Does the list of grocery store equipment you need to open your shop have your head spinning?
You want every customer who walks through your doors to find fresh produce, neatly organized shelves, and a smooth checkout process. Without the proper equipment, this experience could be compromised, leading to lost sales and disappointed customers.
That's why investing in high-quality grocery store equipment is crucial to help you streamline operations, maintain product quality, and create a welcoming environment for shoppers.
This post covers the essential hardware you need for your grocery store. For each, we’ll discuss where to find this grocery store equipment for sale, how much you can expect to spend, and how to find reputable sellers.
Grocery Store Equipment for Sale: Where To Find High-Quality Hardware
Getting the necessary equipment is one of the most important considerations when setting up a new grocery store. This is your foundation for efficient operations, a positive grocery store checkout experience, and long-term profitability.
The cost of outfitting a small grocery store with all the essential hardware can range from $55,000 to $250,000, depending on the specific equipment needed and the size of the store. Knowing where to look is a big part of investing in high-quality, reliable equipment.
You have several options for sourcing grocery store equipment:
- Online retailers: Online marketplaces like Amazon, Wayfair, and Overstock have various shelving options suitable for grocery stores. These platforms allow you to browse and compare products from different brands in one place. They also offer competitive prices and shipping options.
- Used equipment marketplaces: If you're a new store owner looking to save on startup costs without compromising quality, consider purchasing pre-owned grocery store equipment for sale. Websites like UsedShelving.com connect you with sellers specializing in this. You can save a lot of money by buying used instead of new ones and get the same quality.
- Manufacturer websites: You can also consider buying directly from the manufacturer. Big names like Madix and Lozier offer online catalogs and ordering options on their websites. Purchasing from the manufacturer will guarantee that you receive authentic, high-quality products. It may also provide access to custom options or bulk ordering discounts.
- Local restaurant and store equipment dealers: Local businesses in many cities sell new and used grocery store equipment for sale, like shelving. These businesses provide personalized service, expert advice, and the chance to see products in person before you decide to buy.
- Industry trade shows: Trade shows focusing on grocery, retail, or food service industries offer excellent opportunities to meet multiple equipment vendors, compare options, and stay current on the latest product offerings and industry trends. These events can be highly valuable for those who wish to keep up with industry developments and find the newest hardware on the market.
With these various options in mind, let's take a closer look at the five essential types of grocery store equipment and where you might find the high-quality hardware you need to set up a successful store.
1. Grocery Store Shelving
Keeping your grocery store organized and appealing is essential for providing your customers with a great shopping experience. One of the best ways to do this is by using shelves to maximize space and help display your products efficiently and attractively.
Gondola-style shelving is a flexible option that can offer your customers excellent product visibility. Choosing durable, adjustable shelves that match your store's design is important.
Some well-known shelving manufacturers and suppliers include Madix, Lozier, and Streater. You can also find affordable prices online at retailers, including Rapids Wholesale.
The cost of shelving units depends on the material, size, and brand. Basic models may cost around $100, while specialized ones can go over $1,000. A small grocery store may need to spend a few thousand dollars on shelving to properly display its products and create an organized sales floor.
2. Refrigeration and Freezer Units
If you're planning to start a business where you need to store perishable items like meat, dairy, and frozen foods, it's important to invest in high-quality hardware like refrigeration and freezer units. Properly storing perishable goods reduces waste and lost sales.
Related Read: [5 TIPS] How To Reduce Shrink in a Grocery Store
Reliable brands like True, Beverage-Air, and Hoshizaki offer commercial-grade equipment. These brands are available at restaurant and retail equipment suppliers as well as online retailers.
The prices for commercial refrigerators and freezers vary according to their size and type. Smaller units can cost around $1,000 while larger, specialized equipment can cost $10,000 or more. You should budget a significant amount of your startup costs for these essential pieces of equipment to make sure that you keep products fresh and safe for your customers.
3. Deli Equipment
To run a grocery store deli section, you need specialized equipment like slicers, scales, and display cases. These tools make the process efficient and help present your products attractively. You can buy them from reputable suppliers like Hobart, Globe, and Vollrath, restaurant equipment dealers and online retailers selling grocery equipment.
Deli slicers can range from $500 to $5,000, depending on their features. Based on size and features, scales and display cases can cost several hundred to several thousand dollars each.
Related Read: 5 Top Options for a Deli Scale With Label Printer for Your Market
4. Point of Sale and Checkout Equipment
Efficient and reliable point of sale (POS) and checkout equipment help you process transactions, manage inventory, and gather sales data. For grocery stores especially, your POS hardware system needs advanced features like inventory management, self-checkout options, and flexible payment processing for EBT, credit/debit cards, and mobile payment to meet your unique needs.
IT Retail provides a comprehensive POS solution tailored to the needs of grocery stores and markets. Our system offers all the essential features and can be customized to fit your store's unique requirements. With IT Retail, you can build and price your own perfect solution, including all the necessary hardware and software components, ensuring a seamless and efficient checkout experience for your customers.
5. Shopping Carts and Baskets
Shopping carts and baskets create a more convenient shopping experience and encourage larger purchases. They are critical to your customers’ shopping experience, giving them the tools to navigate your store and transport their selections.
If you're looking for reputable suppliers of shopping carts and baskets, Unarco, Technibilt, and Advance Carts are some of the top brands in the market. You can also source these products through online retailers.
If you have a small store, invest in at least 20-30 carts and 50-100 baskets to meet customer needs and promote a smooth shopping experience. Shopping carts typically cost $75 to $200 each, depending on their size and features. Baskets are cheaper, ranging from $5 to $20, depending on the retailer.
Grocery Store Equipment For Sale: Running Your Grocery Store
Every single piece of grocery store equipment for sale in this post is critical to a successful grocery store. With these pieces in place, you'll be ready to stock your shelves and open your doors to customers.
However, you need to make the most of your equipment to run the most profitable and efficient store.
One tool that can help you achieve this goal is your POS system. An ideal POS solution should offer advanced reporting, inventory management features, and efficient checkout capabilities tailored to grocery stores and markets' unique needs.
IT Retail's POS system is designed specifically for grocery stores and markets. It offers all the features you need to streamline your operations and boost your bottom line. From real-time inventory tracking to customizable reporting and seamless integration with your other store equipment, IT Retail provides a comprehensive solution for managing your business.
To learn more about how IT Retail can help you get the most out of your grocery store equipment and drive your store's success, schedule a demo today.
