I think that the “shelves” are actually above what used to be small windows (perhaps to act as sun shades). The “small windows” are now boarded and painted over. If you look to the extreme right hand side of the photo, and look up at what seems to be a second storey, you can also see small windows (small grey squares in the on-line photo).
lookANDsee 
There are shelves on the facade above the awning. Wonder what they are for?
I think that the “shelves” are actually above what used to be small windows (perhaps to act as sun shades). The “small windows” are now boarded and painted over. If you look to the extreme right hand side of the photo, and look up at what seems to be a second storey, you can also see small windows (small grey squares in the on-line photo).