Chilled Display That Customers Can See
Merchandiser units keep food and drink cold while people look straight at it. You use them for grab-and-go lines, fridges by the till, or a small run of chilled snacks near the door.
If something needs to stay cold and still be seen, it usually ends up in here.
You notice quickly if the layout makes sense. If customers stop and stare for a bit too long, it’s often a shelf problem, not a product problem.
I’ve seen teams move shelves one notch and suddenly things sell faster. Small detail, but it happens.
Most sites run these all day. They sit there humming in the background while staff top them up between rushes.
You look at them more when stock is low than when they’re full.
Where Merchandisers Usually Help
You might use a merchandiser when:
- You sell chilled drinks or snacks from a front counter.
- You want people to pick items without asking staff.
- You need a clear view of what needs topping up.
Shops, cafés, petrol stations, canteens. They all use the same idea: keep things visible and cold enough.
Other Refrigeration to Compare
Fridges →
Closed-door storage. Better for back-of-house or when display isn’t the main goal.
Freezers→
For stock that stays frozen and doesn’t need to be on show.
Ice Equipment→
If you serve a lot of cold drinks, you’ll probably end up here as well.
Return to Refrigeration →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a merchandiser all day, every day?
Most places do. You still keep an eye on the vents and seals, but they’re built for long hours.
Where should I put one in a shop or café?
Anywhere people naturally stop. Near the till, by the entrance, or close to the main queue usually works.
Is cleaning awkward?
Not really. Empty a shelf, wipe it, then move to the next. The habit matters more than the method.
Do they replace a back-of-house fridge?
Usually no. Most sites use these on top of normal storage, not instead of it.
Published by Ascot Wholesale, sa upplier to the UK hospitality trade since 1995.