Choose the best cash wrap configuration for your needs.

Cash wrap configurations can be virtually anything you want, which means you can design them to perfectly match your functional needs and also the look and atmosphere of your store.

Exactly where you put your cash wrap counter and which configuration you choose will depend on the size and shape of your retail store as well as which activities you need to handle at the counter area. Cash wraps:

• Keep things organized.
• Give customers a place to set merchandise and pay for their purchases.
• Encourage a bit of last-minute impulse shopping.
• Enable employees to have a final personal interaction with customers, sending them on their way with a smile.

What shape do you want?

Cash wraps can be designed in three basic configurations:

• A single countertop or cabinet surface, placed parallel or perpendicular to the wall or as a free-standing “island.”
• A two-part unit – one section parallel to the wall and another free-standing unit placed in front, facing the customer.
• Three-part design that encloses the two-part unit on one side, creating horseshoe.

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.

How much space do you need?

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.

Cash wraps can be right near your entrance, to serve as a greeting station as well as a pay-and-package area. More commonly, though, they’re placed near the front of the store but far enough from the entrance to enable customers to comfortably step inside and move around before arriving at the counter.

With the right configuration, your cash wrap counter will serve customers smoothly and efficiently as they complete their shopping experience with you.

If you have additional questions about retail solutions, connect with us on our website at www.palmerretailsolutions.com. Keep current with industry discussions and product information on Twitter: @PalmerPRS. Palmer derives great satisfaction from designing unique interactive kiosks that incorporate maximum functionality, ergonomics and offer long-lasting service. Click here to receive a USB FLASH DRIVE containing great examples of retail store design, display fixtures and mall kiosks.

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.