As a small business owner, you know that a good display cooler does more than just keep products cold. Effective visual merchandising (how products are presented and arranged) makes your cooler visually appealing and customer-friendly.
This guide will show you why visual merchandising is so important, especially for your retail coolers, and how you can use it to attract customers and spark impulse buys. We’ll walk through strategic tips on placement, creative display practices (like eye-level stocking and cleanliness), and plenty of retail display ideas.
Why Visual Merchandising Techniques Matter
Visual merchandising in a retail store is about boosting sales and creating a better shopping experience. Studies show that a strong visual merchandising strategy can boost sales 10-20% immediately after implementation.
A well-organized cooler or display catches shoppers’ eyes, makes it easier for them to find what they want, and even encourages them to return because the experience is enjoyable.
Simply put, good merchandising in your cooler means customers see more, want more, and feel good about buying from you.
Cooler Merchandising for Sales
Where you position a cooler display in your store can make a world of difference. Placing coolers in high-traffic areas is one of the simplest ways to get more eyes on your products, as 62% of shoppers report making impulse purchases.
For example, a stand-alone cooler near the store entrance or checkout counter will naturally draw attention and invite customers to grab something on their way in or out. In fact, point-of-purchase displays by the register are among the most effective types for encouraging impulse buys of the candy or soda by a cash register.
Your cooler can play a similar role by offering chilled drinks, desserts, or other quick-grab items exactly where shoppers are most tempted.
Quick placement tips:
- High-visibility zones: Put your cooler where people can’t miss it – near entrances, at aisle ends (endcaps), or beside checkout lines. This increases the likelihood of quick impulse grabs.
- Impulse hotspots: Use point-of-purchase display areas (like the cash register) for smaller, fast-moving chilled items (think bottled drinks or treats). These impulse zones are proven to boost last-minute purchases.
- Complementary pairings: Place coolers near related products (drinks by the snacks, deli sandwiches by a cooler of sodas). Grouping complementary items makes it easy for shoppers to grab a logical pair and buy more in one go.
- Customer flow: Encourage shoppers to explore. If possible, create a path that leads them past your cooler display. Guiding the store layout so everyone passes the cooler can increase the chances they’ll spot something interesting and put it in their cart.
By thoughtfully placing your coolers and displays, you effectively invite every customer to engage with them. It’s a low-cost, high-impact way to make sure your products get noticed and considered, rather than sitting unseen in a corner.
Engaging Cooler Display Practices
Once your cooler is in the right spot, how you arrange the products inside (and around) it will determine if it truly grabs customers’ attention. Engaging cooler display practices turn a basic cooler into an eye-catching attraction.
Here are some key retail display ideas to keep in mind:
- Eye Level = Buy Level: There’s an old retail adage that products at eye level tend to sell better, and it’s true. Place your best-selling or most appealing items at eye level in the cooler.
- Use Cooler Display Lighting and Signage: Great refrigerated display case lighting doesn’t just have to be for ambiance; it can help sell. If your cooler has internal lighting, keep it on and bright to spotlight the products.
- Creative, Clean Arrangements: An organized, clean cooler tells customers that your products are cared for (making them more inclined to buy). Always keep your cooler clean, well-organized, and generously stocked.
- Fully Stocked and Properly Rotated: An engaging cooler display is also about reliability; if a customer sees something great, it should be there when they reach for it. Check your cooler daily to ensure it’s well-stocked.
- Cross-Merchandise for Bigger Sales: Don’t limit your cooler to one type of item. Consider cross-merchandising, which means pairing complementary products together to tell a little story or offer a complete solution.
By following these display best practices (eye-level placement, good lighting, clear signage, cleanliness, full stock, and creative grouping) your cooler will attract customers by drawing their attention and appealing to their senses and needs.
Practical Tips & Partner Support for Your Success
Visual merchandising might sound like a fancy term, but it boils down to simple, actionable habits you can implement today. Here are a few practical, easy-to-implement tips to recap and get you started:
- Start Small: You don’t need a complete store overhaul. Begin with one cooler or one section. Tidy it up, put a few best-sellers at eye level, and add a friendly sign. Small changes can make a big difference in sales.
- Keep it Fresh: Make a habit of cleaning and restocking your cooler. Rotate in a new product or a new arrangement periodically to keep things interesting. Regular refreshes show customers that you’re on top of things and always offering something new or seasonal.
- Think Like a Customer: As you arrange items, imagine you’re a customer walking in. What would catch your eye? Is the pricing clear? Would you instantly see that the sodas are ice-cold and the sandwiches freshly made today? Creating that perspective will help you design displays that truly resonate with shoppers.
Remember, effective cooler merchandising displays are all about being customer-oriented. Making it easier for your shoppers to find what they want and discover new favorites.
Strong Cooler Displays Start with the Right Equipment
Cooler merchandising displays can be a powerful tool to attract customers and boost impulse buys. It’s about showcasing your products in a way that grabs attention, tells a story, and makes shoppers’ choices easier.
And when your displays are doing their job, you shouldn’t have to worry if your equipment will do the same.
Here at Iron Mountain Refrigeration , we are proud to support small businesses with top-of-the-line coolers that shine on the floor and hands-on support from real people who care about your success.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cooler & Display Merchandising
How often should I change my cooler displays?
Refreshing your displays every 2-4 weeks is generally recommended to keep things interesting for returning customers and highlight seasonal items. However, more frequent changes might be necessary for promotional periods or highly perishable goods.
What’s the biggest mistake retailers make with cooler merchandising?
One of the most common mistakes is neglecting cleanliness and organization. A cluttered, dimly lit cooler is a major turn-off for customers. Another mistake is failing to rotate stock effectively, leading to expired or less appealing products.
What type of lighting is best for refrigerated displays?
LED lighting is ideal for coolers. It’s energy-efficient, bright, and produces less heat than traditional fluorescent lights, which can affect the temperature inside the cooler.
What are some creative ways to merchandise beverages in a cooler?
Try organizing beverages by color, brand, or type. Use shelf dividers to create distinct sections and highlight premium products. Consider adding small baskets or containers for grab-and-go items.
What types of display coolers does Iron Mountain offer?
Iron Mountain offers a range of commercial refrigerators and display coolers, designed to meet the needs of various retail environments.