Future-ready retail - Transforming supermarkets with racking, shelving and automation
Driven by the need for greater efficiency and adaptability in dynamic retail environments, retailers are increasingly prioritising solutions that can keep pace with rapid changes in consumer demand and store layouts. This has sparked innovations in innovative, customisable and eco-friendly racking and shelving systems designed to meet the evolving needs of the modern supermarket and retail sector. Werner Serfontein, CEO of Palian Racking and Shelving, says three trends to watch this year are the increased use of smart shelving synchronised with inventory systems, customisable and modular storage solutions for dynamic store layouts and an enhanced focus on eco-friendly materials and sustainable solutions.
Image - Dexion Racking & Shelving Systems ad Issue 1 2025
Mike Botoulas, Head of Sales, Projects & Automation at Jungheinrich, highlights that shrinking facility footprints and increasing ceiling heights have driven a growing preference for racked, very narrow aisle (VNA) and compact shelving systems.“Moreover, the push towards automation and robotics is gaining traction among many customers,” he notes. “We’re seeing a significant rise in business case developments and Return on Investment (ROI) studies evaluating the viability of automation solutions.”
Image - Jungheinrich ad Issue 1 2025
According to Floris Visser, CEO at Relog, the trends expected in 2025 aren’t entirely new developments, but rather the culmination of a growing need over the past few years. “The core issue is that space has become an increasingly expensive commodity, while labour remains relatively affordable. Retailers and supermarkets experiencing growth can no longer afford to approach racking and shelving with a ‘one-size-fits-all’ mentality. Instead, they must focus on optimising space utilisation by doing more with what they already have,” he says. This shift means businesses can no longer rely on simply ordering more standard Adjustable Pallet Racking (APR) systems as they did in previous years. Instead, they need to conduct a thorough operational analysis to identify storage solutions that align with their current needs and long-term growth strategies and cater to the full Pareto curve. A holistic approach to operational planning is crucial, moving away from traditional cookie-cutter strategies toward more tailored, flexible solutions. “Additionally, the market is flooded with new technologies, many of which claim to be the ultimate end-to-end solution. However, very few
truly deliver on that promise,” says Visser.
Image - Relog ad Issue 1 2025
“Committing to a single solution that only addresses a portion of operational requirements is no longer viable. Businesses must adopt a more strategic perspective, integrating multiple systems to create an adaptable
and scalable operation. "Lastly, there’s an increasing opportunity for disruptive innovation. Companies that think outside the box and design new, creative ways to enhance customer service are set to lead the market. Whether through advanced automation, modular storage solutions, or hybrid systems combining shelving with robotics, the key is continuous innovation aimed at efficiency, flexibility, and customer-centricity.”
According to experts, the most significant trends in racking and shelving for 2025 will be smarter space utilisation, flexible and scalable solutions and innovation to stay ahead of changing demands. Retailers that adapt to these trends will position themselves for survival and sustainable growth in an increasingly competitive market.
Automation & digitisation at the forefront
Just as supermarkets evolved from clipboards to smart devices for inventory counts, warehouse automation and digitisation are making
their next big leap, bringing both positive advancements and challenges to material handling and storage, says Alan Richard, owner of Apex Real Time Solutions. But warns Visser, simply adopting a digitisation strategy to eliminate paper will no longer be enough.
Image - Apex Real Time Solutions ad Issue 1 2025
“True digitisation requires a more strategic.approach, one that focuses not just on replacing manual processes, but on re-thinking the entire data lifecycle,” he says. “This includes evaluating what data is being captured, where it’s being collected and how it’s being utilised to improve operations. While regulatory data compliance is essential, many businesses capture large volumes of data that are never analysed or leveraged. Daily reports are generated but often go unexamined, leaving valuable insights untapped.”Data is set to transform African warehousing.
According to Richard, “IoT sensors, robots and mobile apps generate real-time data, providing operational insights that turn warehouses into strategic assets. Robots, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) optimise space, boosting storage by up to 85%, reducing errors, cutting labour costs and improving efficiency. Botoulas says there is a growing need and demand for automation, with many companies having already initiated the journey – either with semi-automation or the view towards full automation and robotics.“
“The benefits of automation are obvious,” says Serfontein. “It reduces manual handling, increases efficiency and reduces errors. Digitisation, through
IoT and analytics, provides data-driven insights for better decision-making in inventory management, enhancing operational productivity and accuracy.”
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