Having manufactured store fixtures for nearly 30 years for
retailers across the country, at Interior
WooDesigns we recently have seen an interesting shift. Although many years ago retail store fixtures
were once comprised of all real wood then stained to a desired color, many
companies switched to other more cost affective alternatives. Since real wood fixtures are more labor
intensive, and material is more costly, many companies chose alternatives such
as Melamine, Particle Board, and Laminate options which could have a desired
look for a significant amount less.
Having altered designs and materials to cheapen the retail displays to
the least possible amount, many retailers were willing to gamble on the fixtures
lifespan.
Although our clients have been aware of the decrease in
durability and a fixtures longevity in a commercial environment in comparison
to real wood, most chose to continue with the less expensive alternatives. With the last few years having been extremely
rocky for most consumers, retailers, and many businesses, the less expensive
alternatives were probably appropriate for the economic times. Although the trend of economy store fixtures
has not expired, and has trended for more than the last 15 years, we recently
have noticed an upswing in desired quality.
Since the cost of fixtures are often depreciated over 6-7
years with a 10 year expectancy prior to replacement. We have noticed some economy fixtures in
commercial environments in as little as a few months to 6 years looking like
they went through World War II. Even
though we know real wood fixtures can end up looking the same, it usually takes
much longer to age the displays than with the less expensive wood alternatives. With some clients having realized the value
in better quality fixtures we have noticed an upswing for requests of real wood
and plywood construction with laminate for an increase in long term durability. Although plywood construction with a laminate
face is not equal in durability to real wood, neither is the price. At a price significantly less than real wood,
but more than melamine or particle board construction, we are excited to see
better quality fixtures hitting retail environments once again.
Will this be a short term or long term trend? Who
knows? Although we would like to
manufacture the better quality fixtures that will hold up for an extended
period before needing replacement, we are happy to produce whatever our clients
choose. Regardless of whatever
construction medium our clients choose, we make every effort to ensure the
ruggedness of the fixture holding up to normal wear and tear in commercial
retail environments to the best of our ability.
Since we pride ourselves on producing the best quality store fixtures in
the United States
for a reasonable and competitive price, we enjoy seeing our fixtures in retail
environments in good condition which helps to set the ambiance within the
retail establishment. Even though the
fixture should not be the focal point drawing attention away from the product
on the display, it should represent an image for customers as to the type of
merchandise that’s being displayed. In
an effort to help our clients maintain that desired look, building a good
quality store fixture that will last is crucial, regardless of whatever
materials are used.
