MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SPACE
Shelf trays organise products, strengthen their presence and help shoppers recognise a brand within a busy retail fixture. P&D produces bespoke trays predominantly for beauty products, while also developing solutions for other products and campaigns where an on-shelf display is the right format.
Every tray is developed around the stock, available shelf space, required facings and retailer restrictions. The result is a display designed for the particular product and location rather than a generic tray placed around it.
Designed to work on the shelf
Headers, graphics and shelf-edge branding can give the product a clearer visual presence while working within the space available.
Dividers, pushers, clips and other components can help arrange products and support the intended facing and replenishment method.
Dimensions, materials, construction and supply format are selected around the stock, shelf and retailer requirements.
Developed around stock and space
The product dimensions, individual weights and required number of facings all influence a shelf tray. P&D also considers the shelf width and depth, any permitted height, shopper access, replenishment and the restrictions supplied by the retailer or client.
Structural strength is developed around the intended stock rather than assumed from a standard tray. This is particularly important where products have different weights, concentrate loads in particular areas or require dividers and other internal features.
Features that support presentation and use
A shelf tray can do considerably more than hold a row of products. Depending on the brief, the design can incorporate product dividers, pushers or product-feeding features, clips and locating components, printed headers, shelf-edge branding, internal supports and other features needed for the product and retail environment.
The correct combination is selected during structural development so that the graphics, stock arrangement and practical use of the tray work together.
Materials and end of life
Folding boxboard and plastic are the principal shelf-tray materials, although the final selection is always dependent on the product, design and project brief. Mixed constructions may also include functional components such as dividers, pushers or clips.
End-of-life guidance must match the completed specification. Where different materials are combined, they should be separated before entering the appropriate recycling streams.
Supplied in the format the project needs
Pre-assembled
Shelf trays are commonly supplied already assembled when this provides the most practical route into packing, distribution or store.
Pre-stocked
P&D can pack the products into finished trays before delivery, allowing the stock arrangement and display presentation to be prepared together.
Flat-packed
Flat-packed supply is also possible when the tray design and wider project brief allow it.
P&D can also provide packing, delivery to multiple locations and installation. These services can be planned alongside the tray design so the chosen supply format, stock arrangement and delivery route are considered from the beginning.
What P&D needs for a shelf-tray brief
To begin developing the right tray, it is useful to provide:
- the product dimensions and individual weights;
- the number of products or facings required;
- the shelf width, depth and permitted height;
- retailer or client fixture guidelines;
- the intended stock arrangement and replenishment method;
- any required dividers, pushers, clips, headers or shelf-edge features;
- the preferred material, appearance or brand requirements;
- whether trays should be pre-assembled, pre-stocked or flat-packed;
- whether P&D should provide packing, delivery or installation;
- campaign quantities, delivery locations and the required date; and
- any material or end-of-life objectives that should inform the design.
P&D can then develop the structure, graphics, materials and supply route around the product and retail space.
Shelf tray questions
What products are shelf trays suitable for?
P&D produces shelf trays predominantly for beauty products, although they can be developed for other retail products and campaigns. Suitability depends on the stock, available shelf space and required presentation.
What materials are shelf trays made from?
Folding boxboard and plastic are the principal materials, but the final specification is determined by the product and brief. Where mixed materials are used, components should be separated before recycling.
Can shelf trays be supplied assembled, stocked or flat-packed?
Yes. They are most commonly supplied pre-assembled or pre-stocked, but flat-packed supply is also available when the design and project brief allow it.
How are the dimensions and product facings determined?
P&D develops the tray around the product dimensions and weights, required facings, available shelf dimensions and applicable retailer restrictions. The stock and fixture information should be supplied with the brief.
Can shelf trays include dividers, pushers and branded headers?
Yes. Depending on the project, trays can include dividers, pushers, clips, printed headers, shelf-edge branding and other functional or presentation components.
Can P&D pack, deliver and install shelf trays?
Yes. P&D can pack products into the trays, deliver to multiple locations and provide installation. These requirements should be included in the initial brief so the tray and supply route can be developed together.