SpeedCell + Rivet Shelving + Wire Carts for Retail Backroom Athletic Apparel Storage

Solution at a Glance

A national athletic apparel retailer partnered with REB to implement standardized, high-density backroom storage systems that increased capacity by up to 60% and improved efficiency across stores nationwide.

• Services Provided: Design, Project Management, Installation, Permitting Support
• Products Provided: SpeedCell, Wire Carts, Rivet Shelving, Track Ladders
• Location: Numerous Locations Countrywide
• Number of Projects REB has Completed for Customer: 16

Concern: Inefficient Storage Space for Apparel in Retail Backrooms

A large athletic apparel retailer was challenged by the inefficient use of backroom storage space in their stores across the country. Their standard selective rack setup did not provide enough storage in the confined spaces of backrooms.

The retailer stores many SKUs of apparel items that include apparel bags, loose apparel, and boxes of stock. They needed a compact solution that could improve their storage density and efficiency in their backrooms while also keeping the garments safe.

Because of the number of stores involved, partnering with a single company to manage the design and implementation of all projects was important.

Solution: Countrywide Project Management and System Design

In the retailer’s search for a solution to improve their backroom storage capabilities, they were referred to REB Storage Systems International. REB’s proven experience as an international material handling systems integrator made them an ideal partner for this multi-location initiative.

REB manages every aspect of each project for the customer, including system design, project management, permitting support, freight coordination, and installation. REB leverages a national network of suppliers and installers to provide reliable, standardized products and services for every location across the United States.

Because every backroom has a unique layout, REB designers create a customized configuration for each store. The result is maximized storage density and accessibility within a compact footprint.

Solution: High-Density Retail Backroom Storage Solutions for Apparel

To effectively store the range of SKUs the retailer has, multiple storage solutions are required. Continue reading below to learn more about each backroom storage solution that REB provides this retailer.

SpeedCell

SpeedCell consists of high-strength fabric columns suspended within selective rack. Several columns can be hung within a selective rack unit, providing 40-60% higher storage density compared to a standard rack unit. Columns easily move from side to side for accessibility to rear columns.

Each SpeedCell column consists of individual storage compartments with identification tags for organized, highly visible storage. These compartments are perfect for storing apparel bags and loose apparel items.

Rack units are outfitted with wire decking over the top of the SpeedCell columns. The retailer uses this for storage of larger items, such as boxes. REB also supplies the retailer with track ladders so employees can safely access these items.

Additionally, some rack units feature a hang bar that runs behind the SpeedCell columns for garment storage. This custom integration provides needed hanging storage without sacrificing floor space for a separate storage unit to accommodate those items.

SpeedCell Pick Carts

REB provides the retailer with wire carts outfitted with SpeedCell columns. These carts provide the benefits of SpeedCell in a mobile application. Each cart holds up to 5 SpeedCell columns, allowing employees to pick multiple products at once thereby reducing travel time.

Rivet Shelving

REB also supplies rivet shelving units for storing products that don’t fit within SpeedCell compartments, such as overflow boxes or bulk apparel.

These units are cost-effective, space-efficient, and easily customizable. Some units include pegboards on the exterior sides for hanging small items like socks, headbands, and other accessories.

Outcome: Increased Efficiency and Storage Density Across Retail Backrooms

Since partnering with REB in 2019, the retailer has achieved significant improvements in storage efficiency, organization, and workflow across 16 locations in six states. REB continues to support the retailer with new installations and system maintenance nationwide.

Time savings: With REB managing all vendors, permitting, and installation schedules, the retailer benefits from a single point of contact for each project. Improved backroom layout and product accessibility have reduced pick and restock times, allowing staff to focus more time on store operations.

Higher backroom storage density: By tailoring each system to the products stored, REB increased the retailer’s backroom storage capacity within the same footprint. SpeedCell technology alone has boosted density by 40–60%. This system has expanded usable storage space and increased maneuverability.

Increased pick rates: With clearly defined storage locations for every SKU, staff can quickly locate and replenish apparel items. The result is faster picking, better organization, and improved flow from the backroom to the sales floor.

Standardization: REB’s national project management approach allows consistent execution from store to store. The retailer benefits from uniform system quality, design standards, and timelines, regardless of store location.

Enhanced Employee Safety: The organized, compact system reduces trip hazards. Employees can access stored items more easily and safely, and carts provide ergonomic transportation of items.

Gain Density in Your Retail Backrooms

Looking to upgrade your backroom storage density? REB can help.

Our team of material handling specialists partners with retailers nationwide to design and implement custom backroom storage systems that optimize space, streamline operations, and support store performance. We bring proven expertise in the design and project management of storage systems that address the unique challenges of retail backrooms.

We’d appreciate the opportunity to help you further, whether that be more information or a quote. Fill in the contact form on this page or call us at (800) 252-5955 to get in touch with a REB representative.