The growth of the Brazilian retail sector is accompanied by new logistical challenges. The pressure for short deadlines, a variety of products, and constant availability on the shelves has made warehouse layout a competitive advantage. According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), retail trade accumulated a growth of 4.7% in 2024, marking the eighth consecutive year of gains. In the extended retail sector, which includes vehicles, automotive items, construction materials, and wholesale food and beverage, the result was positive at 4.1%, higher than that of 2023 (2.3%). Given the segment’s potential, operational efficiency has become vital to differentiate oneself in an increasingly competitive market.
For Giordania Tavares, CEO of Rayflex, a national reference in the manufacture of high-speed doors in Brazil and Latin America, the impact of planning is directly related to results: “When a warehouse layout is well designed, it ensures better use of space, reduces losses, and improves the store restocking flow, reflecting on the final customer’s purchasing experience,” she explains.
The adopted layout model varies according to the needs of each operation, but must meet requirements such as: material handling, equipment, and operators; correct item storage; stock capacity in dimension and height for input; optimization of the input and output flow; and cleanliness. Check out some efficient models:
- L-shaped Layout: this design type is widely used because the dock areas are at each end of the warehouse, while the stock is concentrated in the middle, where the 90-degree angle occurs;
- Design I: In this format, the operation is simple, with the docks at each end and the stored products in the center, allowing free movement of goods with the movement of employees and machines. It is recommended when space is large and the volume of products is high;
- U-Shaped Design: Due to the simple design and easy replication, it can be used in any type of location. It is advisable to allocate the docks side by side at the ends of the ‘U,’ while the product stock placed at the back occupies the largest area of the warehouse, in the semicircle of the letter.
These formats help organize corridors, stocks, and loading and unloading areas according to the volume and diversity of goods. “When combined with technological resources, such as warehouse management systems (WMS), digital addressing, and automatic high-speed doors, these models ensure agility, safety, and traceability throughout the chain. The installation of customized automatic high-speed doors, for example, acts in the proper sealing and contributes to agility in the flow of people in each environment, respecting the particularities of the location and with a direct influence on the result of logistics operations,” evaluates the specialist.
The consumer may not see the warehouse, but feels its effects: stocked shelves, greater variety, and deliveries on time. “Layout has ceased to be just an operational detail and has become strategic for the success of retail. It is directly linked to brand loyalty and competitiveness,” concludes Giordania.
