3 Ways to Optimize Storage and Shelving for Ecommerce Growth
  • Improve picking efficiency with strategies like cluster picking, optimized slotting, and pick-to-light systems to speed up order fulfillment.
  • Enhance warehouse labeling by using consistent placement, durable materials, and RFID tracking to reduce errors and mis-picks.
  • Maximize storage capacity with modular shelving, mezzanines, and strategic inventory organization to accommodate more SKUs.

 

Ecommerce is officially the preferred shopping method for a vast majority of consumers. In 2022, there were 268 million online shoppers in the United States. This number is projected to increase to almost 285 million online shoppers in 2025, and those figures will only continue to skyrocket in the coming years.

 

For warehouses and distribution centers, this shift means more inventory, faster fulfillment demands, and a greater need for efficient storage. Without a strategic approach, poorly organized shelving and storage systems can slow down order processing, create bottlenecks, and reduce productivity. But with the right ecommerce storage solutions, businesses can maximize available space, improve order fulfillment speed, and keep up with growing demand.

 

If your warehouse needs to optimize space and streamline operations, these three strategies will help you get the most out of your ecommerce warehouse storage setup.

 

1. Make Changes to Support More Efficient Picking

 

As ecommerce orders increase, warehouse staff must work faster to fulfill a higher volume of small, fast-moving shipments. Improving picking efficiency can save time, reduce worker fatigue, and boost productivity—all without adding extra labor costs.

 

Workflow Optimizations

 

  • Implement cluster picking – Instead of workers picking items for one order at a time, cluster picking (also called batch picking) allows them to collect multiple orders at once in a single pass, reducing travel time and improving efficiency.
  • Optimize slotting based on past order data – By analyzing inventory trends, warehouses can strategically place high-demand SKUs in easily accessible locations, minimizing unnecessary movement.
  • Streamline walking paths – Optimizing the routes between picking, packing, and shipping stations—whether by shortening distances or implementing conveyor systems—eliminates wasted steps and speeds up order fulfillment.

 

Technology Upgrades

 

  • Use pick-to-light systems – These automated light indicators guide workers to the correct locations, reducing search time and human error.
  • Deploy mobile printers – Instead of walking back and forth to a central printer, warehouse staff can use mobile label printers to generate shipping and inventory labels on the spot.
  • Implement a workflow management system – With real-time inventory tracking, order fulfillment monitoring, and process automation, businesses can optimize warehouse operations at every stage.

 

By combining better workflows with technology, warehouses can handle more orders with less strain on workers, ensuring a smooth and scalable picking process.

 

2. Improve Labeling to Reduce Mistakes

 

Human error is inevitable, but inconsistent or unclear labeling increases the risk of mis-picks, delays, and shipping mistakes. A well-planned labeling system can eliminate confusion, improve efficiency, and reduce costly errors.

 

Best Practices for Warehouse Labeling

 

  • Maintain consistency – Labels should always be placed in the same location on every shelf and bin, so workers know exactly where to look.
  • Use high-quality, durable labels – If your warehouse is exposed to dust, moisture, or fluctuating temperatures, invest in warehouse-grade labels that won’t fade, curl, or peel.
  • Cover or remove old labels – Layering new labels over old ones can cause scanning issues and misreads. Ensure previous labels are completely removed or fully covered before applying new ones.
  • Integrate smart labels and RFID tracking – Upgrading to RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags eliminates the need for manual barcode scanning and provides real-time tracking throughout the supply chain.

 

With the right labeling strategy, warehouses can increase accuracy, speed up inventory retrieval, and improve overall efficiency.

 

3. Optimize Storage to Accommodate More SKUs

 

The demand for a wider variety of SKUs means warehouses must store more inventory without expanding their footprint. Maximizing existing space is key to staying cost-effective and scalable.

 

Space-Saving Strategies

 

  • Utilize modular shelving and racking systems – Adjustable warehouse shelving and racks allow businesses to reconfigure layouts and shelf heights as needed, making better use of vertical space.
  • Add mezzanines – For warehouses with high ceilings, mezzanines provide an extra level of storage without requiring physical expansion.
  • Store inventory by size and demand – Grouping smaller items together on compact shelving prevents wasted space, while placing high-turnover items in easily accessible locations improves efficiency.
  • Remove obsolete inventory – Slow-moving or outdated stock takes up valuable space. Conducting regular inventory audits helps free up room for in-demand products.

 

By implementing these changes, warehouses can increase storage capacity without costly expansions, making the most of their ecommerce warehouse storage setup.

 

Transform Your Warehouse with Smarter Storage Solutions

 

Optimizing ecommerce storage solutions isn’t just about saving space—it’s about improving efficiency, reducing errors, and ensuring faster order fulfillment. Whether it’s upgrading your picking process, improving labeling, or maximizing your storage footprint, these strategies will help your warehouse keep up with growing demand.

 

Global Industrial’s product experts can guide you toward the right solutions for your space. Contact us today to learn more about shelving, racking, and storage systems designed to improve warehouse efficiency.

 

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