SELF-SERVING IN RETAILING FOOD PRODUCTS. 
21 
and, therefore, no space used in aisles behind the counter for the 
clerks. In fact, under the self -serve plan a much greater merchandise 
display can be provided than in a service store with the same amount 
of floor space. 
To a large extent, tables are used for the display of merchandise 
that can not be placed on the shelves. In some cases double-faced 
shelves are used lengthwise the store. One large concern controlling 
the operation of nu- 
merous self-serve 
stores has patented 
an arrangement of 
shelves, as shown in 
figure 8, whereby a 
customer is forced to 
pass before all the 
merchandise on dis- 
play, a system which 
has its advantages 
and disadvan tages. 
After a careful in- 
vestigation, it is be- 
lieved that tables 
used for the display 
o f merchandise are 
more satisfactory 
than a series of tall 
shelves placed out on 
the floor. It would 
appear that a better 
plan than the use of 
either tables or high 
shelves is the use of 
double-faced s h e 1 ves 
about 4 feet high in 
units from 6 to 10 
feet long, with dis- 
play space on top. 
Such an arrange- 
ment preserves the advantages of both the high shelves and the tables, 
while doing away with some of the disadvantages of both. There are 
several advantages in the use of display fixtures of medium height in 
separated units, whether they be tables or shelves. The use of such 
fixtures affords a better view of the entire stock, is not so tiresome 
to the eye, and gives a much more pleasing appearance. Also, it 
allows less chance for thievery, as all customers are more easily seen by 
Fig. 8. — Showing arrangement of display shelves in a 
certain type of store. The circuitous passageway is 
patented. The cashier's booth is not shown. 
