US20030160014A1

US20030160014A1 - Retail hanger display system

Info

Publication number: US20030160014A1
Application number: US10/377,490
Authority: US
Inventors: Lawrence Cuzzocrea
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-02-27
Filing date: 2003-02-27
Publication date: 2003-08-28

Abstract

A highly adaptable retail display system that efficiently uses normally unused space within a store to display/sell merchandise to maximize the quantity of products displayed within a given floor area, and more specifically, to maximize the display of products with the highest sales volumes, cash values and profit margins within the prime store locations.

The retail display system comprises vertically hanging displays, secured mounting brackets and face-plates shaped and arranged to remind a user of the nature and service of the merchandise displayed for sale.

Description

REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is related to my Provisional Application Serial No. 60/360,339, filed [0001] Feb. 27,2002, entitled “RETAIL HANGER DISPLAY SYSTEM” and my co-pending utility Application Ser. No. 09/641,001, filed Aug.17, 2000, entitled “RETAIL DISPLAY SYSTEM”. These related applications are incorporated wholly herein by these references and are not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention by the mention in this cross-reference section.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to providing an improved system for displaying and marketing merchandise. More particularly, this invention concerns a highly adaptable retail display system that efficiently uses normally unused space within a store to display/sell merchandise. The field of product display and marketing has increasingly become a more exact science involving extensive research into the shopping and purchasing behaviors of consumers. As a result, retailers have become increasingly sophisticated in their application of product-display systems.

Typically, a retail space will include a diverse range of product-display fixtures. Arrangement of such fixtures often follows a set of tactics for ensuring that a maximum number of shoppers will see and actively consider purchasing a displayed product. It is well known that specific prime locations within a retail floor space are highly desirable for generation of sales. Similarly, prime locations within, and on, display-fixtures are known to produce higher sales volume. A principal need of many retailers is to maximize the quantity of products displayed within a given floor area, and more specifically, to maximize the display of products with the highest sales volumes, cash values and profit margins within the prime store locations. In addition, distributors often pay additional bonuses or rewards to stores that choose to assign a highly desired space to display their particular product line. For these and other reasons, it is economically important to most retailers to utilize the maximum amount of available product display space within a store.

Furthermore, many product vendors require flexibility in displaying their product and controlling their inventory within the product display system. Currently, a large number of retailers rely on cumbersome, industry standard, retail display systems that allow only limited flexibility in arrangement, ease of modification and product-specific display. Many retailers utilize the theory that the best solution for some product lines is to create relatively static, permanent displays; however, not all products merit such long-term placement. Many products aren't in large demand or are seasonal. For example, promotional products tied to a seasonal holiday or new movie release may have a relatively short (yet highly lucrative) promotional window. It is highly desirable that product placement systems that are easy to modify and provide a high degree of adaptability (to quickly changing marketing strategies and inventory management solutions) would be extremely desirable for use in the retail industry.

Currently, many retailers use a variety of add-on merchandising displays in conjunction with existing conventional shelving construction to increase product display densities. These methods include utilizing vertically hanging strip-displays that have a vertical row of hooks or clips for holding packages of merchandise. While this type of typical strip-type merchandising-system is effective for the display of certain products, they suffer from distinct shortcomings. For example, strip-type merchandising systems are typically made of flimsy construction that may be easily dislodged or removed from its supports. Further, such strip-type merchandising systems are limited in their adaptability to a diverse range of packaging, product lines, display quantities and shelving types. Further, most strip-type merchandising systems provide limited opportunities for supplementary advertising and product “branding” (the display of a specific or well-established brand name of merchandise). As previously mentioned, such strip-type merchandising systems are typically not securely affixed to store fixtures and may even be stolen or removed easily by unauthorized persons.

Merchandisers, marketers, and advertisers are increasingly seeking to attract buyers by rapidly revising product packaging, as well as marketing strategies. These revisions require the retailer to find flexibility and adaptability within their own product display systems.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

A primary object and feature of the present invention is to fulfill the above-mentioned needs by the provision of a vertical strip display system that displays merchandise for sale using assorted non-shelf portions, space otherwise unused, of existing display fixtures.

In addition, it is a primary object and feature that the display system is installed in such a manner as to deter theft of such strip displays.

Additionally, it is a primary object and feature of this invention to provide a strip display system that is adaptable to a diverse range of product packaging and shelving fixture types.

It is a further primary object and feature of this invention to efficiently provide signage, pricing and scanning information.

It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a display feature that is manufactured for a specific product and specific quantity of such product.

A further object and feature of the present invention is to provide such a display system that is efficient, inexpensive and handy. Other objects of this invention will become apparent with reference to the following descriptions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this invention provides a retail merchandising system, used in conjunction with a retail merchandising fixture, for combined control of inventory and merchandise displayed for sale, comprising: a plurality of holding means for holding the merchandise; at least one vertical support means for supporting such plurality of holding means; and at least one attachment means for attaching such at least one vertical support means to the merchandising fixture; wherein each such plurality of holding means is shaped and arranged for a holding a specified kind of product; and wherein each such plurality of holding means is further shaped and arranged for holding a specified quantity of such specified kind of product.

It also provides such a system wherein such at least one attachment means is selected from the following group: at least one hook means for hooking such at least one vertical support means to a wire grid of the retail merchandise fixture; at least one clamp means for clamping such at least one vertical support means to the retail merchandise fixture; and at least one faceplate means, having an aperture and being removably attachable to such retail merchandise fixture, for attaching such at least one vertical support means.

Further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one faceplate means is shaped and arranged to remind a user of the nature and service of the merchandise displayed for sale. Even further, it provides such a system wherein such at least one vertical support means further comprises at least one indicia means for displaying indicia. It also provides such a system wherein at least one holding means further comprises at least one safety ring.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this invention provides a retail merchandising system for at least one particular retail business location having at least one set of available product-desired-spaces comprising the steps of: analyzing data of a plurality of products; allowing space to each such plurality of products; designing displays for displaying each such product to each such space; producing such displays; wherein each such display comprises, a plurality of holding means for holding the merchandise; at least one vertical support means for supporting such plurality of holding means; and at least one attachment means for attaching such at least one vertical support means to the merchandising fixture; wherein each such plurality of holding means is shaped and arranged for a holding a specified kind of product; andwherein each such plurality of holding means is further shaped and arranged for holding a specified quantity of such specified kind of product.

Still further, it provides such a system including each and every novel detail, feature, article, process, system and/or method disclosed in or mentioned by or shown in this specification, including the drawings, the claims, the abstract, and any appendices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the retail hanger display system as used on a retail merchandising display system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0018]
FIG. 2 is a photographic perspective view of a vertical safety peg display of the retail hanger display system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0019]
FIG. 3 is a photographic view of a vertical safety peg display of the retail hanger display system showing an upper grid hook attachment according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0020]
FIG. 4 is another photographic view of a vertical safety peg display of the retail hanger display system showing an upper grid hook attachment according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0021]
FIG. 5 is a photographic view of a vertical safety peg display of the retail hanger display system showing a lower grid hook attachment according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0022]
FIG. 6 in another photographic view of a vertical safety peg display of the retail hanger display system showing a lower grid hook attachment according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0023]
FIG. 7 is yet another photographic view of a vertical safety peg display of the retail hanger display system showing a lower grid hook attachment according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0024]
FIG. 8 is a photographic side view of a vertical safety peg display of the retail hanger display system showing a lower grid hook attachment according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0025]
FIG. 9 is a photographic view of another vertical safety peg display of the retail hanger display system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0026]
FIG. 10 is a photographic perspective view of a vertical strip display comprising a safety ring of the retail hanger display system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0027]
FIG. 11 is a photographic perspective view of yet another vertical strip display of the retail hanger display system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0028]
FIG. 12 is a photographic perspective view of another vertical safety peg display of the retail hanger display system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0029]
FIG. 13 is a photographic perspective view of a vertical safety peg display and specialty hanger of the retail hanger display system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0030]
FIG. 14 is a photographic perspective view of another vertical safety peg display of the retail hanger display system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0031]
FIG. 15 is a photographic perspective view of another vertical safety peg display of the retail hanger display system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0032]
FIG. 16 is a photographic perspective view of a specialty hanger of the retail hanger display system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0033]
FIG. 17 is a photographic perspective view of another specialty hanger of the retail hanger display system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0034]
FIG. 17A is a perspective rear view of a faceplate and installation method for use on the modular retail fixture display system, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0035]
FIG. 18 is a photographic perspective view of a specialty hanger of the retail hanger display system according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0036]
FIG. 19 is a perspective view, partially in section, of a specialty hanger of the retail hanger display system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0037]
FIG. 20 is a perspective view, partially in section, of the installation of the specialty hanger of FIG. 19 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0038]
FIG. 21 is a perspective view, partially in section, of a specialty hanger of the retail hanger display system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0039]
FIG. 22 is a perspective view, partially in section, of another specialty hanger of the retail hanger display system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0040]
FIG. 23 is a photographic view of a stacking hanger of the retail hanger display system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.[0041]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

Reference is now made to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a retail [0042] hanger display system 100 for increasing density of merchandising of products held by vertical strip displays 102. Preferably, the retail hanger display system 100 comprises vertical strip displays 102, which are attached to a basic fixture unit 103, such as the one shown. In a preferred embodiment, the vertical strip display 102 comprises a faceplate 104, preferably a unitary plate, preferably metal, having a front face 106 for displaying retail sales indicia and having a rear face 108, with an integral face plate rear mounting bracket 110 (it is noted that the mounting bracket 110 may be any of the embodiments described in the above-referenced applications or as described herein), a separate peg strip 112, with separate spaced pegs 114, preferably safety pegs, as shown, and an integral flat hook 116, for attaching the peg strip 112 to the faceplate 104. Preferably, faceplate 104 may be of various sizes consisting of a single stamped steel plate, preferably, comprising an essentially flat surface, however, under appropriate circumstances, other arrangements may suffice (for example, a raised or stamped logo may be added). It is understood that other suitable material may be substituted for steel for suitable applications. Preferably, the steel may be painted in any desired color. Most preferably, the steel is powder coated in any desired color. Preferably, front face 106 comprises indicia, most preferably, such indicia are added as a separate label or other print advertising attached with adhesive, or as directed by the end-user. Under appropriate circumstances, other indicia arrangements may suffice.
Preferably, at the bottom and centered, approximately three-eights of an inch above the bottom edge of the faceplate, is a [0043] faceplate aperture 118, as shown. Under appropriate circumstances, other arrangements may suffice. Preferably, the aperture 118 provides an attachment for removably attaching a retail hanger display 102 to a faceplate 104. The faceplate aperture 118 is preferably formed as shown, such that it comprises a slot formed to fit the integral flat hook 116. Under appropriate circumstances, other aperture arrangements may suffice. Preferably, the aperture is structured and arranged to prevent the flat hook 116 from being removed from the aperture 118 when the faceplate 104 is attached adjacent a fixture (as described in the above cross-referenced application entitled “RETAIL DISPLAY SYSTEM”).
In another preferred embodiment, the [0044] vertical strip display 102 attaches directly to the grid 120, as shown. Under appropriate circumstances, other attachment arrangements may suffice. Preferably, the integral flat hook 116 will fit over the grid wire 122, as shown. Preferably, the integral flat hook 116 may be attached over the wire grid 120 such that the wire grid 120 supports the vertical strip display 102, as shown. Preferably, the vertical strip display 102 also comprises a bottom hook-end 124, which is used to secure the lower portion 126 to the wire grid 120, thereby keeping the vertical strip display 102 firmly adjacent the basic fixture unit 103, as shown. Preferably, the integral flat hook 116 and the bottom hook-end 124 are spaced apart such that they will both hook into the wire grid 120. For example, with one and one-half inch spacing between the horizontal grid wires 121, the integral flat hook 116 and the bottom hook-end 124 would be spaced in intervals of about twenty four or thirty-six inches (about every foot) in order to connect easily when inserted through the wire grid 120, and then pushed downward to lock in over the grid wire 122. Under appropriate circumstances, other arrangements may suffice. For example, the bottom hook-end 124 may be more preferably a single bent-plate arrangement.
Preferably, the bottom hook-[0045] end 124 also comprises a flat plate 128. Preferably, flat plate 128 comprises indicia, most preferably, such indicia are added as a label or other advertising media, or both, as directed by the end-user. Under appropriate circumstances, other indicia arrangements may suffice.
FIG. 2 is a photograph perspective view of a vertical [0046] safety peg display 130 of the retail hanger display system 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a photographic view of a vertical [0047] safety peg display 130 of the retail hanger display system 100 showing an upper grid-hook attachment 132 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is another photographic view of a vertical [0048] safety peg display 130 of the retail hanger display system 100 showing an upper grid-hook attachment 132 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the upper gridhook attachment 132 comprises an integral flat hook 116 that will fit over the grid wire 122, as shown.
Preferably, the retail [0049] hanger display system 100 comprises many embodiments of vertical hangers; such embodiments are virtually unlimited when the specific products and desired quantity of such products is taken into account when making the vertical hanger. Most preferably, the vertical hangers are custom-designed to accommodate a specific product and quantity of inventory. For example, the vertical safety peg display 130 shown in FIG. 2 utilizes four sets of safety pegs 134, three of the safety pegs 134 across on each bar 136. In this example, each bar would hold a specific number of preferably packaged merchandise, for example, candies, for example, nine packages on each bar (three to a safety peg 134). If a seller determined that a sufficient inventory of such candies was thirty-six packages and the space available to display such merchandise was (in this example) six inches across and thirty-six inches long, the vertical safety peg display 130 would be manufactured as such (about as shown). Under appropriate circumstances, other arrangements may suffice.
FIG. 5 is a photographic view of a vertical [0050] safety peg display 130 of the retail hanger display system 100 showing a lower grid hook attachment 140 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is another photographic view of a vertical [0051] safety peg display 130 of the retail hanger display system 100 showing a lower grid hook attachment 140 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the lower grid hook attachment 140 is another embodiment of the bottom hook-end 124, which is used to secure,the lower portion 126 (shown in FIG. 1) of the vertical safety peg display 130 to the wire grid 120, as shown. Preferably, the lower grid hook attachment 140 comprises a U-shaped wire hook 142, which is preferably attached to a preferably flat plate 144, as shown. Preferably, the flat plate 144 further comprises indicia, preferably, merchandise information, advertising or pricing. Under appropriate circumstances, other arrangements may suffice.
FIG. 7 is yet another photographic view of a vertical [0052] safety peg display 130 of the retail hanger display system 100 showing a lower grid hook attachment 140 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a photographic side view of a vertical [0053] safety peg display 130 of the retail hanger display system 100 showing a lower grid hook attachment 140 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a photographic view of another vertical [0054] safety peg display 146 of the retail hanger display system 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the vertical safety peg display 146 illustrates the versatility and intent that the vertical safety peg display 130, and other such vertical strip displays 102, may have a plurality of merchandise supports, such as merchandise supports 150, depending on the particular merchandising requirements.
FIG. 10 is a photographic perspective view of a [0055] vertical strip display 152 comprising a safety ring 154 of the retail hanger display system 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 illustrates a preferred embodiment of a safety ring 154. Preferably, safety ring 154 comprises a semi-circular shape, as shown. Preferably, safety ring 154 further comprises a standard peg 156, as shown, or under appropriate circumstances, another safety peg, such as safety peg 114, may suffice in lieu of standard peg 156. Preferably, the safety ring 154 provides protection from customer injury with use of a standard peg 156, allowing for merchandise packaging that is only orientated for a single standard peg (for example, having a round peg hole in the packaging rather than a slot for a safety peg 114). Under appropriate circumstances, other arrangements may suffice.
FIG. 11 is a photographic perspective view of yet another [0056] vertical strip display 160 of the retail hanger display system 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, vertical strip display 160 is an example of a vertical strip display that may be used to merchandise such containers as vitamin container 162 or jelly container 164. Under appropriate circumstances, other container arrangements may suffice. It is noted that the merchandising of product in a limited space and with a specific target inventory is intended to be embodied herein by these examples of custom-designed and built vertical strip displays 102 (even if manufactured in quantity). This arrangement embodying herein a vertical strip display 102 shaped and arranged for holding a specified kind of product and further shaped and arranged for holding a specified quantity of specified kind of product.
FIG. 12 is a photographic perspective view of another vertical [0057] safety peg display 166 of the retail hanger display system 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 is yet another embodiment of a vertical safety peg display illustrating another preferred combination of safety rings 154 and standard pegs 156, as shown. Under appropriate circumstances, other arrangements may suffice. Further illustrated in FIG. 12 is plate 168. Preferably, plate 168 is a flat plate, preferably metal, preferably welded to the frame 170 of the vertical safety peg display 166, as shown. Preferably, the plate 168 comprises indicia. Most preferably, such indicia are added as a label or advertising, or both, as directed by the end-user. Under appropriate circumstances, other indicia arrangements may suffice.
FIG. 13 is a photographic perspective view of a vertical [0058] safety peg display 166 and specialty hanger 172 of the retail hanger display system 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the retail hanger display system 100 comprises a specialty hanger 172. Preferably, specialty hanger 172 may be used to adapt any of the vertical strip displays 102 to a side 174 of a horizontal shelf 176 (see FIG. 20). Preferably, as illustrated in FIG. 13, the faceplate aperture 118 is preferably formed as shown, such that it comprises a slot formed to fit the integral flat hook 116, as shown. Under appropriate circumstances, other arrangements may suffice.
FIG. 14 is a photographic perspective view of another vertical [0059] safety peg display 180 of the retail hanger display system 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 15 is a photographic perspective view of another vertical [0060] safety peg display 186 of the retail hanger display system 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 illustrates a smaller safety peg 188 arrangements. FIG. 15 illustrates an arrangement of small shelves 190 for use, for example, with books 192. Most preferably, the versatility and plurality of such combinations with the retail hanger display system 100 are many, as shown.
FIG. 16 is a photographic perspective view of a [0061] specialty hanger 194 of the retail hanger display system 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, FIG. 16 represents an embodiment of the retail hanger display system 100 in which a faceplate 195 has an attached bracket 200.
FIG. 17 is a photographic perspective view of a [0062] faceplate 196 of the retail hanger display system 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the photograph of faceplate 196 illustrates that the faceplate may be preferably manufactured to almost any shape, preferably metal stamped, and used for advertising or specialty purposes, as shown. Under appropriate circumstances, other arrangements may suffice.
FIG. 17A is a perspective rear view of a [0063] faceplate 150 and rear bracket 197 for use on the modular retail fixture display system 100, according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, the faceplate 150 may be directly attached to grid 126 using bracket 197. Preferably, bracket 197 comprises a split back 199 that provides a gap 201 through which the wire 122 from the grid 126 will fit, as shown. Under appropriate circumstances, other arrangements may suffice. Preferably, bracket 197 is tightened to the grid using tightening screws 203, as shown. Under appropriate circumstances, other arrangements may suffice.
FIG. 18 is a photographic perspective view of [0064] specialty hanger 172 of the retail hanger display system 100 according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 further represents an embodiment of the retail hanger display system 100 in which a faceplate 195 also has an attached bracket 202. Preferably, FIG. 19 and FIG. 20 illustrate the preferred attachment of such brackets 200 and 202.
FIG. 19 is a perspective view, partially in section, of a [0065] specialty hanger 172 of the retail hanger display system 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view, partially in section, of the installation of the [0066] specialty hanger 172 of FIG. 19 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a perspective view, partially in section, of another [0067] specialty hanger 214 of the retail hanger display system 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 22 is a perspective view, partially in section, of another [0068] specialty hanger 216 of the retail hanger display system 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
Typically, there are many different suppliers of shelving and merchandise display systems. Such systems utilize both wood and metal horizontal shelves. In particular, a common heavy-duty shelving system in use (by Lozier® products; Omaha, Neb.) utilizes a metal shelf similar to that shown in FIG. 20 wherein the side [0069] 174 of the shelf 176 comprises apertures 206 into which additional brackets, such as those shown in FIG. 16, FIG. 18, FIG. 21 and FIG. 22, may be attached. Preferably, the retail hanger display system 100 makes use of the existing apertures 206, as shown. Preferably, the brackets 172 are bolted in with bolts 208, as shown. Under appropriate circumstances, other arrangements may suffice. Preferably, the bolts are placed through apertures 212 in the bracket 172, as shown. Under appropriate circumstances, other arrangements may suffice.
Furthermore, FIG. 19 illustrates the attachment of the integral [0070] flat hook 210 of the vertical strip display 102, onto the faceplate 195, as shown. Preferably, faceplate 195 comprises slot 212, into which the integral flat hook 210 is placed, as described above and as shown. In addition, bracket 172 preferably comprises an anti-rotation and stiffener 215, as shown. Preferably, stiffener 215 provides an anti-rotator for bracket 172 should only one bolt 208 be utilized to mount the bracket 172. Under appropriate circumstances, other arrangements may suffice. Preferably, the stiffener has a lip 216, which fits snugly under shelf 176, as shown. Preferably, lip 216 is left or right-handed, depending on which end it is mounted.
FIG. 23 is a photographic view of a stacking [0071] hanger 220 of the retail hanger display system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Preferably, stacking hanger 220 comprises a central chute 222 that is sized to allow a specific product, for example, a round or square tin (such as is used with mints, such as the product Altoids®) to stack inside the chute 222. Preferably, the product is accessed and removed from the chute 222 from the bottom 224. Preferably, the product is gravity fed towards the bottom 224. Preferably, the length of the chute 222 is determoned by how much product is desired to fit into the chute 222 at any given time. Preferably, the stacking hanger 220 has rear brackets 226, such as integral flat hook 116, as shown. Preferably, the stacking hanger 220 also comprises indicia plates 228 for displaying retail sales indicia. Preferably, such indicia plates 228 may be placed on the front or rear of the stacking hanger 220.
It is noted that the bracket and aperture arrangements illustrated by these examples is not intended to limit the plurality of possible bracket adaptations for utilizing retail hanger display systems, but rather to illustrate the multiple possibilities for using the system of this invention alongside other merchandising systems. [0072]
Although applicant has described applicant's preferred embodiments of this invention, it will be understood that the broadest scope of this invention includes such modifications as diverse shapes and sizes and materials. [0073]
Further, many other advantages and features of applicant's invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the above descriptions and the below claim. [0074]

Claims

What is claimed is:

1) A retail merchandising system, used in conjunction with a retail merchandising fixture, for combined control of inventory and merchandise displayed for sale, comprising:

a) a plurality of holding means for holding the merchandise;

b) at least one vertical support means for supporting such plurality of holding means; and

c) at least one attachment means for attaching such at least one vertical support means to the merchandising fixture;

d) wherein each such plurality of holding means is shaped and arranged for a holding a specified kind of product; and

e) wherein each such plurality of holding means is further shaped and arranged for holding a specified quantity of such specified kind of product.

2) The retail merchandising system according to claim 1 wherein such at least one attachment means is selected from the following group:

a) at least one hook means for hooking such at least one vertical support means to a wire grid of the retail merchandise fixture;

b) at least one clamp means for clamping such at least one vertical support means to the retail merchandise fixture; and

c) at least one faceplate means, having an aperture and being removably attachable to such retail merchandise fixture, for attaching such at least one vertical support means.

3) The retail merchandising system according to claim 2 wherein such at least one faceplate means is shaped and arranged to remind a user of the nature and service of the merchandise displayed for sale.

4) The retail merchandising system according to claim 1 wherein such at least one vertical support means further comprises at least one indicia means for displaying indicia.

5) The retail merchandising system according to claim 1 wherein at least one holding means further comprises at least one safety ring.

6) A retail merchandising system for at least one particular retail business location having at least one set of available product-desired-spaces comprising the steps of:

a) analyzing data of a plurality of products;

b) allowing space to each such plurality of products;

c) designing displays for displaying each such product to each such space;

d) producing such displays;

e) wherein each such display comprises,

i) a plurality of holding means for holding the merchandise;

ii) at least one vertical support means for supporting such plurality of holding means; and

iii) at least one attachment means for attaching such at least one vertical support means to the merchandising fixture;

iv) wherein each such plurality of holding means is shaped and arranged for a holding a specified kind of product; and

v) wherein each such plurality of holding means is further shaped and arranged for holding a specified quantity of such specified kind of product.

7) A retail merchandising system, used in conjunction with a retail merchandising fixture, for combined control of inventory and merchandise displayed for sale, comprising each and every novel detail, feature, article, process, system and/or method disclosed in or mentioned by or shown in this specification, including the drawings, the claims, and any appendices.