Size and shape depend on your store size and how you’ll use the cash wrap. At a minimum, you need enough counter space for your cash register and plenty of room for customers to set their purchases and write a check.
Just because it has to be functional doesn’t mean your cash wrap counter has to be boring. Let it tell your story, whether it’s simple and sleek or outrageously entertaining. With nearly unlimited design and materials options, your cash wrap can easily be eye-catching. Consistent branding is crucial, though, so while offbeat is OK, off-theme is not.
These 10 ideas should get your creative juices flowing, to create a unique-to-you cash wrap counter:
Cash wraps can be designed in three basic configurations:
Two or three-sided configurations are best if you need more than one payment station, and a U-shape improves security by restricting access behind the counter.
You can build your cash wrap counter as a simple, level countertop or add a desk-type section, but you’ll also want a cabinet that contains drawers and shelving – with doors — to keep extra supplies out of sight. Recessed top shelves are useful for hiding electrical cords, and adjustable shelves are handy for holding hangers, returned merchandise or wrapping supplies and bags.
What needs to happen in this area? You need enough room on the cash counter to hold at least your cash register or computer and your customer’s purchases. Allow at least 2-1/2 to 3 feet of counter length for customers. If there isn’t enough room for all their selections, they may feel as if they’re purchasing too much, whereas larger space may subtly tell them there’s room to buy more.
It’s smart to include some space to display one or two small impulse-buy items and sign-up cards for your email list. You may also want to incorporate a small digital sign or kiosk, so customers can watch a short promotional video or new merchandise photos while you’re completing their transaction.
Do you sell merchandise that needs to be wrapped as well as bagged? You’ll need extra space for that – do not use the same space you provide for customers to set their items down. Counters are usually 30”-36” deep, and cash wraps designed with parallel counters should provide at least three feet of space between them, so employees have room to move around, bend over to access cabinets, etc. This minimum distance also meets Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
If you require expanded checkout capability at certain times, do not simply add temporary cash registers in additional random locations around your store. That makes it very easy for customers to miss entire sections of merchandise. If they see something they want on their way out after they’ve paid, they will be frustrated and you’ll have lost an additional sale. You want them to see everything you have to offer.
Multiple checkout areas can also confuse your customers – should they go here, or over there? Ask your retail display manufacturer to design a custom system that builds in flexibility to expand and contract as necessary.
There is no end to what you can do to turn your cash wrap counter into a unique presence within your store. Whether you go all out or keep it simple, consider the functional necessities for your check-out counter, then breathe life into it with imaginative design and materials.
Palmer Retail Solutions strives to offer our clients the absolute best combination of innovation, quality, service, and value for our diversified custom store fixtures and merchandising displays. For more information about our designs, retail fixtures, cash wraps, kiosks, or point of purchase displays, visit our website at: http://www.palmerretailsolutions.com.