When Karen Jordan took over Marshalls hardware shop in the picturesque Gloucestershire town of Tetbury, it proved an interesting challenge. The shop had to be completely rejuvenated before opening and Karen called upon Salepoint to devise a solution for the interior shell that would accommodate her plans to turn the shop back into a thriving business.

“This is very much an ongoing project,” she admits. “We stock everything from hardware to pet supplies to a shoe repair service - everything in fact, that is expected of a traditional local hardware emporium. However, it was clear that the space available had to be utilised to its maximum potential in order to display all the stock on offer and Salepoint created a virtual interior that worked perfectly in practice.”

Using the latest in CAD technology, Salepoint measured the area and produced a bespoke layout. The company then worked ahead of schedule to install shelving, racking and a large network of slatwall to make use of the vertical surfaces. All components were supplied in a Maple and Cream finishes for a uniform appearance.

Coopers (Gt Yarmouth) Ltd hardware has been expanding its operations and a brand new shop in Bungay, Suffolk has recently opened, with internal fixtures and fittings supplied by Salepoint. The family-owned business acquired the premises and set about creating an interior that would present the stock clearly and neatly using the space available to its optimum potential. Metal shelving and fittings were supplied in a creamy off-white for self installation by the hardware store.

“We chose Salepoint for the internal fitout because of the company’s competitive pricing and because we have used them previously on our other stores,“ comments Stuart Hall, Joint MD of Coopers. “Salepoint designed the layout and supplied the fittings and we installed them ourselves with only one more small area to be completed.” Coopers stocks a huge range of items, from ironmongery to domestic hardware, hand and power tools, cookware and cutlery and light-side builders' supplies, all of which had to be accommodated within the shop and Salepoint rose to the challenge.

“Strategic location of stock is a successful merchandising technique with the aim of promoting the image as an organised environment for both staff and customers. User friendly surroundings attracts more business,” says Dennis Wilmot.

It has been 25 years since Salepoint originally fitted out Marlows Home and Garden Centre. Over the years, Salepoint has regularly helped to update the centre and when the time came for an extensive revamp, Salepoint was appointed again.

The centre wanted to create an upmarket image to expand the customer base. Salepoint’s expertise in shopfitting enabled Marlows to complete the revamp in just six weeks and the store remained open throughout the work. Since the refurbishment of the houseware, lighting and linen departments, the centre is now able to offer customers even more.

Salepoint’s modular shelving with integrated timber effect slatwall panelling was chosen for the main display system because of its reasonable cost and appealing aesthetics. The Marlows green corporate colour scheme was integrated into the fit-out with the system’s various trims. Also to create more appeal, three-sided slatwall towers were supplied with double-sided shelving units radiating out at 180 degree angles. These were located very carefully with respect to the different departments to create interest and promote browsing.