During the 1990s, stores generally refitted every seven years or so; the current trend is to request suppliers to renew, develop or equip stores over shorter cycles, i.e.
- 9% of stores now refit every year or two years,
- 19% every three years,
- 57% every four to five years,
- 5% between six years and over.
Concerning the distribution of investments:
- 36% relate to the refurbishment of existing stores,
- 24% relate to developments in point-of-sale concepts,
- 40% relate to store developments, extensions or openings.
The development of a point-of-sale is intimately linked to its layout; the functional aspect must be well thought through and take account of a range of different parameters. A point-of-sale merchandising file is always a very useful tool that gathers diverse information on surface areas, location, product departments, cleanliness, marking, product references and diversity, product facings, customer flow, location and type of display furniture, etc.).
While customer flow is a deciding factor in store layouts, product display and visibility (ideally just below eye-level) is another key element that can be developed through the use of low and medium-height display furniture. Store displays, shelving, cases and counters are made in materials designed to fit in with and enhance sales products and objectives, as well as create a certain ambiance (reflecting conviviality, warmth, nature, regions, etc.). This furniture is arranged strategically throughout the store, enhanced by an appropriate modular lighting design, thus permitting a certain "flexibility" in store layout which has to be regularly reorganised.
Stores have to create a link between the customer and the product if they are to encourage purchasing; they can create this link through window-dressing techniques that make effective use of contrasts, colours or themed displays. Products must be eye-catching and easy to find, which means having to change displays on a regular basis. For sales of some fresh produce (fruits and vegetables, game, etc.), it is important that seasonal information is correctly displayed and the choice made clearly understandable. Furthermore, the arrangement of store display furniture differs according to the type of sale involved, i.e. self-service (loose products, facings arranged by product reference, etc.) or shop-service sales (selected products, arrangement, customer advice, etc.). .

Developments in product display equipment focus on showcasing the products sold in stores, including their freshness and storage qualities, in order to encourage customers to make purchases. This has driven designers to develop a new generation of display furniture offering practical and attractive solutions. This equipment includes modular display cases and counters chosen in accordance with product types and volumes in order to produce simple and attractive facings both inside and outside stores. Display counters are another effective means of showcasing products, both by making it easier for customers to choose between the range of products on offer and facilitating store-keepers' work. Inclinable counters, of a more sophisticated design, provide even better displays and make it easier for customers to take hold of the products.
Department sections are clearly indicated by an appropriate and effective system of signs which can be adjusted to suit any environment. These sections can be equipped with an integrated vapour spray system, in fruit and vegetable stores for example, to improve product freshness and reduce the need for mark-downs.
Gondola end sections play a key role that is constantly redeveloped from one season to the next. They are also used to create central product islands (by assembling two end sections) and to organise promotional offers while making better use of space.
Kiosks can be used to increase the number of points-of-sale and the number of product references at strategically placed locations (for promotions, animations, etc.) designed to make best use of customer flows. Four-sided counters and bulk product display tables are another good way of attracting customer attention. These can be used to effectively display a wide range of references by product family.
Refrigerated cabinets have also been extensively redesigned to have a smaller footprint, thus extending available floor space by up to 15% to 20%. They now have more shelves thus increasing product display surface areas, and can be equipped with various types of glass facings: flat, high-level convex curve, low-level convex curve or retro. They come with lighting systems designed to show off the products to their best advantage, and can also be fitted with temperature control systems depending on the product.

Selling at covered markets and street markets requires specific equipment such as mobile shop vehicles. Managers must be sure to choose the right vehicle for their store. Equipped with large glass windows, spacious shelving arrangements, sophisticated working equipment and a comfortable overall layout, these store vehicles are first and foremost a place of sale.
Second year: 9 apprenticeships and 9 vocational qualifications In September 2007, a new fishmongery apprenticeship (with fuller content and integrated computer skills) will Accordingly, they must be equipped with refrigerated equipment that meets current health and safety standards governing the sale of food products. These vehicles include the panoramic display vehicle (5 m to 10 m in length) fitted with spacious, modular sales areas designed to enhance product visibility. The market trailer (2 - 3 m in length) takes up less space, but has fewer modular options. This is basically a store display case set onto a truck chassis and used to make product rounds. The trailer-stall (5 - 11 m in length) is a separate trailer installed at a market that offers optimised workspace along with excellent product visibility.
(Source: Ctifl, UNFD, FNDE, Larbaletier, CCIP)
Francis Duriez