storage solution, for hanging clothes, folding and accessories.
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 Clothes Storage & Retail Blogs & Articles:
Everything You Need to Know About Clothing Rails
Everything You Need to Know About Flexx Shelving
The Psychology of Retail: How Placement Influences Purchases