On 2 December 2025, the newest and so far largest Abrands store on the left bank of the Daugava opened its doors in the Riga district of Imanta. This large-format retail site, operating in a cash & carry concept, has become an important addition to Pārdaugava’s shopping infrastructure. VVN had the honour of taking part in this project by providing full store fit-out with modern and functional retail equipment.
The Abrands retail chain specialises in selling products from well-known international brands at reduced prices. The store concept is based on a simple but effective principle: offering everyday essentials – from food to household chemicals and hygiene products – at competitive prices. The assortment includes such popular brands as Pampers, Ariel, Lavazza, Merild, Lipton, Loyd and many others.
The new Abrands store in Imanta has become an ideal place for families who want to do large-volume shopping trips and stock up on food, household chemicals and hygiene products for a longer period. The creation of a retail site of this scale required a professional partner capable of delivering high-quality equipment and installing it within a short timeframe.
VVN, which for more than 10 years has been a leading manufacturer and supplier of store and warehouse equipment in the Baltic and Scandinavian countries, was chosen as the main partner for fitting out the Abrands store. The company’s experience in equipping similar sites and its ability to offer top quality at the best price were the decisive factors in this cooperation.
The project included a full fit-out of the store area with all necessary retail equipment elements. The VVN team ensured both the delivery of the equipment and its professional installation, guaranteeing that the store could start operating within the planned deadline.
A distinctive feature of the Abrands store is its large-format sales area, which requires careful planning and ergonomic layout. VVN experts developed an individual solution that makes the most efficient use of the available space and ensures convenient product placement for both customers and store staff.
Several VVN store equipment systems were used in the project. The main focus was on stationary store shelving, which is particularly durable and suitable for placing large quantities of goods. Given that Abrands offers products in larger packages or multi-unit bundles, the shelving systems were designed with increased load capacity and stability.
Various heights of integrated shelving systems were also installed to make optimal use of the vertical space and provide pallet storage options.
The cash & carry store format requires a special approach to product placement. VVN specialists developed a logical zoning layout that allows customers to navigate the wide assortment quickly. Separate sections with clear signage were created for each product category – food, beverages, household chemicals and hygiene products.
Special attention in the project was paid to the end-gondola areas. These locations in the store are strategically important for product presentation and the placement of seasonal offers. VVN supplied modern gondola systems with adjustable shelves that allow the product layout to be quickly rearranged in line with current promotions.
The gondola structures are easy to move, giving store management flexibility in organising the space and the possibility to change the store layout according to seasonal needs or special promotional campaigns.
The checkout area is where the customer flow is most intensive, and therefore its layout requires particular precision. VVN installed modern checkout stations with ergonomic worktops equipped with all necessary functions. The cashier’s workplace is designed to ensure fast and convenient service, even when processing large volumes of purchases.
In addition, special shelves for impulse-buy products were installed in the checkout area – snacks, sweets, small hygiene items and other small goods that help increase additional sales. These elements are integrated into the checkout area in such a way that they do not obstruct customer flow while remaining clearly visible.
One of the key challenges of the project was the need to complete all equipment installation within a short period so that the store could open on the planned date. VVN’s professional installers developed a detailed work schedule and coordinated their activities with other specialists working on site.
The installation team worked in several shifts to speed up the process. First, the main shelving systems were installed in the sales area, followed by the gondolas and end-gondola equipment, and finally the checkout area and warehouse equipment. Each stage was carefully checked to ensure the stability and safety of the structures.
VVN installers not only assembled the equipment but also carried out precise levelling and reinforcement of all connections. All metal elements were checked for burrs and sharp edges to eliminate any safety risks. The load-bearing structures of the shelving were anchored to the floor and, where necessary, also to the walls to ensure maximum stability.
VVN takes pride in its ability to offer products made from the highest quality materials. In the Abrands store project, only certified steel structures with protective powder coating were used, ensuring long service life and resistance to mechanical damage.
The shelving surfaces are coated with a special powder finish that protects against corrosion and ensures easy cleaning. This is crucial in a retail environment where hygiene standards are a priority. The coating colour was chosen in neutral tones that harmonise well with the overall store design and do not distract from the visual presentation of the products.
All structural joints are designed to allow easy assembly and disassembly. This makes it possible in the future to reconfigure or relocate the shelving systems without additional costs or damage to the structures.
During the design process, VVN experts paid particular attention to customer comfort. The aisles between the shelving rows were designed to be wide enough to allow easy movement, even with shopping trolleys. Given that Abrands customers often make large purchases, it is important that the space does not feel congested, even at peak times.
The height of product placement was planned so that the most in-demand items are easily reachable without additional aids. Heavier and bulkier goods were placed on the lower shelves, making it easier for customers to pick them up and for staff to replenish stock.
Each section features clear information signs with product category labels. VVN also provided special holders for price labels and informational materials, enabling store management to quickly update information on prices and promotions.
Sustainability principles are increasingly important in modern retail equipment design. As a responsible company, VVN used materials in the Abrands store project that can be fully recycled at the end of their service life. The steel structures can be sent for recycling, reducing environmental impact.
The long service life of the equipment is another sustainability aspect. High-quality materials and robust structures mean that the shelving systems will serve for many years without needing replacement. This reduces both costs and resource consumption in the long term.
The successful opening of the Abrands store in Imanta in December 2025 has become a strong reference in VVN’s portfolio. The project demonstrates the company’s ability to work with large sites while meeting strict quality standards and tight deadlines.
The store now serves a wide range of customers in Pārdaugava, offering the opportunity to purchase well-known brands at attractive prices. VVN equipment ensures that products are displayed in a clear, accessible and aesthetically pleasing way, creating a positive shopping experience.