Five things to consider when planning your store
Consider carefully before purchasing shopping carts and baskets
It's a good idea to think carefully when purchasing shopping carts and baskets. Not only do they allow customers to move their goods from the shelf to the checkout, they can also increase your average purchase value and customer satisfaction.
Five things to consider
We have five points on how you should think in order to make it as good as possible for your store.
1. condition
The shopping cart is the first thing the customer encounters in the store and the last thing she leaves behind. The impression it makes therefore plays a major role, both in how she experiences her purchase and in the feeling she takes away with her.
Encountering a dirty shopping cart with advertising flyers, trash in the basket, or wheels that pull to one side quickly creates irritation. A clean, intact, and fresh shopping cart, on the other hand, signals care and quality—and contributes to a more pleasant shopping experience.
We therefore recommend that inspection of shopping carts becomes a regular daily routine, preferably in conjunction with other tasks such as stacking.
2. number
There is a simple rule of thumb for estimating the need for shopping carts: the store's turnover multiplied by two. For example, if you have a turnover of SEK 100 million, you should have around 200 shopping carts.
The rule serves as a basis, but often needs to be adjusted. If you have shopping carts on wheels, the need for Trolleys can Trolleys by up to 10–15%. However, if the store is located in a shopping center, where customers use the carts for longer periods of time, more Trolleys are often required.
Are more Trolleys better? No. Too many stationary Trolleys the shopping cart garage increase the need for maintenance and cleaning, while also collecting dirt and dust.
3. size
It used to be said that larger Trolleys increased average purchases – this is only partially true. Comfort and freedom of choice are more important. Different customers have different needs.
A customer planning a small additional purchase who is only offered large Trolleys often Trolleys a basket instead. By offering a slightly smaller trolley, for example 100–130 liters, you create a better alternative.
How many sizes should you have? We recommend two to three different trolley sizes and two types of baskets – one on wheels and one traditional shopping basket.
4. placement
The shopping cart is used at two crucial moments: when entering the store and when leaving it.
At the entrance, shopping carts should be placed as close to the entrance as possible so that they are easily accessible. When customers leave the store, they want to be able to leave their shopping carts close to their cars—or, in some cases, close to the exit.
Offering multiple parking spaces makes things easier for customers and improves the overall experience.
5. handling
Ongoing maintenance of shopping carts is crucial. This involves both regular maintenance—washing, replacing worn parts, and repairs—and placing the carts in the right locations.
Well-functioning and accessible Trolleys just as important to the customer experience as well-stocked and neatly presented shelves.
The expert's perspective
Pekka Ritari has over 40 years of experience in equipping stores in Scandinavia.
– We are happy to help our customers think the right way. By visiting stores around the country, we get a clear picture of the conditions on site. We also notice that requirements have changed compared to 10–15 years ago.
Today's customers expect different cart sizes depending on whether they are doing their weekly shopping or making a smaller purchase. In the worst case, dissatisfied customers will choose to avoid your store altogether.
– We sell and maintain Trolleys all needs. Two popular options are our own design, the Scandinavia 160L with a lower shelf, combined with the smaller Polycart 100L. Many larger stores also choose to buy or rent electric QuicKarts for efficient stacking and to protect their staff's backs.
