Whether you’re a convenience store, deli, or supermarket, a heated merchandiser is a great way to boost your grab-and-go sales. Merchandisers help you display food and keep it warm while providing customers self-service access to products. Choosing the perfect merchandiser for your operation is crucial.
Size
When aiming to enhance grab-and-go food sales, the size of your merchandiser becomes a critical consideration. A hot food merchandiser must strike a delicate balance, offering ample space for behind-the-counter staff and self-serve customers to access the products effortlessly. However, it’s important to avoid selecting an overly large merchandiser, as this can potentially compromise the visibility of your products and overwhelm the display. Opting for a size that maximizes accessibility while maintaining optimal product visibility is essential for ensuring the functionality and effectiveness of your hot food merchandiser. Therefore, carefully evaluating the dimensions and layout of the merchandiser is critical to creating an inviting and efficient grab-and-go food sales experience for your customers.
Design
Heated merchandisers are a great way to boost grab-and-go sales, regardless of store size. These heated display cases help keep prepackaged entrees, sides, and snacks warm so that they’re ready for customers to pick up on their way out of the store.
Heated display warmers come in a variety of styles to suit different operations. Some have flat shelves that offer a clear view of all products, while others have slanted shelves that provide easy access for self-serve customers. Some heated merchandisers are only enclosed at the top, creating a pass-through configuration that makes loading from behind the counter easy. Some heated merchandisers also feature an attractive design to complement the aesthetics of your store. These units are available in sleek finishes like stainless steel or a black coating.
Energy Efficiency
In addition to keeping food at safe temperatures, an excellent hot merchandiser will also minimize energy use. Some models use radiant heating in the shelves that conserve heat and are more energy efficient than open-air merchandisers. Others, like the insulated food carriers trusted by many caterers, have a stainless steel exterior that keeps food hot without additional heat input. Other options include slanted shelves that allow customers to see all your products and a minimal enclosure for a sleek appearance. You can even find units with mirrored rear doors that reflect heat into the serving area while allowing behind-the-counter staff to load items from the back. These innovations are perfect for any operation, including delis and supermarkets.
Convenience
Many consumers are only aware of the importance of convenience in their purchase decisions once it’s missing. While most claim quality and price are their top considerations, almost all have backed out of purchases because they were inconvenient.
For food service operators, convenient options are critical for boosting impulse sales and customer loyalty. For example, 63% of consumers consider grocery shopping convenient and are willing to pay extra for a more convenient experience. This includes options like online sizing, multiple delivery alternatives, and free returns. Whether you’re a concession stand, snack bar, restaurant, or convenience store, a hot food merchandiser is the perfect way to keep your menu items warm and accessible. These heated displays feature front and rear sliding doors, allowing behind-the-counter staff and self-serve customers easy access.