14.08.2026 / 4 minute read

Improving Stock Movement with a Heavy-Duty Goods Lift

Key points – Key points – Key points –

A heavy-duty goods lift installed to improve material flow within the facility.
Platform designed to transport boxed footwear and retail stock efficiently.
Bespoke high platform gates and handrails designed around the customer’s requirements.
Installation designed to accommodate an overhead roof support obstruction.

Who is Soletrader?

Soletrader is a leading UK footwear retailer, offering a wide range of branded shoes, trainers and boots through its retail stores and online platform. With a busy retail environment, efficient stock movement is crucial to support daily operations and ensure products can be moved safely and effectively.

The Challenge

Following a recent relocation to a new facility, Soletrader needed to optimise their new workspace and improve the efficiency of their stock handling operations. While the new facility provided the ideal environment for continued growth, the reduced footprint meant maximising the available space and improving internal processes was essential.

With large quantities of boxed footwear regularly moving throughout the building, Soletrader required a reliable lifting solution to transport stock efficiently between levels, while reducing manual handling and supporting smoother day-to-day operations.

A key challenge during the design process was an overhead obstruction caused by an existing roof support. The new lifting solution needed to provide sufficient clearance ensuring the installation could be completed safely within the building’s existing constraints.
The Solution

Advanced Handling designed and installed a bespoke heavy-duty goods lift tailored to Soletrader’s requirements. The lift was manufactured with a 1500mm x 1500mm usable platform, providing ample space for transporting boxed footwear and retail stock between levels.

The goods lift was fitted with custom 1800mm high platform gates and handrails, providing a safe and practical loading area to suit the environment. The enclosure was specifically designed with an overall full height of 5300mm, allowing the required clearance from the overhead obstruction to enable safe installation and operation.
The Benefits

The installation of the heavy-duty 1000kg goods lift has provided Soletrader with a safer and more efficient way to transport stock between levels. The increased platform size allows larger quantities of boxed footwear to be transported in one movement, helping to reduce manual handling and improve day-to-day operations.

By investing in a reliable goods lift, Soletrader can continue to manage stock levels effectively, supporting a smoother and more efficient workflow while improving safety for employees.

If you’re facing a similar challenge in your workplace, contact us on 01778 345 365 or email sales@advancedhandling.co.uk & we’ll be happy to help.