What are the design features of convenience store checkout counters
The checkout counter of a convenience store is the "touchpoint" for customer consumption, and its design should take into account functionality, efficiency, safety, and marketing guidance, while also meeting the characteristics of compact space and high foot traffic in convenience stores. The core design features are analyzed from dimensions such as functional zoning, spatial layout, material selection, interactive experience, and marketing design
1、 Functional zoning: Integration and efficiency
1. Core operation area
Cashier equipment integration:
Standard POS machine (supporting scanning payment, card swiping, cash), barcode scanner (quickly recognizing product barcodes), and receipt printer (with a delivery speed of ≥ 30mm/s);
Some stores are equipped with intelligent cash register screens (touch operation, member points display) or self-service cash registers (reducing queues, suitable for peak hours).
Cash management system:
Built in safe (concealed design, requiring dual access with key and password), storing cash and receipts;
The cash drawer is equipped with compartments (for storing coins by type and denomination, improving change efficiency).
2. Product processing area
Table layout:
Left side: Place shopping baskets/basket storage racks (convenient for customers to temporarily store small items), weighing devices (used for pricing fresh and bulk food);
Middle: Spacious countertop (width ≥ 60cm) for scanning goods and bagging, with edge barriers to prevent goods from slipping off;
On the right side: Fixed cashier receipt holder, pen holder (for customers to sign), and some stores have bag collectors (wall mounted design, saving space).
3. Auxiliary functional area
Promotion display space: Set up shelves/hooks above the countertop to display high-frequency small commodities (such as chewing gum, batteries, umbrellas), and use "impulse consumption" to increase the average customer price;
Member Service Desk: Configure member card readers, point redemption manuals, or set up gift display areas (such as point redemption for goods);
Emergency equipment: Install a one key alarm device in a concealed location, and reserve space for storing fire extinguishers under the countertop.
2、 Space layout: compact and flexible, suitable for small shop scenes
1. Size design
Standard specifications:
Height: 90-110cm (ergonomic, convenient for cashiers to operate and communicate with customers);
Width: 60-80cm (single channel), 120-150cm (double channel, suitable for large convenience stores);
Depth: 50-60cm (sufficient for equipment placement and operation space, without occupying too much store space).
Customized adjustments:
Narrow stores adopt L-shaped cash registers (corner design, saving horizontal space);
24-hour stores set up small storage cabinets behind the cash register to store high-frequency replenishment items such as beverages and snacks.
2. Route optimization
Unidirectional flow design: The cashier and shelves form a 90 ° angle, guiding customers to flow in a one-way direction along the "entrance → shelf → cashier → exit" to avoid congestion;
Queue buffer zone: A 1.2-1.5m channel width is reserved in front of the countertop, and a queue waiting line is posted on the ground (with a spacing of ≥ 80cm). During peak hours, a snake shaped railing can be temporarily added to limit flow.
3、 Material and appearance: durability combined with company tone
1. Main material
Tabletop: Made of fire-resistant board (scratch resistant, easy to clean) or stainless steel (corrosion-resistant, suitable for near fresh food areas), with rounded edges (anti-collision);
Cabinet: The base layer is made of high-density board, covered with wood grain stickers (to create a warm feeling) or metal baking paint (modern minimalist style) on the surface, and the bottom is equipped with waterproof skirting board (height ≥ 10cm);
Ground: A non slip mat (such as rubber material) is laid directly below the cash register to reduce the fatigue of cashiers standing for a long time.
2. Visual design
Company exposure: A company logo light box (illuminated font, eye-catching at night) is set on the side or above the countertop, and the background wall is matched with the main color scheme of the enterprise (such as 7-Eleven's red and Rosen's blue);
Light Focus: Install LED spotlights (color temperature 4000-5000K, mainly white light) at the top to illuminate the countertop and customers' faces, improving scanning accuracy and service experience.
4、 Interactive experience: prioritize humanization and efficiency
1. Convenience of operation
Cashier's perspective:
The POS machine screen is tilted 30 degrees towards the cashier, and the button area is designed with backlight for easy night operation;
The barcode scanner bracket is located at a 45 ° angle on the right-hand side, within reach, reducing arm movement distance.
Customer perspective:
The height of the countertop is suitable for children and wheelchair customers (some stores have adjustable countertops);
The payment QR code card is fixed on the right side of the table and supports dual modes of scanning with a barcode scanner and scanning with a customer's mobile phone.
2. Safety protection
Anti peeping design: When the cash drawer is opened, the height of the table cover should be ≥ 15cm to prevent customers from looking directly at the inside;
Anti theft measures: The outer side of the glass counter is equipped with anti-theft barriers (with a metal railing spacing of ≤ 10cm), and the cash register area can be closed with a rolling shutter after the store is closed at night.
5、 Marketing and Scene Extension
1. Instant promotion
Tabletop advertising space: Place daily discount posters (A4 size), reminder signs for approaching products, or electronic screen rotating promotional information;
Combination package display: Set up small shelves on the side of the checkout counter to display "snacks+drinks" combination packages and "daily necessities+discount coupons" sets, promoting related sales.
2. Service Function Expansion
Convenience service desk: providing bus card recharge machines, signs for express delivery collection points, or selling tickets and performance tickets on behalf of others (increasing non commodity income);
Member interactive area: Set up point inquiry machines and birthday gift collection points to enhance customer stickiness.