What can I display in a commercial multideck?

A commercial multideck is a refrigerated display unit that allows you to showcase a variety of products in your retail store, cafe or takeaway. These versatile units have multiple shelves, making them perfect for showcasing an array of items while keeping them fresh and at the optimal temperature.

Effective product displays in your multideck are crucial for attracting customers, increasing sales and reducing waste. This article explains why…

Types of products suitable for multideck displays

Your multideck is ideal for displaying a range of packaged food and snacks that customers can grab on the go. Savoury snacks like pies, sausage rolls and deli items are popular choices that appeal to a wide audience. Biscuits, cakes and pastries are also great options, particularly if you have a cafe or coffee shop. Don’t forget to include chocolate bars and confectionery, as these are often impulse purchases that can boost your sales.

Beverages are another staple item for your multideck. Soft drinks and bottled water are essential, especially during the warmer months. Juices and smoothies are becoming increasingly popular as healthier alternatives, so consider adding these to your display.

Energy and sports drinks are also in high demand, particularly among younger customers and those leading active lifestyles. And if your business has an alcohol licence, you can also stock mini wine bottles, beers and ciders in your multideck, too.

Pre-packaged sandwiches and wraps are convenient options for customers looking for a quick lunch or snack. Offer a variety of fillings to cater to different tastes and dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. Baguettes and rolls are also popular choices that you can display in your multideck.

Offering pre-prepared salads and fruit bowls can appeal to health-conscious customers. These items are particularly popular during lunchtime and can help you attract a broader customer base. You can also display whole fruits and vegetables, which are not only visually appealing but also encourage healthier snacking habits.

Finally, dairy products are a must-have in your multideck. Yoghurts and yoghurt drinks are popular among all age groups and can be consumed as snacks or as part of a meal. Cheeses and cheese snacks are also great options, particularly if you have a deli counter or offer sandwiches. Don’t forget to include milk and milk alternatives, such as soya or almond milk, to cater to customers with different dietary needs.

Creating attractive multideck displays

To make it easy for customers to find what they’re looking for, organise your products by category. Group similar items together, such as placing all the soft drinks on one shelf and all the sandwiches on another. Use clear signage to identify each product category, making it simple for customers to navigate your multideck and locate their desired items.

When arranging your products, place your best-selling and high-profit items at eye level. This prime location is where customers naturally look first, increasing the likelihood of these items being purchased. Use the lower shelves for larger or bulk items that customers are likely to seek out specifically.

Create visually appealing displays by using complementary colours and eye-catching arrangements. For example, you could create a rainbow effect by arranging your fruits and vegetables in colour order. Use props or decorations to enhance the overall aesthetic of your multideck, particularly during seasonal events or holidays. This can help to create a welcoming atmosphere and encourage customers to browse your displays.

Implement effective lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in making your multideck displays visually appealing. Ensure your products are well-lit, as this helps to highlight their freshness and quality. Use targeted lighting to draw attention to special offers or seasonal items, encouraging customers to make additional purchases.

Integrated LED lighting in your multideck provides bright, even illumination while being energy-efficient and long-lasting. LED lights also emit less heat than traditional lighting options, which helps to maintain the optimal temperature inside your multideck and preserve the quality of your products.

Accent lighting can spotlight specific products or promotions. For example, you could install small spotlights above your new product range or use coloured lights to highlight your seasonal offerings. Such strategic use of lighting can help to guide customers’ attention towards high-profit items or encourage impulse purchases.

Remember to regularly check and replace any burnt-out bulbs to maintain the overall appearance and effectiveness of your multideck lighting.

Maintain cleanliness and hygiene

Regularly clean and sanitise your multideck shelves and surfaces to maintain a hygienic environment. It helps to preserve the quality of your products and creates a positive impression on your customers. Remove any expired or damaged products promptly to avoid negative perceptions and potential health hazards.

Establish a regular cleaning schedule for your multideck, ensuring that it’s thoroughly cleaned at least once a week. Use food-safe cleaning products and follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid damaging the unit or leaving harmful residues on your products. Pay special attention to corners, edges and hard-to-reach areas where dirt and debris can accumulate. Don’t forget to clean the glass doors and sides of your multideck, as fingerprints and smudges can detract from the overall appearance of your display.

In addition to regular deep cleaning, perform daily spot checks and wipe-downs to maintain a consistently clean and tidy appearance. This is particularly important during peak business hours when customers are frequently opening and closing the multideck doors, increasing the risk of spills and contamination. Prioritising cleanliness and hygiene demonstrates your commitment to food safety and quality, which can help to build trust and loyalty among your customers.

Rotate stock and update displays

To ensure your products are always fresh, regularly rotate your stock. Place newer items at the back of the shelf and move older items to the front, making it more likely that they’ll be sold before their expiry date. Update your displays frequently to showcase new products or promotions, keeping your multideck looking fresh and exciting.

Implement a ‘first in, first out’ (FIFO) system for stock rotation, ensuring that products with the earliest expiry dates are sold first. This helps to reduce waste and guarantees that your customers are always purchasing the freshest items available. Train your staff to follow this system consistently and to check expiry dates when restocking the multideck. Consider using labels or stickers to clearly mark the production or expiry dates on your products, making it easier for both staff and customers to identify the freshest options.

Regularly updating your multideck displays keeps your store looking fresh and inviting and encourages customers to try new products and take advantage of promotions. When introducing new items to your range, create eye-catching displays that highlight their unique features or benefits. Use signs or labels to communicate any special offers or discounts, and consider offering samples or tastings to tempt customers to buy.

How can Fridgesmart help?

Effective multideck displays are essential for attracting customers, increasing sales and minimising waste in your food & drink retail store, cafe, or takeaway.

Offering a diverse range of products and creating visually appealing, well-organised displays can entice customers to make purchases and keep them coming back for more.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different products and display techniques to find what works best for your business and your customers.

At Fridgesmart, we understand that investing in a new multideck is a big business decision, so we’re here to provide advice and support for you in selecting the very best multideck for your business. We offer the very best multidecks from reliable manufacturers.

All the multidecks we stock are chosen for their premium design and first-class manufacture. Whether you need an urgent replacement for a broken-down unit or are planning a shop refurbishment and want to upgrade your units, we’re here to help.

You can take a look at our extensive range of multidecks here or call our friendly and experienced team on 01792 677169 to discuss your requirements.