Impress Shoppers with High Profile Produce Displays

Ron Says It

There is more to selling fresh produce other than just placing product on a display. Produce usually sells on “impulse.” Every display should jump out at customers enticing them to buy large quantities rather than only a few or none at all.

There are various types and styles of displays throughout the produce department. Many are large and massive with an abundance of high-volume sales items such as grapes, berries, melons, sweet corn, tomatoes, asparagus, etc. spilled over onto boxes to attract customers and generate sales purchases. Impulse displays must have a lot of excitement and muscle in order to move mass amounts of product.

Here are five produce display methods for best merchandising strategy results:

Front Entrance Displays

These large attractive displays are placed at the entrance leading into the produce department to create an immediate visual impact. High sales volume items are generally displayed in this location. Customers are instantly captured into making quick purchases. No more than three items should be displayed at the entrance to keep it simple. Two items is ideal. Wing displays can be added on to the sides. The object is to generate a sale before they even get into the produce department. It expresses a POWERFUL selling image.

End Cap Displays

The produce island fixture endcaps are ideal for drawing the customers over to the displays. The end caps should be set up with high volume ad specials or in-store promotional items. Build the displays using original item cartons, wooden crates, baskets, or barrels for an exciting presentation. Make sure to use the false bottoms in 50 to 75% of the top portion of the cartons to control shrink waste. Waterfall the product flowing onto the cartons for a more massive and aggressive appearance. Keep the end cap area clean, straightened, and neat. 

Freestanding Displays

A freestanding produce display is set up in an open location on the sales floor. It is usually built with original empty cartons that the product was packed. The top layer is set with false bottoms the same as the end cap and waterfall displays to prevent damage and product shrink waste. This display method should have the appearance of being massive and aggressive to draw customers to it and entice them to make several purchases. Limit the display to only one or two items in order to keep it simple for the shoppers. And make sure to post a sign for customers with information about the items as well as the price.

Waterfall Spillover Displays

Another high-profile display is the spillover that flows off of a fixture or wall case onto boxes. Spillovers are also termed as waterfalls and should be set with three or more boxes wide. Use original boxes that are all the same size, type and the same label. Place boxes facing the same way to the same height as the fixture or wall case. Place product in false-bottom cartons 50 to 75% of the top boxes to prevent shrink from overstocking and causing damage. Place one or two layers of product on top of the false-bottom cartons. Allow product to flow off of the table fixture, end cap, or wall case directly onto the boxes.

Wing Displays

This style is a freestanding display set up alongside a fixture case or wall case. Its purpose is to attract customers and generate extra sales. Build these displays using original boxes of the item being promoted. Use false bottom containers the same as the spillover/waterfall display. Tie in items with one another. Set up a secondary display to draw the attention of customers. An example is to place some grape tomatoes in front of the fresh-cut packaged salad section or Iceberg lettuce.

Display Guidelines

Displays should always be very neat. All produce should be neatly stacked. Every box used for a display purpose should be in line and squared off professionally. Displays should also be clean and free of debris. Only clean boxes should be used. Keep displays full. An appearance of abundance makes product and the department more appealing. Nothing is worse than a depleted and shabby display. Keep displays stocked at all times. All displays should be safe to prevent an accident. They should be built strong, sturdy, and never be over stacked. Customers should be able to reach the product very easily. Now, sell plenty of fresh produce with a nice professional meaning.