Are Home Depot, Costco considering a departure from KeyMod?

For many years now Home Depot as well as many other “Big Box” and wholesale stores have been using the proven KeyMod system for their shelving. KeyMod, which was originally developed for commercial storage needs, has proven to be quite popular in other applications. An easy to use, modular and adjustable system, KeyMod even made the cross over into the firearms industry, proving its reliability and versatility even further! But despite its years of extensive use, is it now also looking at potential replacement?

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, an employee at Home Depot recently leaked hints that the massive home improvement chain of stores is planning to phase out their KeyMod shelving units in the near future. In what is expected to be a several million dollar change, the company appears to be leaning towards the new MLOK shelving units that are rapidly gaining popularity among some “end users”.

“Like, KeyMod works, but the new MLOK shelves are gonna be hella cool!” the employee told us during a phone interview. “Sure, there are gonna be plenty of fanboys that will resist, like the change and stuff…but in the end it’s gonna be for the best.”

When asked what the customers will think about the reasons for the proposed change, he had mixed feelings.

“Like, most of the customers man? Most of those idiots won’t even notice the change, let alone embrace how superior the MLOK shelves are gonna be. They will still be able to find their stuff and whatever…I mean nuthin’s gonna change for how they actually grab stuff off the shelves…There will be some who understand what’s going on and why or can tell you why they want to stay with KeyMod, I mean no doubt it’s a decent system, but…dude for everyone of those there are ten who let storage internet sites tell ’em what to bitch about.”

Further discussion with our contact made it clear that this massive and expensive change will be more about helping the “end user” who actually uses the shelves in the scope of their work. The change will barely affect customers, most of who will likely remain oblivious to the pending upgrade.

We went to a local Costco, following up on a tip that this “Big Box” chain might also be considering the same move. We spoke with the store’s manager, Ernie Chesternut . He was very skeptical that his store, thinking it very dubious at best his store would make the change. He also doubted the MLOK shelving units were really that much of an improvement.

“Look, see all those shelves out there?” He asked, pointing out his office window across the span of the store.

“Those are all KeyMod and those suckers aren’t cheap. Definitely still serviceable! Corporate is all over my ass whenever I request a few new shopping carts, I can’t see them spending millions on a unproven new system!”

Pulling a dirty handkerchief out of a well worn old suit, Ernie proceeded to wipe beading sweat off his receding hairline.

“I go on the forums; I keep my ear to the ground of the retail and wholesale community. I know what’s up!”

Growing more agitated, he proceeded to tell us that he has some “Tier 1” contacts who not only use the latest and greatest shelves on the market, but actually helped develop them.

“I’m talking real-deal Subject Matter Experts!” he grinned, with a knowing wink. “‘Top-shelf dudes that are out there getting the job done, if you know what I mean…”

When asked why some other businesses might be considering making the transition to MLOK, Mr. Chesternut had this to say. “There are always going to be those wannabees that think new is immediately better, but it ain’t. KeyMod shelves have been the STANDARD for years now, and the damn things work just fine. These MLOK supporters are the same type that thinks we need to update our computers every five years, or pay the lackeys with direct deposit instead of mailing checks. I’ve been in this game a long time, and know what works! The MLOK system just isn’t proven; it just has the attention of all the ‘Internet-Managers’ out there. I have over 10,000 posts on the bulk food forum, believe me I know what I’m talking about!”

Our calls to various corporate headquarters have gone unanswered, so as of now the change continues to only be rumor. But should the companies update their shelving and go with MLOK, it will definitely be step forward. Apparently despite the MLOK system’s ease of use and cost effective aspects, many smaller companies are waiting to see what the outcome is with the industry leaders. If the titans of the industry make the switch, it will likely influence them to make the change as well. This is a very curious and exciting situation, and hopefully we hear a formal announcement soon. Stay tuned for updates, and weigh in with your own opinion in the comments section below!

Stay tuned for further news as it develops.