The Challenge
The Home Depot relied on traditional metal accordion gates to block aisles during restocking, but the bulky units were frequently damaged. Forklift drivers operating in tight overnight conditions often collided with the gates — even when fully retracted — resulting in repeated repairs, replacements, and operational inefficiencies.
Beyond performance issues, the gates had a heavy industrial look that didn’t align with The Home Depot’s in-store presentation. The company needed a safer, more compact, and visually consistent solution to manage aisle access while reducing maintenance costs.
The Solution: ZonePro by Modus
To address these challenges, Modus® founder & CEO Andrew Reiner developed the ZonePro® barrier — an entirely new category of retractable safety system. Designed with fully retractable mesh banners in Home Depot’s signature orange, the units delivered strong visibility for employees and a cleaner, more polished appearance for customers.
The rack-mounted unit housed the banner in a compact canister, eliminating the bulk of accordion gates. Durable plastic brackets were engineered to absorb impact and could be quickly replaced if struck, ensuring collisions no longer meant costly downtime.
To support operational flexibility, a portable version was also created. Attached to employee Ballymores, the portable ZonePro allowed staff to block aisles or secure temporary work zones instantly and with minimal effort.
“What’s unique about this product is its durability,” says Dawn Reiner, Modus Vice President of Marketing. “Even if a forklift driver accidentally hits the unit, there’s a lot of give. The plastic brackets are inexpensive and easy to replace, which has made them a practical choice for The Home Depot.”
Key Features Delivered
- Fully retractable mesh banners in Home Depot orange
- Dual-sided safety messaging in English and Spanish
- Compact rack-mounted canister that eliminates bulky gates
- Impact-absorbing, easily replaceable plastic brackets
- Portable barrier option for aisle blocking and temporary zones
The Impact
Fixed ZonePro units immediately reduced damage during restocking by removing the bulky structures that previously obstructed forklift traffic. Stores saw lower maintenance costs and greater operational efficiency. The replaceable brackets added further savings by removing the need to replace entire gate systems after collisions.
Portable units enhanced mobility and responsiveness, making it easier for staff to manage evolving work zones. The system’s sleek, modern design also drew interest from customers, many of whom asked how to purchase ZonePro for their own businesses.
Looking Ahead
By solving a critical operational challenge for The Home Depot, ZonePro established itself as a new standard for retail safety barriers — delivering improved safety, reduced costs, and greater efficiency across the store environment.
