When a retail chain opens more stores, the number of SKUs and the amount of reserve stock grow with it, but the distribution centre rarely expands in time. The remaining option is higher storage density: narrower aisles and taller racks. A VNA truck for retail (very narrow aisle) is designed for exactly this situation: it runs in an aisle only slightly wider than itself, lifts very high and swings its forks to either side without turning the truck.
When should a retail or wholesale warehouse consider VNA?
- Reserve storage for many stores: many SKUs with a few pallets each need more storage locations rather than block stacking.
- Expensive land or no room to expand: using building height instead of renting more space.
- Slow movers and seasonal goods: holiday decorations and seasonal lines that sit for months suit high locations.
- High-level piece picking: a man-up VNA truck raises the operator with the cab to pick individual cases from high racks.
Conditions for VNA to pay off
VNA is not for every warehouse. Narrow aisles require guidance systems, flat floors and racking designed together with the truck. A VNA truck usually does not leave the aisle to load lorries, so the site still needs counterbalance or electric pallet trucks to bring goods to the aisle end – the transfer point. VNA therefore fits best where flows are stable, the number of locations is high and the business is designing a new warehouse or a major refit.
STILL VNA models for the sector
STILL MX-X: for large distribution centres
The STILL MX-X is a man-up VNA truck with a lift height of over 18 metres and travel speed up to 14 km/h. Active load stabilisation (ALS) shortens storage and retrieval by up to 5%, and the turret head shortens picking travel. For retail sites with high-level piece picking, the cab has bars and holders to secure small load carriers, and tilting side barriers support ergonomic picking. Active Floor Compensation offsets uneven floors even at high speed – useful when refitting an older warehouse. It runs on lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries for multi-shift use.
STILL NXV: for smaller warehouses with narrow aisles
STILL describes the STILL NXV as the ideal partner for making efficient use of space in small warehouses. It handles loads of up to 1,500 kg at heights of up to 13.8 metres, with a turret head or telescopic forks. ALS increases handling performance by up to 5 percent and keeps storage depth uniform. An optional cross-line laser or camera system helps position pallets accurately. It suits wholesalers with limited floor area but high ceilings.
Selection by stage
| Stage | Type/model | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Distribution centre reserve storage, multi-shift | STILL MX-X | Over 18 m, 14 km/h, ALS |
| High-level piece picking | STILL MX-X (man-up) | Cab rises with the operator, holders for small carriers |
| Small wholesale warehouse, high ceiling | STILL NXV | Compact, up to 13.8 m, 1,500 kg |
| Bringing goods to the aisle end | Counterbalance or electric pallet truck | VNA works inside the aisle and needs transfer trucks |
Deployment tips
- Plan racking, aisle guidance and truck choice as one project; read warehouse aisle width and forklift selection.
- Work out the number of transfer points at aisle ends so the VNA truck never waits for goods.
- Compare with a reach truck layout if the extra locations needed are modest.
- See the very narrow aisle forklift guide: MX-X or NXV and the very narrow aisle trucks category.
Supporting truck types are on the retail & wholesale solutions page.
Frequently asked questions
VNA or reach truck for a retail warehouse?
A reach truck is more flexible, can leave the aisle and serve several zones. VNA gives higher storage density but needs a warehouse designed around it and supporting transfer trucks.
Can a VNA truck be used for picking?
Yes. The MX-X is a man-up truck whose cab rises with the operator, so it can both store pallets and pick individual items at height.
Can an existing warehouse be fitted for VNA?
Floor flatness, height and rack structure need surveying. The MX-X has Active Floor Compensation for uneven floors, but each case still needs an engineer’s assessment.
Planning more pallet locations? Send a request on the quote page or call 0902 63 79 70.