Not every retail warehouse is a large distribution centre. Store backrooms, last-mile satellite hubs and the warehouses of wholesale dealers are often only a few hundred square metres with a few rack levels and narrow aisles. Here a stacker truck for retail is the most sensible choice: compact, pedestrian or stand-on, strong enough to put pallets into racks without investing in a sit-down truck.
What does a stacker do in the retail and wholesale chain?
- Store and supermarket backrooms: receiving pallets from the delivery truck, putting them into reserve racks and bringing them down when goods are needed on the shop floor.
- Satellite hubs and last-mile points: block stacking, loading and unloading small trucks, sorting pallets by route.
- Mid-size dealers and wholesalers: a site that is both warehouse and trade counter needs one truck that does many jobs.
- Large distribution centres: stackers support the packing area, returns or promotional goods zones.
The working environment
Store backrooms are cramped, with low ceilings and often shared routes with sales staff. Volumes are modest but deliveries tend to arrive early in the morning before opening. Operators are usually staff with several roles, so the truck needs to be easy to use, safe and self-limiting in speed. At satellite delivery hubs, the truck goes on and off trucks and dock ramps many times a day.
Suitable STILL stacker models
STILL ECV 10: for store backrooms with occasional use
The STILL ECV 10 lifts up to 1,000 kg to 3,227 mm and is described by STILL as the helper for light, occasional stacking. Its integrated charger plugs into any standard socket – important for a store backroom without a dedicated charging room. Speed is reduced automatically according to lift height, and the lowered chassis protects the operator’s feet.
STILL EXV 10C – 16C and EXV 14 – 20: racking in narrow aisles
The EXV range features the OptiSpeed tiller that adjusts speed to the tiller angle. The STILL EXV 10C – 16C lifts 1,000 to 1,600 kg up to 5466 mm and has lowering damping that protects the load – useful for boxed consumer goods that dent easily. The EXV 14 – 20 lifts up to 2,000 kg, with Curve Speed Control and an optional load display, suiting dealers with heavier goods.
STILL EXD 18C – 20C: double stacker for delivery hubs
The STILL EXD 18C – 20C carries up to 1,000 kg on the wheel arms and another 800 to 1,000 kg on the forks at the same time. STILL highlights its efficiency when loading and unloading lorries, its slim body and small turning radius. For satellite hubs dispatching by route, carrying two pallets per trip cuts the number of runs in and out of the truck.
STILL EXV-SF 14 – 20: when distances are longer
The EXV-SF has an extended platform and side protection, a top speed of 10 km/h and moves pallets up to 2,000 kg. It suits wholesale warehouses with long distances from dock to rack, where a pedestrian truck makes staff walk too much.
Stacker selection by stage
| Stage | Type/model | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Store backroom, low demand | STILL ECV 10 | Compact, charges from a standard socket, speed reduced with lift height |
| Reserve racking in narrow aisles | STILL EXV 10C – 16C | OptiSpeed, lowering damping protects goods |
| Truck loading at satellite hubs | STILL EXD 18C – 20C | Two pallets per trip, small turning radius |
| Wholesale warehouse, long runs | STILL EXV-SF 14 – 20 | Stand-on platform, 10 km/h |
Points to check when choosing a stacker for retail
- Check your pallets: stackers with wheel arms need suitable pallets; if the site receives many pallet types, consider the EXV-CB with cantilever forks.
- Measure ceiling height, door height and the top rack level before choosing a mast.
- Check the dock ramp gradient if the truck has to go on and off lorries.
- Read what is a stacker truck and see the full range in the stackers category.
Other truck types for the sector are summarised on forklift solutions for retail & wholesale.
Frequently asked questions
Does a small supermarket backroom need a sit-down forklift?
Usually not. With a few rack levels and moderate volumes, a pedestrian stacker such as the ECV 10 or EXV 10C – 16C is enough, more compact and easier to train for.
Can a stacker load and unload lorries?
Yes, with a suitable dock ramp. STILL presents the EXD 18C – 20C for loading and unloading lorries, and it can carry two pallets per trip.
Can multi-role warehouse staff operate a stacker safely?
The OptiSpeed tiller adjusts speed to the tiller angle, making handling safer. Operators still need training in line with current regulations.
Need advice on stackers for a store backroom or satellite hub? Send a request on the quote page or call 0902 63 79 70.