Have you ever looked at the racks and shelves in your store and felt like you needed something different? Traditional fixtures tend to work best for very standard retail spaces but every store is different, including the merchandise they sell. This is where custom fixtures may do more beneficially for your store layout than you’d originally think. This choice can impact everything from your budget and timeline to your brand identity. Read more on how S-Cube can help you decide if custom fixtures are right for you or if you’re more for off-the-shelf displays.
Custom Fixtures vs. Off-the-Shelf Fixtures
Before you decide what’s right for you, it’s important to know the key differences between custom fixtures and off-the-shelf ones.
- Off-the-Shelf Fixtures: These are standard, mass-produced solutions available from various manufacturers. Think of them as the "ready-to-wear" of the fixture world. They come in common sizes, materials, and finishes, offering a quick and often cost-effective way to outfit a store.
- Custom Fixtures: These are designed and built from scratch specifically for your brand and product needs. This "bespoke" approach allows for unique shapes, materials, integrated technology, and a design that perfectly aligns with your store's aesthetic and operational requirements.
How Fast Do You Need Them?
A big difference between custom fixtures and off-the-shelf fixtures is the amount of time it takes to deliver to your store. If you’re in a hurry, and need fixtures right now, you may want to wait for custom fixtures. Because of the designing and manufacturing, custom fixtures are less suitable for immediate needs.
Related Article: How Much Do Custom Fixtures Cost?
Brand Differentiation: Standing Out in a Crowded Market
Fixtures are great to tell your customer base what your brand is all about. With standard fixtures, you’re only able to say so much in the way of signage, brand colors, etc. With custom fixtures, you’re able to get almost everything about your brand in the entire store. Here are some popular examples on how custom fixtures can really let your brand shine:
- Apparel: Imagine a rolling rack with a unique curved design and a finish that matches your brand’s color palette.
- Specialty Foods: A custom bulk-bin display made from reclaimed wood can communicate a commitment to natural, sustainable products.
- Convenience: A sleek, custom-built coffee and beverage station with integrated payment and loyalty-program screens creates a seamless, modern experience.
Which is Best for Modularity and Scalability?
Retailers need to adapt when a certain shopping season comes or you just want to mix things up. This is where modularity and scalability come in hand. Which fixtures are best for this? Well, with custom fixtures, you’re able to get exactly what you want. So, if you predict you’ll need more of a modular system in place, then you can design fixtures to suit just that. With standard fixtures, you’ll somewhat be limited because these can sometimes get discontinued or force you to mix and match fixtures across your floor which messes with brand consistency. Overall, custom fixtures for the win!
Summary
Choosing between custom and off-the-shelf fixtures is a strategic decision. Off-the-shelf solutions offer speed and low upfront costs, making them ideal for temporary situations or commoditized areas of the store. Custom fixtures, on the other hand, are a long-term investment in your brand, customer experience, and operational efficiency. If you’re interested in either, visit S-Cube Fixtures to get started. We’re able to create the store of your dreams today!
