Retail Ergonomics

Ergonomics solutions for retail environments including supermarkets, shops, stores, warehouses and delivery operations. Balancing worker safety with customer experience through thoughtful design and comprehensive training.

Retail Environment Areas

Shop Floor:

  • Customer interaction and safety

  • Checkout ergonomics (repetitive operator tasks, seating)

  • Accessibility (aisle width, visibility, shelving heights)

  • Environmental comfort (lighting, temperature for customers)

  • Design-focused solutions including wayfinding (customers can't be trained)

Warehouse/Back-of-House:

  • Operational areas

  • Heavy manual handling (loading, shelving)

  • Industrial-style equipment (trolleys, steps, PPE)

  • Storage and logistics operations

  • Training-based solutions possible

Our Retail Ergonomics Services

  • Workplace Assessment - Evaluation of shop floor, warehouse, checkout and delivery areas for ergonomic risks and customer safety.

  • Design Consultation - Store layout, shelving height, checkout design and equipment selection to optimise both worker comfort and customer experience.

  • Training Development - Staff training programmes covering manual handling, checkout ergonomics and customer assistance whilst maintaining safety protocols.

Common Issues Addressed

  • Checkout design requiring comfortable seating and appropriate monitor heights

  • Shelving systems with suitable equipment (steps, trolleys) for safe stock management

  • Manual handling in warehouse and delivery areas with appropriate PPE

  • Aisle width and layout for wheelchair users and trolley navigation

  • Environmental comfort including lighting, temperature and ventilation

Key Considerations

Retail environments emphasise safety over comfort compared to office settings. Employees can be trained in safety protocols whilst customers rely on intuitive design, clear signage and safe processes. Store layout, ambience and accessibility are critical for customer safety and experience.

Navigation and wayfinding is a critical ergonomics consideration affecting customer safety. Clear wayfinding supports customers with visual impairments, neurodiversity conditions and those unfamiliar with store layouts through logical store organisation, consistent lighting and accessible pathways that reduce confusion and physical strain.

Contact Ergo & Wellbeing to discuss your retail ergonomics challenges.