Month: June 2025

You can tell a lot about a shop by how it uses its space. Not just the floor plan or the lighting, the smaller details that guide customers through the experience without them even realising it. Retail display hooks are one of the most understated parts of a store layout, yet they play a key role in how people shop. When used effectively, they don’t just hold products. They draw attention, support stock rotation and help increase sales.

This blog explores how you can get more out of your retail display hooks, not by adding more of them, but by using them more strategically.

Rethinking the Purpose of a Hook

A display hook might seem like a fixed solution. It holds a product, the customer takes the product and that’s that. But the way hooks are positioned, the quantity used and the types selected all impact how shoppers engage with what’s in front of them.

Some of the most effective uses of retail display hooks are:

• Encouraging impulse purchases with small, high-margin products
• Supporting flexible layouts for seasonal or promotional ranges
• Reducing clutter by presenting products in a clean vertical line

Instead of simply being a functional add-on, hooks become a tool for visibility and presentation. They help you prioritise space and product flow.

Use Hooks to Tell a Story

Hooks can guide the customer journey through your store. Think beyond walls and try using them in modular panels or freestanding units placed at key transition points. This setup helps introduce collections or themes gradually, which encourages browsing.

A few examples of this in action:

• Introducing a travel section with hooks displaying luggage tags, adaptors and travel pillows before reaching the suitcase aisle
• Hanging small gardening accessories at the start of a seasonal aisle to tease the full range further down
• Using slatwall hooks to feature coordinating accessories near featured clothing items

This approach works well for stores that want to encourage discovery and slow down the customer’s path through the space.

Balance Visibility and Volume

Too many items on a single hook can overwhelm customers. Too few and the display looks sparse or unfinished. Finding the right balance helps to maintain stock levels without compromising presentation.

If you stock lightweight packaged items, such as electronics accessories or craft supplies, consider:

• Keeping a consistent quantity per hook to maintain visual order
• Ensuring the front item is always easily grabbable
• Using deeper hooks only for products with fast turnover

This avoids overloading a space, which can lead to visual fatigue, especially in tightly packed displays.

Create Natural Stopping Points

Hooks work particularly well in transitional areas where customers pause. Think about spaces between departments, queue zones or the entrance area. These pauses are opportunities to place quick-buy products in front of customers without interrupting their route.

You could introduce hooks in areas such as:

• Along queue rails with everyday essentials or novelty items
• On columns between aisles with featured brand products
• Near tills with smaller items for last-minute decisions

These placements feel natural because they don’t force a change in direction. Instead, they provide simple, low-effort opportunities to pick up extra items.

Maximise Vertical Retail Space

Walls are often the most underused part of a retail store. Retail display hooks allow you to go vertical, freeing up floor space and creating cleaner sightlines. For smaller retailers, this is especially valuable as it opens up more display options without needing extra square metres.

Vertical hook placement is particularly useful for:

• Grouping colour ranges together in fashion or beauty displays
• Tiering similar items by size or price point
• Creating a backdrop of high-stock items behind feature tables

As well as presenting more products, vertical displays naturally draw the eye upwards, giving the impression of a more spacious, better-stocked store.

Show Off Smaller Products Without Losing Them

Small items can disappear when placed on shelves, especially if they’re boxed or unbranded. Hooks help solve this by lifting them into sight. They also allow shoppers to pick up and inspect products more easily, which increases the likelihood of purchase.

Retailers often use display hooks effectively for:

• Stationery and office supplies
• Keyrings, chargers or cables
• Cosmetics, brushes or nail products

With the right spacing and clear labelling, even small-scale hooks can drive meaningful interaction with product lines that might otherwise get overlooked.

Support Fast Replenishment and Stock Checks

Retail staff need to replenish stock quickly without disrupting shoppers. Hooks make this process easier because they present products clearly and uniformly. Staff can spot gaps in the display at a glance, restock efficiently and maintain consistency across similar aisles.

It also helps with:

• FIFO (First In, First Out) stock rotation by loading from the back
• Daily checks for bestsellers and fast-moving lines
• Reducing overstock by visually confirming space allocation

Because hooks create a set pattern for each product type, they remove guesswork from the replenishment process and support quicker turnaround on the shop floor.

Use Hook Variants That Fit the Product

Not all hooks are equal. Choosing the right hook for the right item improves how well it sells. For example, thicker double-arm hooks can support heavier items without warping the display, while euro hooks work best for products with Euro slot packaging.

Make sure you choose hooks that suit:

• The weight of the item
• The packaging type (slot, hang tab, or tag)
• The way customers interact with the product

Swapping out one ill-fitting hook type can change the visibility and reach of a product entirely.

Integrate Hooks Into Promotions and Seasonal Displays

Hooks allow for faster changes when rotating in promotional or seasonal stock. Instead of rebuilding a display or bringing in extra fixtures, you can reuse the same panels and simply switch out the product lines.

For example:

• A summer holiday feature wall becomes a back-to-school display using the same hook layout
• A ‘Gift Ideas’ panel rotates monthly with hooks that hold different themed items
• A promotion stand-up display features limited-time offers that change weekly

Because hooks take up little space, you can trial a variety of placements without committing to fixed units. This level of flexibility is especially useful in high-traffic shops or pop-up environments.

Make Use of Gridwall and Slatwall Flexibility

Gridwall and slatwall systems are highly compatible with retail display hooks. They allow you to reposition hooks quickly and adapt the display without needing new tools or fittings. This is ideal for stores that change their layout regularly or run short-term product trials.

Use this flexibility to:

• Test different hook positions for new products
• Adjust layout based on customer browsing behaviour
• Introduce new stock categories without a full refit

Even small tweaks can help improve flow and ensure products don’t get hidden by less relevant stock.

Let Your Hooks Do the Selling

Retail display hooks work best when you plan for how customers move, how they browse and how they make buying decisions. When placed with purpose and maintained properly, hooks stop being a background feature and start becoming an active part of your sales strategy.

At Foxbarn, we’ve supported thousands of retailers with high-quality display hooks, fixtures and accessories manufactured right here in the UK. With over 40 years of experience and a reputation built on consistency and precision, we help shops of every size make better use of their retail fittings. Our wide stockholding and fast delivery times mean you can stay agile without compromising on quality.

Explore our full range of retail display hooks or get in touch to find out how we can support your next display refresh.

Walk into any successful retail space and you’ll notice that the design choices rarely happen by chance. The layout, the fixtures, the way products are displayed – they’re all working together to influence how people browse and buy. But as shopping behaviour continues to shift, retailers across the UK are finding that traditional setups don’t always deliver the flexibility or visibility needed to stay competitive. That’s where unexpected shop fittings come into play.

This blog looks at practical ways UK retailers are rethinking standard setups, with smart alternatives that are helping to increase customer engagement and drive sales.

Industrial-Style Fixtures That Do More Than Look Good

Some shop fittings UK retailers now rely on take inspiration from industrial design. But this isn’t just about following a trend. These fittings provide a sense of sturdiness, while also offering modularity that lets you adapt the space more frequently.

You’ll often see:

• Powder-coated metal grids for hanging lightweight items
• Pipe-style rails that double as hanging space and dividers
• Open-frame shelving with adjustable heights

The aesthetic grabs attention, but the real benefit is practicality. Staff can rearrange displays quickly, while customers get a clearer view of the merchandise.

Free-Standing Displays That Invite Interaction

Free-standing units are a staple in retail, but newer formats are being used in more dynamic ways. Instead of placing them against walls or in fixed corners, retailers are positioning them in mid-aisle or at key sightlines to spark interaction.

This setup encourages:

• Closer inspection of featured products
• Slower movement through the store, which leads to more discovery
• Increased dwell time in high-value zones

By treating the floor space as a flexible layout rather than a fixed path, you give customers reasons to pause and explore.

Perforated Panels and Pegboard Walls

Pegboards have been around for decades, but they’re getting a second life thanks to their adaptability and space-saving design. Many shop fittings UK stores are now embracing include full-wall peg systems, which allow for quick rearrangement without needing new hardware.

These boards are especially effective for:

• Hardware and tools
• Craft items
• Fashion accessories
• Electronic add-ons

The benefits go beyond flexibility. Pegboard walls also allow for better stock visibility, which helps customers find what they need quickly and encourages impulse additions. It’s a practical way to support self-directed browsing.

Magnetic Displays for Quick Merchandising Changes

Retailers often face the challenge of switching out displays without damaging walls or disrupting other fixtures. Magnetic fittings are becoming a go-to for temporary promotions, themed displays or limited-time offers.

Popular uses include:

• Metal backing boards with hook-on magnetic rails
• Shelving units that can be re-positioned in seconds
• Signage and price tags that stay in place without adhesives

These fittings save time during setup and allow for trial-and-error placement, which is useful when testing a new layout or promotion.

Adjustable Shelving That Prioritises Accessibility

Fixed shelving often limits how effectively you can present products of varying size or packaging shape. Adjustable fittings give you more control over spacing and layout, making it easier to create cleaner, more accessible displays.

Retailers are using this approach to:

• Improve reach for elderly or disabled shoppers
• Make high-ticket items feel more premium by giving them more space
• Keep fast-moving products in better view

Shoppers don’t want to feel like they’re reaching into a crowded corner just to find an everyday essential. Adjustable systems allow you to give each product the right amount of visibility.

Integrated Lighting Built into Fixtures

Lighting isn’t just about ambience. When integrated directly into shop fittings, it can highlight products more effectively than standard ceiling lighting ever could.

Retailers are installing:

• LED strips within shelving or under rails
• Spotlights built into overhanging fixtures
• Colour-tuned lighting to bring out specific tones in apparel or cosmetics

This method draws attention to key lines and makes colour ranges more appealing, which is particularly useful in fashion, tech and beauty sectors. It also increases the likelihood of interaction with higher-margin items.

Wire Basket Systems That Blend Display and Storage

Wire baskets used to be reserved for backroom or budget bins. Now, they’re appearing across the shop floor as part of carefully designed displays. They provide visibility, easy access and a less formal feel, which can make products more approachable.

Current applications include:

• Rolling baskets used for restocking and display at the same time
• Layered stacking systems for grouping variations of a product
• Tilted baskets for grab-and-go impulse buys near tills

Because customers can see the entire contents at a glance, they’re more likely to browse even without clear product signage.

Mirror Fixtures in Unexpected Spots

Mirrors aren’t just for fitting rooms. Strategic placement throughout a store can influence customer flow and perception of space. Some shop fittings UK retailers are choosing now include mirrored backings on display units or angled mirrors that give customers different perspectives on products.

This can help:

• Make small spaces appear larger
• Give customers a better view of product detail from a distance
• Encourage trial of wearable items even outside of changing areas

The key is subtlety. A mirror on the underside of a display shelf or along a narrow aisle can shift how people move through the space without needing extra square footage.

Product-Specific Display Arms and Brackets

Generic shelving doesn’t always serve the product. Display arms designed with specific categories in mind can improve product presentation and support more logical grouping.

Examples include:

• Guitar-style hook brackets for headphones or headgear
• Angled arms for showing boxed shoes or trainers
• Brackets with lips to hold books upright without slipping

Retailers using these fittings report better engagement with those items because the product is presented in a way that makes sense at a glance.

Ceiling-Mounted Display Rails for Dead Space

Most stores underuse their vertical space. Ceiling-mounted fittings solve that problem by offering display options without touching the floor or wall. Hanging rails, rotating hooks or drop-down panels allow you to bring stock into view without reducing navigable space.

These are particularly helpful for:

• Lightweight seasonal displays
• Promotional banners with physical products attached
• Suspended mannequin displays in fashion outlets

Customers look up more often than expected, especially in quieter parts of the shop. Making use of that space can increase exposure for product lines without crowding ground-level displays.

Take a Second Look at the Fixtures Around You

The right shop fittings don’t need to be complicated or expensive. Sometimes, the unexpected choice turns out to be the most effective. By rethinking how each element of your display setup works, you can increase sales, improve navigation and create a better overall experience for your customers. At Foxbarn, we support retailers across the UK with display hooks, accessories and specialist shop fittings designed for flexibility and performance. All items are made and finished in-house using the latest manufacturing technology, with large stockholdings ready for quick delivery. If you’re looking to rethink your shop fittings UK wide, explore our range or get in touch with our team today.

Shop display hooks are one of the most versatile tools in any retailer’s fit-out, but they’re often underused. While they may appear basic at first glance, how you implement them in your space can make a measurable difference to how products are seen and, ultimately, how well they sell.

This blog explores ten fresh, practical ways you can make smarter use of shop display hooks across your store, with a focus on flexibility, space optimisation and customer engagement.

1. Group Products by Function, Not Just Category

Customers benefit when you make their choices easier. Instead of separating items strictly by category, try grouping them by how they’re used. For instance, a DIY store could hang paintbrushes, tape and gloves together using display hooks to form a “painting essentials” area. It mirrors the way customers think when tackling a task, and it subtly encourages basket-building without a hard upsell.

2. Highlight Bestsellers and Promotions

Display hooks make it simple to create small but highly visible promo zones. Install a few hooks near the entrance or point of sale to showcase fast-moving items, new launches or seasonal picks. It draws attention without clutter and allows you to rotate stock regularly without needing to redesign the entire layout.

You might try:

• A ‘Staff Picks’ section on slatwall hooks
• A rotating feature for monthly promos
• A cluster of popular impulse buys by the till

Keeping this area fresh encourages return visits from regular customers who know to expect something new.

3. Guide the Customer Journey Through Your Store

Hooks placed at different stages of the shop floor can act as subtle markers, leading customers from one section to another. For example, if someone is browsing in a technology aisle, nearby hooks could display accessories like chargers, screen wipes or cables. You’re guiding their route through the store, not just offering products.

Use changes in product type, colour or signage to clearly define these mini transitions. It helps prevent the feeling of repetition, especially in stores with long aisles or uniform shelving.

4. Increase Accessibility for Smaller Items

Small items are easy to misplace or overlook when shelved. Shop display hooks bring them up to eye level, keeping them visible and reachable. Hooks also make it easier to organise by size or colour, which helps customers compare options quickly.

Think about categories like:

• Keyrings
• Hair accessories
• Hand tools
• Cables or phone cases

Spacing the hooks evenly and labelling rows clearly avoids visual clutter, even when stock is dense.

5. Use Shop Display Hooks to Improve Stock Rotation

Display hooks work well in combination with FIFO (First In, First Out) rotation. For consumables or dated stock, you can position older items at the front of the hook and replenish from the back. This ensures you’re always moving the right products first, which reduces waste or markdowns.

Clear labelling above the hooks helps staff and customers identify items quickly. In fast-moving environments like convenience stores, this can make a big difference to both sales and efficiency.

6. Add Impulse Opportunities Along the Queue

Queue areas are valuable selling space. Using shop display hooks along queue barriers or beside tills allows you to add last-minute items to your customer’s journey. These should be low-cost, useful or novelty products that don’t require much consideration.

Good examples include:

• Batteries
• Face masks
• Pocket-sized sanitisers
• Mini chocolate bars or mints

Hooks allow neat presentation and can be switched out in seconds depending on the season or time of day.

7. Experiment with Cross-Merchandising Ideas

A smart way to increase basket value is to link related items together using hooks. For example, a sportswear shop could hang water bottles next to running shoes or wrist supports near dumbbells. You’re planting ideas that are logical and helpful, which builds trust and nudges customers towards adding another item.

This is especially effective near product demonstrations or interactive displays, where customers are already more open to suggestions.

8. Make Seasonal Displays More Flexible

Seasonal displays can be time-consuming to set up and break down, but hooks help simplify the process. By preparing a slatwall or gridwall area fitted with hooks, you can swap out festive stock in minutes without the need for additional fixtures.

This approach works well for:

• Valentine’s Day cards or gifts
• Easter treats
• Summer holiday accessories
• Christmas wrapping and decorations

It also allows you to keep displays tidy as stock levels change throughout the season.

9. Show More in Less Space

If you have limited shelving, wall-mounted shop display hooks help maximise stock presentation without overwhelming the floor. For high-density product lines like packaged snacks, toiletries or stationery, hooks let you show more units without reducing accessibility.

When spaced properly, hooks also let customers browse without having to rifle through bins or boxes, keeping displays neat and reducing wear on packaging.

10. Support Click and Collect or In-Store Pick Up

Retailers with click and collect services can use dedicated hook displays near collection points to offer customers recommended add-ons while they wait. These areas serve two functions – they speed up queue flow and they provide another chance to make a sale.

Here are a few ideas:

• Travel-sized toiletries near pharmacy counters
• Gift bags or tags near customer services
• Accessories to match collected tech items

Because hooks keep items upright and front-facing, it’s easy for staff to restock during quiet periods without disrupting customers.

Keep Shop Display Hooks Working Harder for Your Store

Smart use of shop display hooks doesn’t require a redesign – just a rethink. By approaching them as tools for storytelling, space-saving and customer experience, you can get far more from your existing floor plan. They give you the ability to react quickly to stock changes, promotions and trends without compromising presentation.

At Foxbarn, we specialise in providing the widest range of shop display hooks, fixtures and accessories in the UK. Our in-house manufacturing and extensive stock ensure you get what you need, quickly and reliably. Whatever sector you’re in, we can help you create a display solution that works for your business.

Explore our full range or speak to our team today to find out how we can support your next in-store update.

A cluttered workspace slows you down. Whether you’re sorting out a home garage, setting up a retail display, or managing stock in a workshop, keeping everything in its right place matters. Pegboard accessories give you a simple, effective way to get organised and stay that way.

If you’ve been searching for a way to tidy up your space without having to invest in bulky furniture or complicated storage units, pegboard accessories are worth serious consideration.

What Are Pegboard Accessories?

Pegboard accessories are add-ons designed to fit into pegboards. These boards usually have evenly spaced holes that allow you to slot in a wide range of fittings to hold, store or display items. Common options include hooks, trays, shelves, baskets and specialist holders.

These accessories aren’t limited to garages or DIY spaces. They are now widely used in retail environments, stockrooms, craft studios and even kitchens. The principle remains the same: visible, modular storage that puts items within reach and off your surfaces.

Pegboard systems are especially useful when flexibility is needed. Unlike fixed shelving or drawers, pegboard accessories can be moved around as your tools or product lines change.

Benefits of Pegboard Accessories

The appeal of pegboard accessories goes beyond neatness. They support better working habits and allow for quicker decision-making, whether you’re trying to find the right screwdriver or preparing stock for dispatch.

Here are some of the practical advantages you’ll get from using them:

• Make better use of wall space and free up valuable surface areas
• Keep items clearly visible so you can spot what’s missing at a glance
• Rearrange your setup quickly as your needs shift
• Sort tools or stock by category, size or frequency of use
• Improve safety by avoiding clutter or loose items on the floor

For anyone who deals with a large number of small parts, tools or products, the efficiency gains add up fast.

Choosing the Right Pegboard Accessories for Your Space

The best setup for you will depend on what you’re storing and where you’re working. Not all pegboard accessories are made equal, and it’s worth thinking through what you need before you buy.

Hooks
Available in a range of lengths and thicknesses. Some are designed for specific tools such as spanners, pliers or blister-packed goods.

• In retail, euro hooks or flipper scan hooks are ideal for barcoded items
• In home or workshop use, standard single-prong hooks may be sufficient

Trays and baskets
Ideal for smaller items that can’t be hung.

• Useful for things like screws, clips, labels, thread spools and glue sticks
• Fit directly onto the board and keep everything in sight

Shelves
Suitable for bulkier or heavier items.

• Perfect for paint tins, drill sets or boxed merchandise
• Metal shelves offer extra strength and are better suited for daily use

Retail presentation
Pegboard accessories create a clean and professional display.

• Products are spaced clearly, avoiding a cluttered appearance
• The layout helps customers browse easily and supports better buying decisions

Pegboard Accessories for Different Environments

Pegboard accessories adapt to almost any space. Whether you’re a small business owner, a tradesperson, or someone simply trying to get their home in order, these systems offer a practical answer.

In the workshop or garage

Pegboard accessories help you keep essential tools in one place. Spanners, drill bits, tapes and brushes no longer need to live in a drawer where they get tangled or forgotten. You can arrange items based on the order you use them, making your routine smoother and cutting down on wasted time.

In retail

Displays need to look tidy, accessible and easy to shop. Pegboard accessories let you tailor your layout to suit different product types and change the display quickly when stock rotates. They also support better stock control, since you can see what’s low at a glance.

In an office or craft studio

Stationery, materials or art supplies benefit from being grouped clearly. Pegboard bins and trays make it easier to sort pens, papers, scissors or thread. You avoid the familiar problem of overflowing drawers and cluttered desks.

In storerooms or warehouse

Pegboard setups let you manage essential tools or small components like screws, tags, cleaning supplies or packaging tape. This improves speed and cuts down on time wasted looking for things in boxes or bins.

Simple Tips for Setting Up Pegboard Accessories

Installing a pegboard system doesn’t need to be difficult. With the right planning, it can be up and running in a couple of hours. Here are a few tips to help you get it right:

• Start by measuring the wall area where you want to install the pegboard
• Choose accessories that match the items you want to store
• Use spacers or battens behind the board so there’s enough room to slot in hooks
• Position frequently used items at eye level for easy reach
• Avoid overloading one area – distribute weight across the board
• Label trays or bins if you’re storing similar-looking parts

Once installed, you can make small adjustments over time. That’s one of the benefits of this kind of system, it grows with your needs.

Keeping Your System Organised

Even with a good layout, things can slowly drift back into disorder if they’re not maintained. Here are a few habits that help keep your pegboard setup working well:

• Put items back in place after each use
• Do a quick check once a week to see if anything needs refilling or repairing
• Clean the board and accessories regularly to keep dust from building up
• Review the layout every few months to see if it still suits how you work

A pegboard system is most effective when it reflects the way you actually use your space, so stay open to small changes.

Start Building Your Own Setup

If you’re looking to bring order to your workspace, shop floor or stockroom, pegboard accessories give you a clear starting point. They’re straightforward to install, easy to adapt and reliable for long-term use.

Foxbarn Limited supplies a wide range of pegboard accessories, hooks and display fixtures made in-house using advanced machinery. With large stockholdings and rapid UK delivery, we’re ready to help you get organised quickly and professionally. If you’re ready to take the next step, browse our full range online or contact us for advice on choosing the right solution for your space.