By Tracey A Chandler

Slatwall panels are 8 foot by 4 foot panels with a series of horizontal grooves that are used to display merchandise in a retail setting. Various types of inserts slip into the grooves to create different methods of exhibition. The slatwall panels can be stacked vertically, to form a higher wall, or positioned side by side, for a longer horizontal presentation. In addition, they can also be cut to a desired size.

Slatwall panels come in a choice of materials including laminate, melamine and wood veneer, as well as a large selection of colors. There is even a mirrored finish. This gives the retailer plenty of options. The spaced grooves on the slatwall panels are referred to as the on center and represent the amount of spacing between grooves. The width between each on center can vary from three inches or more apart. To create additional diversity and individuality, there are colored inserts that can be positioned into the grooves.

There are many different types of slatwall accessories that slip into the grooves and provide a means to showcase wares. Brackets or face-outs may be metal, plastic or acrylic. Designs include the waterfall, knife, cube, hanger and hang rail. The waterfall bracket, which slopes down and out, is designed for hanging heavy items or several items at once, such as a collection of jackets in an assortment of sizes. It usually has ball stoppers on the top to prevent the hangers from slipping off the rail or hooks on the bottom. The chrome cube holds merchandise on hangers and juts out vertically. This design takes up more floor space but less wall area. The hang rail runs horizontally along the wall and is another method to showcases merchandise on hangers. It takes up less floor space but more wall area.

Another type is the knife bracket, which acts as a support to hold shelves. The shelves may be glass, wood or metal and they simply sit on top of the bracket. This style is ideal for displaying folded clothing, like blue jeans and sweaters, or for purses and shoes. In addition to brackets, there are also hooks or pegs. These are typically used for lightweight items like jewelry, belts or hats, since they cannot support as much weight as the brackets. Both the brackets and hooks come in varying lengths, so the retailer has plenty of options.

Most merchants incorporate a combination of different brackets and hooks throughout the store. Because the slatwall accessories simply pop in and out of the grooves, they can be changed monthly, weekly or every day. This is important, since there is a constant influx of new merchandise coming into the establishment. Also, many merchants frequently rearrange the store to keep the look fresh and interesting or to set up for a big sale. Slatwall panels are used in the majority of retail environments because they provide the opportunity for an infinite array of configurations and methods of organizing goods