There’s almost 200 million sq ft of retail warehousing stock in the UK. It’s no wonder, considering the industry accounts for over 12% of the country’s workforce. With so much space and so many different businesses across the nation, there are also countless different approaches to retail warehouse management, dependent on the size and demands of each business. However, in various retail businesses, there are plenty of essential pieces of equipment that you’ll see time and time again.
This article will take a closer look at the essential pieces of warehouse handling equipment for retail businesses, covering everything from packing devices to goods lift solutions.
Warehouse storage solutions
Proper storage solutions are the backbone of any retail warehouse. Letting things stack up in boxes and loose items can quickly get in the way of smooth operations, so it’s vital to make the most of your space with smart storage solutions.
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- Pallet racking. This is essentially the shelving that pallets are stored on, with selective and drive-in options for easily accessing them in the way that suits your business.
- Mezzanine floors. Creating mezzanine floors in a warehouse can create an entirely new world above the floor level, helping to maximise storage. These need to be accessed via proper floor lifts for employee safety.
- Smaller shelving. Storing smaller items (too small for pallets). In some cases, businesses will have a variety of individual products, which should be reachable on foot and by hand for staff.
- Bins and containers. Small, loose or unaccounted-for items should also be kept in bins and containers to maintain order and speed up picking.
Proper storage makes use of the vertical space in warehouses, allowing for smoother time on the floor.
Material handling equipment (MHE)
Material handling devices encompass a range of warehouse lifting equipment, designed to speed things up and reduce the possibility of common workplace injuries.
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- Forklifts and reach trucks. These devices are perhaps the most essential, used for lifting and moving heavy, palletised loads.
- Pallet jacks/trucks. These are more often manual lifts (also available electric), perfect for moving palletised goods over shorter distances.
- Hand trucks/dollies. Two-wheeled carts used to move individual boxes or stacks of products, ideal for manual-first tasks.
- Conveyor systems. Conveyor belts and systems can speed up the process of moving goods through zones – although generally only used in larger operations.
Handling equipment is vital for retail warehouses, as it ensures you can carry and move stock smoothly and without incident. It’s also worth investing in dock levellers and vehicle restraints to ensure safe handling of goods in loading dock settings.
Packing & shipping equipment
Many retail settings also operate as a part of the eCommerce industry, along with offering deliveries or moving stock outside the store in other contexts. These areas need to be powered by ergonomic, sturdy workstations and packing benches, complete with scales, tapes, dispensers and wrappers for safely loading and sealing boxes.
Safety & security equipment
Much of the retail warehouse equipment mentioned is in place to increase safety for your employees, but you should also invest in purpose-made safety and security installations. This means items such as:
- Wearable PPE. High-visibility vests, steel-toed boots, safety glasses and hard hats are all common PPE items.
- Traffic and safety barriers. Bollards, guardrails and racking protectors should be used to minimise the potential of equipment collisions.
- Surveillance. Investments like CCTV, perimeter security and access control systems are vital for minimising unwanted visitors.
Make sure that any security installations you choose to invest in are compliant with UK workplace security regulations.
Finding the right suppliers
Equipping your retail warehouse needs to be approached with care, choosing reputable suppliers with strong histories of providing to businesses big and small. Seek out a company that offers tailored solutions, smooth installation options and after sales support – your retail business should be primed for success.