The lack of accessibility of shop shelves and inadequate routes of travel make shopping very difficult for people with disabilities. Shelves are often placed too high or too low, especially in grocery shops.
International guidelines and standards, such as SIST ISO 21542, take into account the mobility of wheelchair users. Based on these, the Urban Planning Institute of the Republic of Slovenia recommends that products should be shelved between 40 cm and 110 cm from the floor, and this should be especially true for basic food products. It is also important that products are placed at the front of the shelves for easier access.
Shops often have stepped shelves (e.g. fruit and vegetables) which are difficult to access for wheelchairs. The gap between the deepest shelf and the other shelves should not exceed 30 cm. Accessibility is also poor in areas enclosed by low railings or freezer chests, where it is necessary to reach down to the products.
Glazed shelves for bakery products are particularly difficult to access for people with visual impairments, so openings and handles should be contrastingly marked and perceptible.
In addition to product availability, shelf access is also important. Aisles between shelves should be at least 150 cm wide to allow easy movement of wheelchairs. In addition, pathways should be free of obstacles such as pallets or protruding products to prevent tripping hazards, especially for blind and partially sighted people.