Slatwall Techniques

Installing a slatwall

• Slatwalls should be thought of like facade walls. They are not structural, in that they are not designed to support the structural load of a building. Instead, these walls are applied directly on top of other finished walls for displaying things. However, unlike other kinds of walls, slat walls will have multiple points of pressure on them. That is, there are usually more hooks hanging off the wall than on other types. Ensure that the wall is even more securely anchored with an adequate number of screws to prevent it from pulling away.

Hardware

• Slatwalls use a specific type of hardware to hang things on them. These pieces can be customized to fit the type of merchandise to be displayed. For example, some suppliers sell metal bars that extend from the wall with metal hooks underneath for separating items of clothing, while others sell simple simple, s-hook hangers designed for smaller items such as jewelery and accessories. In every case, when looking for hardware for a slatwall, make sure that it has the appropriate curved lip at the top where the hanger meets the wall. Otherwise, it will not fit under the slat and cannot be hung.

Organizing a Slatwall

• Organization of a slatwall just as organization of any retail display, is essential to good sales. If the wall is overcrowded with things, a consumer will not be able to find what she is looking for. Leave adequate space around things that are bulky or have an extra long drape to avoid losing smaller items in their shadow. Give smaller items their space as well. Too many small items in a single space can be too much for a viewer to take in and could cause them to turn away. The beauty of a slatwall is that a designer can arrange and rearrange these things based on changing inventory.