Build Your Own Chalkboard Stack Displays

At Petersburg Hardware, store manager Eric Smith needed new merchandising displays for large quantities of feed, so he decided to build his own. Use this step-by-step guide to build your own stack displays with attached chalkboard signage to call attention to a new niche or category or to just amp up your merchandising.

1. Measure your space. Smith transitioned from a salesfloor that was just over 5,000 square feet to nearly 30,000 square feet, so he had room to grow his feed department. His stack display is 17 feet long, but you can build yours so it fits in your space.
2. Gather materials. The base of the display is made of pallets that are covered with plywood and framed with 1-by-6s. The chalkboard displays hang from I-hooks on pipe. The pipe flanges are drilled into the pallet base.
3. Create the chalkboard displays. Smith framed out quarter-inch plywood with 1-by-4-by-8s and then painted the plywood interior with chalkboard paint. He was inspired by his wholesaler signage and wanted his DIY signage to mimic what was already in his store.
4. Personalize it. Smith chose to paint the pallet bases black, and he kept the pipe and chalkboard frames plain. Once your display is assembled, consider how you can make it stand out in your operation and match your store’s branding.
5. Amend the design. While this display was built for stacked items, you could easily frame out a dump bin or build open shelving for a variety of merchandising options all on one display. Determine what types of products you want to show off and use your imagination.