Cooler/counter merchandising display unit

Abstract

A cooler / counter merchandising display unit combination wherein a merchandising cooler is integrated into various counter arrangements, the cooler being substantially contained within the footprint of the merchandising counter or check-out counter arrangement. In one embodiment, a modular refrigerated cooler is interfaced with a docking base unit which can be positioned, secured or interfaced at the end of a particular service counter, or between two counter portions. In another embodiment, the docking base unit is integrally formed into the merchandising counter and the modular refrigerated cooler is again interfaced with the integrated docking base unit. In still another embodiment, the service counter, docking base unit and refrigerated cooler are all integrated into a one-piece counter arrangement. At least one access door is provided on the cooler to allow consumers to retrieve products therefrom and at least one of the walls forming the cooler compartment includes a transparent window to allow consumers to view the products positioned within the cooler compartment.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]The merchandising of products at retail outlets can be complicated and expensive. It oftentimes requires high visibility as well as convenience to trigger a purchase, particularly purchase of an impulse type product. This is particularly true in convenience stores where people tend to spend less time making purchasing decisions since they are typically only in need of a few items and there is a perceived need to reduce the time spent in such stores. In some areas of various convenience stores little time can be spent by a customer, particularly at a service or checkout counter, because of other people standing in line trying to pay and leave the premises. It is well known that to merchandise certain products, their physical location within the store can be an important criteria. Stores are known to charge manufacturers for shelf space in the store to display and sell product, charging a premium for better locations. Additionally, not only is the phys...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention is about a cooler that is built into a retail counter. The cooler has a window that allows customers to see the contents inside. It is connected to a refrigeration unit and has a door that can be opened to access the products inside. This cooler is placed in the middle of the counter, near the checkout area. The invention also includes a method of displaying and selling products in the cooler. The technical effect of this invention is that it provides a convenient way to display and cool products in a retail setting."

Problems solved by technology

The merchandising of products at retail outlets can be complicated and expensive.

In some areas of various convenience stores little time can be spent by a customer, particularly at a service or checkout counter, because of other people standing in line trying to pay and leave the premises.

However, at convenience stores, the checkout counter is usually a counter arrangement that can be L-shaped, U-shaped, V-shaped, rounded or linear and the ability to place display shelves at or adjacent to the counter is limited because of the way pedestrian traffic flows to and away from such counters.

Oftentimes, at convenience stores, display racks are set on top of the checkout counter for the display and merchandising of items at the display counter thereby limiting such sales usually to dry goods only.

Stores are constructed to accommodate such walk-in type coolers by having an entire room located on the backside of such cooler display cases for storing and restocking product thereby limiting their use to a wall area of the store or building.

If too much product is located adjacent to a checkout area, people will come to the checkout counter, spend time shopping thereby blocking effective use of the checkout counter for people to pay and leave.

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