PREFACE 



This study is part of a broad program of research conducted by the Agricul- 

 tural Marketing Service to help expand markets and reduce the cost of marketing 

 farm products. An attempt was made to evaluate factors to be considered in 

 making management decisions with regard to type of package and type of display 

 for selected fruits, including factors influencing efficiency, quality mainte- 

 nance, and sales effectiveness. The research was conducted cooperatively by 

 the Market Development, Market Quality, and Transportation and Facilities 

 Research Divisions of the Agricultural Marketing Service. 



The Red Owl Stores, Inc., made available retail stores in Minneapolis -St. 

 Paul, Minn., for this merchandising research. Special appreciation is due 

 Mr. Alvin L. Nordstrom, Mr. James Willie, and the district supervisors and 

 store managers of the Red Owl organization. 



CONTENTS 



Page 



Summary 3 



Introduction h 



Objectives h 



Procedure 5 



Findings 6 



Packages for grapes 6 



Packages for pears 8 



Packages and displays for apples and oranges of premium 



quality and size 9 



Displays for grapefruit and medium-size oranges 10 



Appendix 12 



Washington, D. C. August i960 



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