This invention relates to display racks or assemblies for displaying merchandise, such as greeting cards. More specifically, the invention assists consumers in distinguishing between groups of greeting cards based on the manner of presentation in a multi-tiered greeting card display.
As consumer's day-to-day lives get busier and as other options for maintaining contact with friends and family have arisen, such as e-mail, consumer's have less time and may feel less obligated to purchase greeting cards for all but the most important occasions. Conventional greeting card displays typically include cascading rows of pockets that display greeting cards in a manner that allows only a portion of the front of each card to be seen. While this type of display makes a large number of cards accessible to consumers, it can make the process of purchasing a greeting card more time consuming and difficult. For example, a consumer has to remove each greeting card from its pocket to determine if he or she would like to read the message on the inside of the card.
In addition, since all of the cards are typically presented by a conventional card display in the same manner, there are no visual cues alerting the consumer to cards that are trendy, represent emerging trends, or worthy of closer review. While those cards may be on display, the consumer must “hunt and peck” to find them. In addition, while most conventional card displays include caption cards or tabs that identify the occasion associated with the greeting card in that pocket, these tabs are generally presented with the same color background and text for all occasions. The lack of color coordination by greeting card occasion makes it difficult to distinguish between “Birthday” cards and “Wedding” cards without having to constantly look at a display panel at the top of the fixture for guidance. Then, when the consumer looks back down, he or she is once again lost in a sea of greeting cards.
Therefore, there is a need in the art for a display that (1) efficiently displays the product; (2) draws the consumer's attention to the product, thereby inducing impulse purchases; and (3) makes the card buying process easier and less time consuming.
The present invention provides fixtures for displaying greeting cards in a manner that attracts the attention of the consumer and makes the card purchasing process more convenient and less time consuming.
A greeting card display fixture is typically positioned in a card retail area. The display fixture can be modular and additional display fixtures can be easily attached to the sides thereof to create a fixture that has a longer aisle length. The display fixture can include an upper tier, a lower tier, and framework to hold the tiers in place. The lower tier display is positioned below the upper tier display, and each of the lower and upper tier displays includes rows of pockets configured to hold the greeting cards. The pockets in the bottom row of the upper tier display are configured to display the greeting cards in a full-facing manner to display all or substantially all of the full face of each greeting card. The pockets in the bottom row of the lower tier display are configured to display the greeting cards in a full-facing manner. The pockets in the upper and lower tier displays, other than the pockets in each of the bottom rows, are configured to display greeting cards in a manner other than the full-facing manner.
A card highlighter display can be positioned along at least one of the rows of the upper tier display. The card highlighter display is configured to highlight greeting cards placed within the card highlighter display by presenting one or more of the highlighted greeting cards in a full-facing manner.
A visual relief line (or caption strip) can be positioned between the upper and lower tiers. The visual relief line emphasizes the separation between the upper and lower tiers to the consumer and provides a momentary break or rest for the eyes of the consumer as they scan over the entire fixture. The visual relief line can take the form of a structure between the upper and lower tiers or a void or gap between the upper and lower tiers.
Shadowboxes can be positioned along the top of the upper tier of the display fixture. Shadowboxes are used to “telegraph” a card occasion and to deliver specific occasion insights. This is accomplished by placing cards inside the shadowboxes that are readily recognizable by a consumer as being related to a particular occasion, without a need for the consumer to read the card. A display panel can be positioned between one or more of the shadowboxes along the top of the upper tier of the display fixture. The display panel typically includes pictures, graphics, colors, and/or text associated with the cards displayed in the shadowboxes and intended to evoke emotions from the consumer.
In the alternative, both the upper and lower tiers can include card highlighters positioned along one of the rows of pockets. Each of the card highlighters is capable of displaying cards in a full-facing or partial-facing manner. The consumer's eye is attracted to the card highlighters because they have a different “look” from the rest of the greeting cards in the display fixture.
For another aspect of the invention, a display fixture can comprise an upper tier display and a lower tier display positioned below the upper tier display. Each of the lower tier display and upper tier display comprises tiered rows of pockets. The pockets in a bottom row of the lower tier display are configured to display greeting cards in a full-facing manner by displaying all or substantially all of a card face. The pockets in the rows of the upper tier display are configured to display greeting cards in a manner other than the full-facing manner. A card highlighter display, positioned along at least one of the rows of the upper tier display, is configured to highlight certain greeting cards by presenting the certain greeting cards in a manner different from a presentation of the greeting cards displayed by the upper tier display.
For a more complete understanding of exemplary embodiments of the present invention and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the figures. While the fixtures of the present invention are described in the context of an operative environment used for the display of greeting cards in the retail arena, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the fixtures can be used in a like-manner for other types of products. Referring now to
A. Framing Assembly
Turning now to the framing assembly 102 of
Attached orthogonally to the first 108 and third 112 horizontal members is a first vertical member 116 that rises upward in the vertical direction from the base. Attached orthogonally to the first 108 and fourth 114 horizontal members is a second vertical member 118 rising vertically upward from the base. The first 116 and second 118 vertical members are substantially parallel to one another. Attached orthogonally to the second 110 and third 112 horizontal members is a third vertical member 120 rising vertically upward from the base. Attached orthogonally to the second 110 and fourth 114 horizontal members is a fourth vertical member 122 (not shown) rising upward in the vertical direction from the base. The first 116, second 118, third 120, and fourth 122 vertical members are substantially parallel to one another. In one exemplary embodiment, the third 120 and fourth 122 vertical members extend vertically to a height of 59.328 inches.
In one exemplary embodiment, a fifth horizontal member 124, substantially parallel to the second horizontal member 110, is orthogonally attached at each end to the third vertical member 120 and the fourth vertical member 122 (not shown). The fifth horizontal member 124 can provide improved strength and durability to the framing system. In one exemplary embodiment, the third vertical member 120 and the fourth vertical member 122 each includes multiple slots 126 running in the vertical direction of the third 120 and fourth 122 vertical members along a point of contact with a first angled member 128 and a second angled member 130. The slots (not shown) in the third 120 and fourth 122 vertical members may be spaced a uniform distance apart or comparatively close together so that the angled members may be adjusted vertically along the axis of the third and fourth vertical members 122. This provides the ability to position the display rack 104 at a range of desired heights.
Each of the first 128 and second 130 angled members has a substantially vertical portion 132, 134 at its uppermost point that remains in contact or substantially in contact with the third vertical member 120 and the fourth vertical member 122 (not shown). Approximately one-third of the way along the length of the first 128 and second 130 angled members, each angled member diverges from the third 120 and fourth 122 vertical members in a substantially straight line to connect with the first 116 and second 118 (not shown) vertical members, respectively.
B. Card Display Rack
A graphics display holder 136 may be attached at or near the bottom of the first 128 and second 130 angled members and run substantially parallel to the first horizontal member 108. The graphics display holder 136 may be attached on a first end to the first vertical member 116 and on a second end to the second vertical member 118. In one exemplary embodiment, the graphics display holder 136 includes receptacles (not shown) at the top and bottom to hold a graphic made of paper, cardboard, card stock, metal or plastic. The graphic may be slidably inserted from the side of the graphics display holder 136 or snapped into the front of graphics display holder 136.
1. Shadowboxes
A fifth vertical member 138 may be attached at or near the top of the third vertical member 120 and extend further upward in the vertical direction, parallel to the third vertical member 120. A sixth vertical member 140 may be attached at or near the top of the fourth vertical member 122 and extend upward therefrom in the vertical direction, substantially parallel to the fourth vertical member 122. One or more shadowbox displays 142, 144 may be attached at each opposing end to the fifth 138 and sixth 140 vertical members. In one exemplary embodiment, the fifth 138 and sixth 140 vertical members extend to a height of 69.419 inches and have an individual length of 10.091 inches. In an alternative embodiment, the fifth 138 and sixth 140 vertical members extend to a height of 71.457 inches and have an individual length of 12.129 inches. Each shadowbox display 142, 144 typically includes one or more shadowbox card display holders 146 and a graphics display panel 148. In one exemplary embodiment, each shadowbox display 142, 144 has a width of 15.86 inches and a height of 10.091 inches. The exemplary graphics display panel 148 has a width of sixteen and one-eighth inches. The shadowboxes 146 are used to “telegraph” a card occasion and to deliver on specific occasion insights. This is accomplished by placing cards inside the shadowboxes 146 that are readily recognizable by a consumer as being related to a particular occasion, without a need for the consumer to read the card. In one exemplary embodiment, matched pairs of cards are presented in a shadowbox card display holder 146, on each side of the graphics display panel 148. The matched pairs set the tone of the card occasion for the consumer and generate an emotional appeal on behalf of the consumer. Each of the cards displayed in the shadowboxes 146 are associated with the card category identified by graphics display panel 148. While the drawing of
The shadowbox display 142, 144, as shown in
A front member 814 is orthogonally attached to the left 808 or right 810 members. The front member 814 typically extends in the vertical direction from the bottom of the left 808 or right 810 member to a height approximately equal to half the height of the member. The front member 814 also extends in the horizontal direction along the bottom member 806 a distance approximately equal to half the length of the bottom member 806. The front member 814 typically extends in an arc from its highest point to the point at which it extends furthest along the bottom member 806. In one exemplary embodiment, the front member 814 is made of a clear material, such as acrylic or plastic. The bottom 806, left 808, right 810, front 814, and back 812 members are typically attached using well-known attachment methods and form a pocket having a depth of approximately one inch. The pocket is generally capable of holding and displaying one or more cards in a full-faced manner.
The shadowboxes 802 contain an assortment of cards that telegraph the occasion. These full-facing cards telegraph the occasion because the ordinary consumer can determine the occasion of the card by viewing the graphics on the front of the card in the shadowbox 802 and will not need to look-up at the marquee display panel 836. The cards in the shadowboxes 802 are sometimes in matched pairs, one on each side of the graphic display panel 148, each having the same graphic design on the front of the card but typically meant for the opposite sex (i.e., birthday for her and birthday for him). The presentation of greeting cards in the shadowboxes 802 provides an opportunity to stir additional emotional feelings, thereby increasing the opportunity for a sale to a consumer.
The alternative shadowbox display 142 further includes an alternative graphics display panel 804. The graphics display panel 804 includes a substantially horizontal bottom member 818 orthogonally attached to a substantially vertical left member 820 and right member 822. The left 820 and right 822 members are substantially parallel to one another and orthogonally attached on the other end to a horizontal top member 824. The top member 824 is substantially parallel to the bottom member 818. The attachment of the bottom 818, top 824, left 820, and right 822 members creates a substantially square box. The graphics display panel 804 further includes a substantially square graphic 826 capable of being slidably inserted, or snapped, into the graphics display panel 804. The graphic typically includes pictures, graphics, colors, and/or text associated with the cards displayed in the assembly 100 and intended to evoke emotions from the consumer.
Returning to
2. Card Display Rack
The card display rack 104 in
The first 156 and second 158 groups of pockets typically include steeply sloping, (and optionally vertical) back members 160 (not shown), gently sloping, (and optionally horizontal) bottom members 162 (not shown), and a steeply sloping (and optionally vertical) front member 164 (not shown). The back members 160, bottom members 162, and front member 164 together form compartments or pockets 166 for greeting cards extending in a cascade-like manner. The single steeply sloping front member 164 typically extends upwardly from the front edge of the lowermost bottom member 162 of the first 156 and second 158 group of pockets. The single steeply sloping front member 164 can be positioned parallel or substantially parallel to the back member 160, typically at a height less than that of the back member. Corresponding side edges of the back 160, bottom 162, and front 164 members are aligned so that they lie in a common plane. Each of the back members 160, except for the back member for the highest row 168 (not shown), forms the front for a half pocket and the back for the half pocket immediately below. The first angled member 128 on one side and the second angled member 130 on the other side form a common side wall for all of the pockets. Each of the bottom members 162 and back members 160 immediately thereabove may be formed from a single sheet of metal, plastic wood, or other material known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Similarly the front member 164, the lowermost bottom member 162, and the lowermost back member 160 may be formed from a single sheet. Each of the bottom members 162 may be attached to the back member 160 along the front edge of the bottom member 162. Alternatively, each of these members may be integrally molded from a single or multiple plastic materials. On the side of each of the pockets (not visible in
In another exemplary embodiment, horizontal members 170 (not shown) are attached at one end to the first angled member 128 and at an opposing end to the second angled member 130. The horizontal members 170 are spaced vertically along the length of the first 128 and second 130 angled members and provide a means (not shown) for attaching card pockets 166 to form the card display rack 104. The space between the first angled member 128 and the second angled member 130 forms multiple pockets 166 attached to the horizontal members 170 in a side-by-side manner to create a row. Each of the pockets 166 may be attached to one of the horizontal members 170 (not shown) by means of tabs (not shown) or other methods known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The bottom row of the pockets 166 can further include a front member 164 made of a clear material, such as plastic, so that the entire front of the greeting card placed in a pocket may be viewed by a consumer. The first row of pockets 172, positioned above the caption strip 174, typically has a front member 164 that is made of a clear material, such as plastic. Cards in each individual display rack 104 are typically associated with the same category. Each category may also have several subcategories of cards displayed on the rack 104 under that category. For example, a rack 104 of cards under the category “Birthday” may include subcategories of cards in that particular rack 104 such as, “his birthday,” “her birthday,” “wife's birthday,” etc. Each card may belong to one or more subcategories within a category. For example, a birthday card for a “wife” would fall under the subcategory “wife's birthday” and “her birthday.” Each of these subcategories can be presented on the same display rack 104.
3. A-SKU Highlighters
The card display rack 104 may include a curved A-SKU card highlighter holder 178 (not shown). The holder 178 highlights A-SKU level cards. These A-SKU level cards typically represent a trendy card design that is more likely to generate an impulse buy. By placing them in the highlighter, the consumer's eye is attracted to the A-SKU level cards because they have a different “look” from the rest of the display rack 104. The holder 178 is typically positioned on the row immediately above the caption strip 174 to improve the likelihood that a consumer will see it. Cards in the row immediately above the caption strip 174 have an better opportunity to attract a consumer's attention because the consumer's eyes are drawn to towards the caption strip due to it being different that the rest of the display rack 104. The consumer's attention is further attracted towards the highlighter 178 because it presents cards in a different manner that the rest of the display rack 104. The holder 178 includes a convex clear plastic or metallic front 180 (not shown), a curved bottom member (not shown) and a convex back member (not shown) that is curved so that the cards extend outward from the remaining part of the card display rack 104. Each end 182, 184 (not shown) of the holder 178 is positioned substantially even with the pockets of a row and the center point of the curved card highlighter holder 178 extends outward from the card display rack 104.
A metallic, wood, or hard plastic bracing arm (not shown) may be placed behind the curved card highlighter holder 178, providing additional support for cards placed within the holder. The curved highlighter holder 178 may be slidably inserted into the sham of multiple pockets 166. In this manner, the curved card highlighter holder 178 can be inserted into the sham of and take the place of one or more pockets 166 in the first row 172 above the caption strip 174.
The card display rack 104 may also comprise a flat-facing A-SKU card highlighter holder 186. In one exemplary embodiment, the flat facing A-SKU holder 186 has a width of 28.949 inches. The flat-facing holder 186 is typically positioned on the row of pockets 166 immediately above the caption strip 174 in order to have the best opportunity to attract the consumer's attention. The flat-facing holder 186 typically includes card dividers 188, 190 on each opposing end, extending in the vertical direction. The flat-facing holder 186 can also include a back member 192 that is generally taller than the back members 160 for the pockets 166 in the card display rack 104. The back member 192 for the flat-facing A-SKU card highlighter holder 186 is substantially dome-shaped. The back member is typically positioned even with the back member 160 at each opposing end of the flat-facing holder 186 and extends in the upward direction towards the middle of the holder, as shown in
The flat-facing holder 186 also includes a bottom member 193 (not shown) that is substantially similar to the bottom member 162 for the pockets 166. The flat-facing holder 186 further includes a front member 194 that is substantially similar to the front member 164 of the pockets for the first row above the caption strip 174. The flat-facing A-SKU card highlighter holder 186 may also include an opaque graphic 196 that extends from one end of the front member 194 to the other end of the front member 194 in substantially the shape of a “U” or inverted dome. The flat-facing holder 186 may be slidably inserted into the sham of multiple pockets 166. Just as in the curved A-SKU holder 178, the holder 186 highlights A-SKU level cards. In one exemplary embodiment, the flat-facing holder 186 has the capability of holding five cards.
The flat-facing holder 900 also includes a bottom member 908 orthogonally attached to the card dividers 902, 904, and the back member 906 along the bottom sides of each. The bottom member 908 is substantially similar to the bottom member 162 for the pockets 166 of
The holder 900 also includes a dome-shaped graphic card 912. The graphic card is slidably inserted into the holder 900 in front of the back member 906 and between the dividers 902, 904. The graphic card 912 is typically positioned behind the cards in the A-SKU holder 900. The graphic card 912 has a height greater than the back member 906 at its upper-most point. The graphic card 912 typically includes pictures, color, graphics, and/or text intended to draw the consumers attention to the holder 900. As described in
4. B-SKU Highlighters
Returning to
The multi-tiered holder 198 includes dividers 200, 202 extending in the vertical direction on each of the opposing ends of the display holder 198. Each divider 200, 202 typically extends outward from the card display rack 104 at the bottom member 204 (not shown) for the bottom row of cardholders. The divider 200, 202 extends in the vertical direction to or substantially to the point of the bottom member of the upper row of the display holder 198. At that point, the dividers 200, 202 in a gently sloping manner, converge to a point at the back member 205 of the top row of the multi-tiered holder 198, as shown in
The multi-tiered holder 198 further includes front members 206, each typically made of a clear material, such as plastic, so that the entire front of the card may be viewed by a consumer without having to remove the card from the pocket 166. The multi-tiered holder 198 also includes a top row 208 and a bottom row 210, each having a back member 160 and bottom member 162. The multi-tiered holder 198 may be slidably inserted into the shams for the pockets 166, so that the holder 198 may be used in place of one or more pockets 166.
The back member 205 for the top row of the multi-tiered display holder 198 includes a portion of the back member 205 that rises in a vertical direction above and to a point higher than the back members of the pockets 166 in the same row as the top row 208 of the holder 198. The back member 205 is typically dome-shaped. Each opposing end of the back member 205 is equal with the back members 160 of the pockets 166 and abuts against and rises at the center point of the back member 205 to a point higher than the back members 160 of the pockets 166 in the row. In one exemplary embodiment, the multi-tiered holder 198 replaces a section of rows below the caption strip 174. The dividers 200, 202 and back member 205 of the multi-tiered display holder 198 are typically opaque and, in one exemplary embodiment, have the same color as one another.
5. Caption Strip
Returning to
6. Header Graphics
As shown in
The graphics card 836 may further include one or more category graphic holders 838. Each category graphic holder 838 typically includes a top 840 and bottom 842 horizontal member positioned substantially parallel to one another. The holder 838 further includes a vertical member 844 orthogonally attached to an end of each of the top 840 and bottom 842 members. The graphics card 836 may further include a category graphic 846 having a substantially rectangular shape. The category graphic 846 is capable of being slidably inserted, or snapped, into or between the top 840, bottom 842, and vertical 844 members. The category graphic 846 may be made of card plastic, or metallic stock and typically includes the name of one or more card categories (i.e. Birthday, Anniversary, Wedding, etc.). As shown in
Each shadowbox 802 further includes a graphic card 848. The graphic card 848 provides the name of a subcategory for the card provided in the shadowbox 802. The subcategory provides a more detailed description of the person to whom the card is intended for a particular category. Subcategories may include familial designations, such as brother, sister, etc., or attitudinal designations, such as funny, caring, etc. Each shadowbox 802 may include cards with the same or different categories. In one exemplary embodiment, the cards in the shadowboxes 802 on each side of the graphic 826 are matched, such that, for example, the subcategories on each side of the graphic 826 are the same except that one sex is represented on one side of the graphic 826 and the other sex is represented on the other side of the graphic 826. In one exemplary embodiment cards in the shadowboxes 802 on one side of the graphic 826 are for a baby girl and cards in the shadowboxes 802 on the other side of the graphic 826 are for baby boys.
C. Alternate Display Rack
1. SKU Highlighters
The front member 407 (not shown) of the bottom row of the curved multi-tiered holder 404 is made of a clear material, such as plastic. This allows a consumer to view the full face of a card displayed without a requirement for the consumer to remove the card from the holder 404. The holder 404 is typically attached as a single apparatus to the rack 402 along the rows 408. The curved multi-tiered holder 404 typically presents B-SKU level cards to a consumer. B-SKU level cards visually signal a newness across a breadth of occasions and consumer lifestyles. B-SKU level cards are not quite as trendy and daring as A-SKU level cards but they do illustrate emerging trends related to one or more occasions. In one exemplary embodiment, shams for five rows of standard pockets 166 are removed and replaced with the curved multi-tiered holder 404.
2. Full-Faced Cards
As shown in
D. Window Box End Cap
The adjustable display assembly 100 may also include an end cap 502 orthogonally attached or placed adjacent to one end of the card display rack 104. One exemplary embodiment of the end cap concept is shown in
The exemplary end cap 502 may also include rows of pockets 508 positioned above the kick-plate 506. A first group of rows of pockets 508 typically includes a vertical back member 510 (not shown), a gently sloping (or horizontal) bottom member 511 (not shown) orthogonal to the plane of the exemplary end cap and a substantially vertical (or steeply angled) front member 512. The pockets 508, which typically comprise wood, metal, or plastic materials, may be attached by conventional attachment means, welding or molded from a single piece of plastic. Each exemplary pocket 508 is capable of presenting cards in a full-facing manner. When a card is presented in a full-facing manner, all or substantially all of the front of the greeting card may be viewed without having to remove the card from the pocket 508. By displaying cards in a full-facing manner, it highlights the artistic beauty of the cards. In one exemplary embodiment, two rows of pockets are positioned above the kick-plate 506.
The exemplary end cap 502 also includes a horizontal graphic 514 positioned above the first group of rows of pockets 508. The horizontal graphic 514 has a substantially rectangular shape and may be attached to the end cap 502 by being slidably inserted into and/or behind a plastic sheath (not shown) attached to the end cap 502. In another exemplary embodiment, the graphic 514 may be attached to the end cap 502 at the top and bottom corners 516, 518 of the horizontal graphic 514 by using known attachment methods. The end cap 502 also includes a second group of rows of pockets 520 positioned above the horizontal graphic 514 and substantially in-line with the first group of rows of pockets 508. Similar to the first group of rows of pockets 508, the second group of rows of pockets 520 includes a vertical back member 510 (not shown), a gently sloping (or horizontal) bottom member 511 (not shown) orthogonal to the plane of the exemplary end cap 502 and a substantially vertical (or steeply angled) front member 512. Each exemplary pocket 520 is capable of presenting several cards in a full-facing manner. In one exemplary embodiment, the second group of pockets 520 includes two rows of pockets capable of holding up to six cards on each row.
The end cap 502 also includes a window box graphic 522 positioned above the second group of pockets 520. The window box graphic 522 has a substantially rectangular shape with its longest side extending in the vertical direction. The window box graphic 522 typically includes a picture or graphic on card or plastic stock that is capable of being attached to the end cap 502. The picture or graphic can be attached to the end cap 502 by being slidably inserted into and/or behind a plastic sheath (not shown) attached to the end cap 502. In another exemplary embodiment, the graphic 522 may be attached to the end cap 502 by the use of known attachment methods or slidably inserted into a receptacle (not shown) attached to the end cap 502.
The end cap 502 also includes a third group of full-facing card rows 524 positioned on one side of, and adjacent to, the widow box graphic 522, above the second group of pockets 520. Each row of full-facing pockets 524 typically includes a substantially vertical (or steeply sloping) front member 534. The pockets 524 also include a gently sloping (or horizontal) bottom member 536 (not shown) extending orthogonally from the end cap 502 and attached to the bottom portion of the front member 534. The cardholders 524 further include a left-side member 538 (not shown) orthogonally attached on one end to the left side of the front member 534 and the left side of the bottom member 536 and orthogonally attached on the other end to the end cap 502. The pockets 524 further include a right-side member 540 (not shown) orthogonally attached on one end to the front member 534 and the bottom member 536 and orthogonally attached on the other end to the end cap 502. In one exemplary embodiment, the front 534, bottom 536, right-side 540, and left-side 538 members of the full-facing pockets 524 are made of a clear material, such as plastic. As shown in the exemplary embodiment of
The exemplary end cap 502 further includes a right-side screen 542 and a left-side screen 558. The right-side screen 542 is substantially positioned on the right edge of the kick-plate 506 and the panel 504. The left-side screen 558 is substantially positioned on the left edge of the kick-plate 506 and the panel 504. The right-side screen 542 includes a first vertical member 544 extending upward from and orthogonally attached to the right, front corner 546 of the kick-plate 506. The first vertical member 544 has a substantially convex shape and has its other end attached to the right side 548 of the panel 504 at a height approximately eight inches below the top of the panel 504. The right-side screen 542 further includes a translucent panel 550 having a bottom edge 552 approximately six inches above the kick-plate 506, its front edge 554 orthogonally attached to the first vertical member 544, and its back edge 556 orthogonally attached to the right side 548 of the panel 504.
The left-side screen 558 includes a second vertical member 560 extending upward from and orthogonally attached to the left, front corner 562 of the kick-plate 506. The second vertical member 560 has a substantially convex shape and has its other end attached to the left side 564 of the panel 504 at a height approximately eight inches below the top of the panel 504. The left-side screen 558 further includes a translucent panel 566 having a bottom edge 568 approximately six inches above the kick-plate 506, its front edge 570 orthogonally attached to the second vertical member 560, and its back edge 572 orthogonally attached to the left side 564 of the panel 504.
The exemplary end cap 502 further includes a second panel 566 and a third panel 568 (not shown). The second panel 566 is orthogonally attached to the back side of the panel 504 and extends from the top of the panel 504, at substantially its mid point, to the right side of the panel 548 at a position approximately six inches above the height of the kick-plate 506. The third panel 568 is orthogonally attached to the back side of the panel 504 and extends from the top of the panel 504, at substantially its mid point, to the left side of the panel 564 at a position approximately six inches above the height of the kick-plate 506. Both the second 566 and third 568 panels further include multiple full-faced pockets 570. Each full-facing pocket 570 typically includes a substantially vertical (or steeply sloping) front member 572. The pockets 570 also include a gently sloping (or horizontal) bottom member 574 (not shown) extending orthogonally from the second 566 or third 568 panel and attached to the bottom portion of the front member 572. The pocket 570 further includes a left-side member 576 (not shown) orthogonally attached on one end to the left side of the front member 572 and the left side of the bottom member 574 and orthogonally attached on the other end to the second 566 or third 568 panel. The pocket 570 further includes a right-side member 578 (not shown) orthogonally attached on one end to the front member 572 and the bottom member 574 and orthogonally attached on the other end to the second 566 or third 568 panel. In one exemplary embodiment, the front 572, bottom 574, right-side 578, and left-side 576 members are made of a clear material, such as plastic. The second 566 and third 568 panels are typically attached to the panel 504 using well-known attachment methods.
E. Second Exemplary End Cap Design
A second exemplary end cap 602 is illustrated in
The height of the second display panel 606 is substantially equal to the height of the first display panel 604, with the exception that the bottom of the domed portion 608 is positioned at the top of the first display panel 604. The second display panel extends to a center point position having its highest point in the second display panel 606 above that of the highest point of the first display panel 604. The second display panel 606 typically includes a cut-out portion 610 that begins approximately one-quarter of the way up the second display panel 606 and extends upward to the uppermost portion of the dome 608. The depth of the cut out 610 is substantially equal to the depth of the card displays in the first display panel 604. The second display panel 606 can include multiple full-facing card rows 614. Each full-facing card row 614 includes a substantially vertical front member 616, a gently sloping (or horizontal) bottom member 617 (not shown) orthogonal to the plane of the second display panel, and attachment means (not shown) positioned on each of the opposing endpoints of the front member 616 and bottom member 617 for each row.
The second display panel 606 can further include a series of slotted receptacles 618 (not shown) on each of its opposing sides, running in the vertical direction of the panel 606. These slotted receptacles 618 allow the positioning of full-facing card rows 614 at any height selected by the retailer. The slotted receptacles 618 in the vertical direction are capable of receiving tabs (not shown) positioned on the opposing ends of the front 616 and bottom 617 members of the full-facing card rows 614. The front members 616 are generally made of a clear material, such as plastic. In one exemplary embodiment, the second display panel 606 includes four full-facing card rows 614, each row supporting placement of multiple cards on each row 614.
Returning to the first display panel 604 in
A left-side member 630 and a right-side member 632 may be orthogonally attached to the endpoints of the front 628, bottom 626, and back 626 members for each double row pocket 622. The back member 626 for the lowest row of the double row of pockets 622 acts as the front member 628 for the upper row. In one exemplary embodiment, three sets of double row pockets 622 are positioned on each side of the second display panel 606 and along the first display panel 604 in a vertical manner. In this manner, the bottom row of double row of pockets 622 of the first display panel is substantially equal to the bottom row of full-facing card pockets in the second display panel 606.
The first display panel 604 also includes a left-side light panel 634 and a right-side light panel 636. The left-side light panel 634 is positioned along the left side of and orthogonal to the first display panel 604. The right-side light panel 636 (not shown) is positioned along the right side of and orthogonal to the first display panel 604. The left-side 634 and right-side 636 light panels have a depth and height substantially equal to the depth and height of the first display panel 604. In one exemplary embodiment, the left-side 634 and right-side 636 light panels are made of a material that allows light to pass through it. In one exemplary embodiment, the left-side 634 and right-side 636 light panels are made of acrylic or clear plastic.
The first 604 and second 606 display panels may be made from wood, metal, hardened plastic, or other materials known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Each double row pocket 622 is generally constructed of a clear material, such as plastic. A double row pocket also can be constructed from a metallic material and bolted or welded together. Each double row pocket 622 may be attached to the first display panel 604 by one or more tabs (not shown) attached to the side 630, 632 or back 626 members of the uppermost row of the double row of pockets 622.
The first display panel 604 may also include a series of slotted receptacles (not shown) extending in the vertical direction along the outside edge of the first display panel 604. The receptacles are positioned along the edge formed by the intersection of the second display panel 606 and the first display panel 604. The tabs on the back 626 or side 630, 632 members of the double row of pockets 622 may be slidably inserted into the slotted receptacles. The slots (not shown) in the slotted receptacles support placement of the double row of pockets 622 at a height desirable to the retailer. The exemplary end cap 602 may also include a lighting system (not shown) positioned behind the first 604 and second 606 display panels. The light from the lighting system typically projects filtered mood light through the second display panel 606 and the left-side 634 and right-side light panels to highlight the end cap 602 and provide eye catching appeal to consumers.
F. Light-Box End Cap
The end cap 702 also includes horizontal members 714 orthogonally attached at each endpoint to the first 706 and second 708 vertical members and spaced vertically along the distance of the first 706 and second 708 vertical members. The exemplary end cap 702 also includes vertical members 716 orthogonally attached at opposing endpoints to the first 704 and second 710 horizontal members and spaced horizontally along the distance of the first 704 and second 710 horizontal members and interlocking with the horizontal members 714. This creates a checkerboard-type design. Each checkerboard square 718 in the exemplary end cap 702 is suitable to receive and hold a greeting card or a graphic 730.
For checkerboard squares 718 holding one or more greeting cards, a front member 720 (not shown) may be attached to the right-side 722, left-side 724, and bottom 726 members for each checkerboard square 718. The front member extends substantially in the vertical direction along a portion of the checkerboard square's 718 vertical distance. This allows the insertion of greeting cards into a pocket created by the front 720, bottom 726, right 722, and left-side 724 members for that checkerboard square 718.
Other checkerboard squares 718 may not have a front member 720. This allows the graphic 712 to be displayed. For checkerboard squares 718 displaying a graphic 730, a back box 728 (not shown) having dimensions substantially similar to the dimensions of the checkerboard square 718 is slidably inserted into the checkerboard square 718. Next, a graphic 730 having dimensions substantially similar to the dimensions of the checkerboard square 718 is placed up against the front side of the back box 728. A front box 732, having dimensions substantially similar to the dimensions of the checkerboard square 718 is slidably inserted into the square 718, such that the graphic 730 is compressed and held between the back box 728 and the front box 732. The back box 728, graphic 730, front box 732, front member 720, and the members 714, 716 are typically made of a clear material, such as plastic. A lighting system (not shown) is typically included behind the graphic 730 to highlight the graphic 730 and provide eye catching appeal to consumers. The first 704 and second 710 horizontal members and the first 706 and second 708 vertical members are typically made of an opaque material such as wood, metal, or hard plastic.
The fixtures shown in
The exemplary end cap 502 of
In addition, these cards are typically displayed on the end cap 502 in a manner and are generally of the type that induce an impulse buy. A majority of the cards displayed at the end cap 502 are full-facing, meaning that the consumer does not have to remove the card from its pocket to see the front of the card. A display of full-facing cards is intended to save the consumer time and improve the shopping experience. Full-facing cards also promote the artistic value of the cards. Inducing an impulse buy can be significant because the selection of the card may induce the consumer to enter further into the card retail area. On the other hand, inducing an impulse buy also generates a sale from consumers who may not have otherwise entered the card retail area because of time or other constraints.
An occasion title, or category, such as Birthday, Anniversary, or Wedding, is typically provided on the graphic 308 at the marquee display panel 302. Card purchasing consumers have been conditioned over the years to immediately focus their attention at or above eye level to locate the occasion of cards they are searching for in a display. Each occasion is preferably designated a specific color (i.e., blue for Birthday and purple for Wedding). Each color has been chosen for its ability to further evoke emotions related to the particular occasion. The graphic 308 on the marquee display panel 302 is typically made of an acrylic, semi-translucent material and is substantially dome-shaped. The name of the occasion is printed on the semi-translucent acrylic in a dark shade of the chosen color for the occasion. The dark shade increases the ability to attract the consumer's attention to that occasion. The caption locator cards, which are typically located behind each card in the pocket, provides major and minor subheadings for each occasion (i.e., Birthday for Him or Birthday for Him/Funny). The caption locator cards for each occasion will typically have the same color, but lighter shade, as the color selected for the occasion. This will provide a visual cue to the consumer if they stray from a display area for their intended card occasion. In addition, some caption locator cards may not have the same color as the occasion title. Instead, these cards may have a color that is complimentary to the color chosen for the particular occasion (i.e., yellow for Birthday and pink for Wedding). The complimentary color will signal to the consumer that the cards in front of a particular caption locator deserve special attention during card browsing activity.
The dome-shape of the occasion graphic 308 provides a soft, comfortable feel to the consumer and draws her eye downward to induce a card sale at the card display rack 104. As the consumer's eye drifts downward, a series of shadowboxes 106 interspersed with graphic display panels 148 are provided substantially at the consumer's eye level. A design of text, graphics, or both are provided on the graphic display 148 to create an emotional response in the consumer. The objective of this design is to encourage the consumer to enter a card-buying mood and increase the likelihood that they will purchase one or more cards. While the text or graphics in the graphic display 148 may be related to the occasion, such as candles and presents for the “Birthday” occasion, the text will generally not be the name of the occasion itself.
Now that the consumer has had their emotional volume turned-up, her attention can be attracted towards the shadowboxes 146. The shadowboxes 146 contain an assortment of cards that telegraph the occasion. These full-facing cards telegraph the occasion because the ordinary consumer can determine the occasion of the card by viewing the graphics on the front of the card in the shadowbox 146 and will not need to look-up at the marquee display panel 302. The cards in the shadowboxes 146 are sometimes in matched pairs, one on each side of the graphic display panel 148, each having the same graphic design on the front of the card but typically meant for the opposite sex (i.e., birthday for her and birthday for him). The presentation of greeting cards in the shadowboxes 146 provides an opportunity to stir additional emotional feelings, thereby increasing the opportunity for a sale to a consumer as their eye travels slowly down the card display rack 104.
As the consumer's attention travels downward into the main card display area of the card display rack 104, a first series of cards is provided above the caption strip 174. The caption strip 174 provides visual relief from a sea of cards and assists the consumer in locating the occasion for the cards. The cards above the caption strip 174 are typically full-facing, allowing the consumers to view the entire front of a card without having to remove the card from the pocket, thereby allowing her to see more cards in the same amount of time. A-SKU level cards are generally presented in the A-SKU highlighters 178, 186 above the caption strip 174. The A-SKU level cards tend to be trendier, newer, and more likely to be on the cutting edge. They will tend to have brighter, more vibrant colors and will be rotated from the card display rack 104 on a more frequent basis than the cards in the remainder of the display rack 104.
The card highlighter area 178, 186 attracts the eye of the consumer to that area because it is different than the standard card display rack 104. In one exemplary embodiment, the card highlight area 178, 186 can be a flat row of cards set apart through the use of a different set of graphics 186. In the alternative, the card highlight area 178, 186 can be a three dimensional row that appears to reach out to the consumer 178, as described in
Cards on the row immediately above the caption strip 174 and not in the A-SKU highlighters are typically B-SKU level cards. B-SKU level cards are not quite as trendy and daring as the A-SKU level cards but they do illustrate emerging trends related to the particular occasion. The remaining cards above the caption strip 174, including the shadowboxes 146 are typically C-SKU level cards. C-SKU level cards typically include cards that have been displayed previously and have garnered strong sales. Cards positioned above the caption strip 174 are also more likely to induce an impulse buy, based on the emotion created by the graphics 148, 308, the shadowboxes 146, the cards in the A-SKU highlighters 178, 186, and the freshness of the displayed card content.
As the consumer's attention slowly scans downward below the caption strip 174, a second series of cards is displayed. The cards below the caption strip 174 typically are partially-facing, meaning that the consumer will have to remove the card from the pocket in order to view the full front of the card. The area below the caption strip 174 typically includes one or more B-SKU level highlighters 198, 404. The B-SKU level highlighters 198, 404 generally present B-SKU level cards in a full-faced manner. The B-SKU level cards in the highlighters 198, 404 that visually signal a newness across a breadth of occasions and consumer lifestyles. The B-SKU level cards are not quite as trendy and daring as the A-SKU level cards but they do illustrate emerging trends related to the particular occasion.
The B-SKU card highlight areas 198, 404 attract the eye of the consumer to that area because is the highlighter 198, 404 is different from the standard card display rack 104. For instance, the B-SKU highlighter areas 198, 404 are the only areas below the caption strip 174 that present cards in a full-facing manner. The card highlight area 198 can be two flat rows of cards set apart by making them full-facing and using a different set of graphics 198. In the alternative, the card highlight area 404 can be a three dimensional series of rows, such as a conical shape that appears to reach-up to the consumer 404, as described in
The cards placed in the card highlight area below the caption strip 174 are generally grouped under a specific theme for that occasion. Themes may include a funny theme. For example, clay animation characters may be attached to the highlighter 174 and the cards in the highlighter 174 may include jokes related to the clay animation characters. Another example of a theme includes cards based on famous actors, entertainers, or popular television shows. The graphics in the highlighter 174 could be related to the theme and the cards provided in the highlighter 174 could include lines attributable to or comments regarding the actor, entertainer, or television show.
If the consumer still has not decided on a card for the particular occasion as her eye travels further downward, C-SKU level cards are generally presented below the caption strip 174 and outside of the highlighter areas 198, 404. The C-SKU level cards include a full-facing row of cards at the bottom of the display 104. By combining the eye catching appeal of full-facing cards with a series of cards that have a prior track record for strong sales, a final attempt is made to secure the sale of a card for that occasion.
A visual relief line is positioned between the upper and lower tier fixtures in step 1120. The visual relief line emphasizes the separation between the upper and lower tier to the consumer and provides a momentary break or rest for the eyes of the consumer as he or she scans the fixture. In step 1125, the greeting cards in the upper tier are distinguished from the greeting cards in the lower tier by the manner in which the cards are presented. In one exemplary embodiment, cards in the upper tier are displayed in a full-facing manner so that the entire front of the card may be viewed as it sits in the display, while the cards in the lower tier are displayed in a partial-facing manner, so that only a portion of the front of the greeting card is viewable as it sits in the lower tier display. In this exemplary embodiment, the cards in the bottom row of the lower tier can be presented in a full-facing manner while the remainder of the cards in the lower tier are presented in a partial-facing manner.
In step 1130, a card highlighter is positioned along one of the rows of the upper tier. The card highlighter highlights the cards presented therein and attracts the attention of the consumer to induce an impulsive purchase. Another card highlighter is positioned along one of the rows of the lower tier to highlight another set of greeting cards in step 1135. In step 1140, an occasion display panel is positioned above the upper tier display. The occasion display panel presents information that identifies one or more occasions for greeting cards presented in the upper and lower tiers.
In step 1145, divider panels are positioned between pockets along the rows of the upper and lower tiers of the display to provide a visual cue to a consumer that they are transitioning from cards associated with one occasion to cards associated with another occasion. Shadowboxes are positioned above the upper tier to highlight additional greeting cards and to attract the eye of the consumer in step 1150. In step 1155, a display panel is provided between two of the shadowboxes. The display panel is designed to evoke emotions related to the greeting cards presented in the shadowbox displays. The process continues from step 1155 to the END step.
In step 1210, a greeting card display fixture having an upper tier and a lower tier is provided in a card retail area. The upper tier of the display is positioned at eye-level for the average greeting card consumer in step 1215. In step 1220, the first group of cards is displayed in a card highlighter positioned along one of the rows of the upper tier of the display. A portion of the second group of greeting cards is displayed in a portion of the pockets in the upper tier in a full-facing manner in step 1225. In step 1230, another portion of the second group of cards is displayed in a card highlighter positioned along one of the rows of the lower tier of the display. The third group of greeting cards is displayed in a partial-facing manner in the remaining rows of pockets in the lower tier of the display in step 1235.
In step 1240, a visual relief line is provided between the upper and lower tiers of the display to emphasize the separation of the tiers and to distinguish between the cards held in each tier. In step 1245, an occasion display panel is positioned above the upper tier display. The occasion display panel presents information that identifies one or more occasions for greeting cards presented in the upper and lower tiers. Shadowboxes are positioned above the upper tier and another portion of; the third group of greeting cards is inserted therein to highlight additional greeting cards and to attract the eye of the consumer to certain of the third group of greeting cards in step 1250.
In one exemplary embodiment, greeting cards organized into groups based on different card characteristics may be displayed in the exemplary fixture 100. The card characteristics that can be used to organize the cards includes, but is not limited to, the artistic designs on the front, back and inside of the greeting card, the design of the card, the copy on the front and inside of the card, the style of the card, the sales history of the card, the card's association with current or emerging trends, and various other aspects of the card. As described above, A-SKU level cards are positioned in the upper tier highlighter along the bottom row of the upper tier in a full-facing manner. B-SKU level cards are displayed on the lowest row of pockets in the upper tier other than where the highlighter{s) have been positioned. B-SKU level cards can also be displayed in highlighters positioned in the lower tier. C-SKU level cards are displayed in the remaining rows of pockets in the upper and lower tiers and, if attached, in the shadowboxes positioned above the upper tier of the display fixture 100. In step 1255, a display panel is provided between two of the shadowboxes. The display panel is designed to evoke emotions related to the greeting cards presented in the shadowbox displays. The process continues from step 1255 to the END step.
The three groups of greeting cards are displayed in the display fixture in step 1320. In one exemplary embodiment, the organization of the groups of greeting cards in the display fixture is the same as described in steps 1220-1235 of
In step 1335, occasion caption cards are provided in each of the pockets of the display fixture. For caption cards in pockets where the second and third group of greeting cards are being displayed, a lighter shade of the color applied to the occasion display panel is applied to the caption cards in step 1340. This will provide a visual cue to the consumer if they stray from a display area for their intended card occasion. In step 1345, a complementary color to the color applied to the occasion display panel (i.e., yellow for Birthday and pink for Wedding) is applied to the occasion caption cards that are located in pockets that are displaying cards organized into the first group. The complimentary color will signal to the consumer that the cards in front of a particular caption locator deserve special attention during the card browsing activity. The process continues from step 1345 to the END step.
While there have been shown and described several exemplary embodiments of the present invention, it will be evident to those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and the scope of the present invention.
This non-provisional patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/647,120 filed Oct. 8, 2012 (now U.S. Pat. No. ______), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/456,577 filed Apr. 26, 2012 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,307,998), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/387,677 filed May 6, 2009 (now U.S. Pat. No. 8,172,093), which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/509,359 filed Aug. 24, 2006 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,987,998), which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/759,685, titled Method and Apparatus For Increasing Greeting Card Sales, filed Jan. 17, 2006. The entire contents of each cited patent application are hereby fully incorporated by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
60759685 | Jan 2006 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 11509359 | Aug 2006 | US |
Child | 12387677 | US |
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
Parent | 13647120 | Oct 2012 | US |
Child | 14017926 | US | |
Parent | 13456577 | Apr 2012 | US |
Child | 13647120 | US | |
Parent | 12387677 | May 2009 | US |
Child | 13456577 | US |