Hi, I’m Paul. When I started working with retail fit-outs, I assumed all peg boards were more or less the same. But after helping dozens of stores across New Zealand improve their displays, I’ve learned that choosing the right peg board makes a real difference — not just for how things look, but how efficiently a store runs.

In this blog post, I’ll break down the different types of peg boards, what to consider when choosing one for your store, and how to pair it with the right hooks and accessories for a clean, organised retail space.

What Is a Peg Board? (And Why They’re So Popular)

A peg board is a display panel with evenly spaced holes or slots, designed to hold hooks, scanning strips, and other merchandising accessories. They’re commonly used in convenience stores, hardware shops, gift stores, and supermarkets — anywhere that needs to display smaller or hanging products.

Why they’re popular:

• They’re easy to customise and rearrange

• They help display more in less space

• They make products easier to see and access

• They support neat, vertical organisation

Types of Peg Boards in NZ Retail

There are three common types of peg boards used in New Zealand retail:

1. Volcano Pegboard

   • Perforated with keyhole-style slots (strong and durable)

   • Ideal for medium to heavy-duty display

   • Often seen in supermarkets and hardware stores

2. Flat Pegboard

   • Basic round holes on a flat panel

   • Suitable for lighter displays

   • Often used with plastic or wire hooks

3. Slatwall Panels

   • Horizontal grooves that accept slatwall hooks

   • Popular in gift shops, apparel stores, and pharmacies

Each board type pairs with specific hook styles. For example, Mills Display offers single pegboard hooks that are compatible with both flat and volcano pegboards — with spacers available if needed.

How to Choose the Right Peg Board for Your Store

When selecting a peg board, consider:

• What products you’re displaying: Heavy items need volcano boards and metal hooks; lightweight packets may suit flat pegboard.

• Wall space and shelving layout: Peg boards work well above counters, along aisle ends, or behind checkout areas.

• How often you’ll change displays: Peg boards are great if you run frequent promotions or swap product ranges seasonally.

• Budget and durability: Volcano boards last longer and hold more weight, while flat panels are more affordable.

Also think about how customers will interact with the display. Items at eye level should be easier to grab, while top and bottom rows can be used for overflow or less frequent purchases.

Recommended Accessories and Setup Tips

To get the most out of your peg board, don’t forget the accessories:

• Flipper label holders – for clear pricing and promotions

• Scan strips – great for barcode-based scanning or shelf labelling

• Spacers – if using hooks on flat panels

• Double hooks or loop hooks – for heavier or multiple items

Tip: Start with a small layout first, see what works best, then expand with additional hooks or accessories as needed.

Choosing the right peg board for your store isn’t difficult — but getting it right can improve customer flow, boost sales, and make your store easier to manage. Whether you need a tough volcano board or a simple flat panel, peg board systems offer the flexibility and efficiency modern retailers need.

Mills Display stocks everything you need — from peg boards and single hooks to label holders and accessories. Their team can help you get set up with a layout that suits your space, products, and goals.