UNITED KINGDOM / AGILITYPR.NEWS / January 26, 2026 / Pallet Truck Shop, the UK’s largest supplier of pallet and sack trucks, is warning that shrinking retail store footprints are placing growing pressure on backroom operations - forcing retailers to rethink how goods are moved, stored and replenished behind the scenes.

Across the UK, retailers are reassessing how much physical space they operate, with many opting for smaller, more efficient stores supported by stronger online and click-and-collect propositions. While this strategy can reduce overheads and improve customer-facing layouts, it is also compressing already tight back-of-house areas - which creates new challenges for store teams.

As stockrooms become smaller, the margin for error narrows. Deliveries still need to be received, unpacked and moved quickly, often through narrow corridors or shared spaces that were never designed for bulky equipment. Pallet Truck Shop says this change has led to a spike in demand for compact, manoeuvrable manual handling equipment.

Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Pallet Truck Shop, said retailers are having to adapt quickly. “Backrooms are doing just as much work as they always have, but in less space,” he said. “When stores shrink, the equipment used to move stock has to shrink and become more agile too. Retailers can’t afford blockages, damaged goods or strained staff simply because the kit isn’t suited to the environment.”

Chesworth added that intuitive, well-designed pallet trucks, stackers and table trucks are particularly important in retail settings, where staff may split their time between the shop floor and stockroom. “Unlike large distribution centres, retail backrooms rely on teams who are juggling multiple tasks. Equipment needs to be easy to handle, quiet, and precise, so it doesn’t disrupt operations or customer experience.”

The pressure on back-of-house areas is also being felt during peak delivery windows, when several pallets may arrive at once, but space is limited. Poorly suited handling equipment can lead to congestion, rushed movements and a higher risk of minor accidents or product damage. In contrast, compact pallet trucks designed for tight turning circles help keep goods flowing smoothly, even when space is at a premium.

“With store footprints unlikely to expand again in the near term, the backroom can no longer be an afterthought,” Chesworth concluded. “Choosing equipment that’s built for tighter environments helps retailers protect their people, their stock and their margins, even as physical space continues to shrink.”

To find out more about Pallet Truck Shop, visit: www.pallettruckshop.co.uk.