ATTRACTIVE DESIGNS FOR MOBILE SHOPS
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THE tradesman who wishes to extend his business by means of a travelling shop has to consider the various ways in which the goods may be 'stored, displayed and served to the best advantage within the limits of the space available on the chassis selected. The general design of the bodywork is decided chiefly by the facilities which are required for serving.
',A vehicle which makes frequent house-to-house calls, rather than standing in a market place, cannot have an overhanging side counter. For this type of van there is an entrance at the back of the body, which gives direct access to a central gangway with partitioned shelving on each side.
Showcases Attract Custom.
A portion of the shelving near the doorway is reserved for weighing and wrapping, but there is no actual counter. Custom is attracted by showcases, which may vary from a moderate-sized window to a display case which occupies practically the whole of the side of the body.
The van is suitable for frequent calls, or for serving at a stand, when there is a rear counter. A protecting canopy is formed by lifting the upper back panel, whilst the outside counter is hinged to the lower part of the body, or comprises a removable shelf supported from, above or below on stays or brackets.
To obtain a convenient height of counter for customers standing outside the van, there is a well floor at the back supported on specially• fitted, cranked tail-ends of the chas sis. As this well is beyond the rear hangers of the hind springs, it will be limited in length from front to back, but a portion of it may be utilized for an inside counter, below which are drawers and shelves. There is access to the well and the interior of the van by a near-side door.
The amount of storage space on each side of the central gangway depends on the area which is given up to showcases, although if no specially arranged display be required, separate showcases are dispensed with and the goods on the inside shelving may be seen from outside. Alter natively, the showcase may be confined to one side of the body.
The travelling shop for the market place has a side or back counter, or both. A suggested design for this class of work has a counter extending for the full length of the near side. Under the inside counter, except for the space required for the wheel-arch, there are shelves and drawers, whilst on top of it and occupying half its length is a small display case with a hinged back. On the off side there
is further shelving, with a minimum of partitioning along the centre shell, so that additional counter and wrapping space is provided.
If no access be required from the shop to the driver's compartment, shelves or other storage space at the back of the partition are within easy reach of the main serving counter. The van has a back door and access is facilitated by means of a low step built inside the body.
Built-in Showcases.
Anothet pattern of shop, which is suitable for a large chassis, has a side counter in the centre, with a show case on each side of it. A novel and attractive appearance is given to the vehicle by the special way in which the showcases are built into the body.
The lower part of the body below the counter 'hasa moderate curve. A. similar titrnunder is adopted for
the lower part of the showcase enclosure. Here the body is an inch or two wider, but the curve sweeps gradually inwards, so that all is flush at the cant-rail.
Concealed Lighting Effects,
The front of the showcase being vertical, a wedge-shaped recess is formed on each 'side. The case extends below the counter level and the ledge at the bottom is rounded over to meet the lower panel. As the glass front is recessed, it is well Ftroz tected from the effects -of side colli
sions. This arrangement may be varied by having the same width of recess all round the case. The small canopy at the top may then be uti lized for concealed electric lighting.
This shop rriay have a rear showcase, which may be confined to the upper part of the body, or extend to the floor level with rails, if required, to protect the glass. A case 3-4 ins. deep may be mounted on the door, or, if a fixed case be preferred, the doorway is set out on the near side or off side.
The styles of body described are suitable for the provision ..dealer, grocer, or general stores. For the butcher the Shop has glass,. sides, with one or more windows arranged to■slide. The counter is at the back, shelves are of wood 'or of armoured glass, rails and hooks are of stainless steel and a firm foundation is provided for a chopping block.
Another type of travelling butcher's shop has a side counter and canopy, with one or a pair of back doors, removable inside fittings, but
no special glazing. When the counter and canopy are closed and the inside fittings removed, the van may be used for ordinary delivery work.
The fruiterer and greengrocer usually prefers a van with plenty of space for the display of his stock, which may be seen from the outside. The requirements of he nurseryman who sells seedlings and plants in pots are similar..
This type of body carries an assembly of three tiers of shelves or bins, with triangular-shaped ends and partitions. Each bin overhangs the one below it a few inches and has a front ledge. The bins occupy about two-thirds of the height and width of the body, whilst above the top row is a shelf for extra storage. There is also a considerable amount of space for sfock behind and under the bins an the off side.
Removable Shelf Assembly.
On the near side there is a pair of roller, shutters, also a shutter at the back. If the van is to be used for other purposes and the shelf assembly is removable, the off side may be similarly equipped with shutters. Otherwise, a door or a single shutter will be sufficient to give access to the area behind the
shelving. .
Counter space, without obstruction of.the footpath, is provided by a tailboard. At the same time, if conditions allow, a side counter, if. only 9 ins. wide, will facilitate trading. This counter is hooked on, or is hinged and forms part of the side of the body, thus reducing the height of roller shutter required. If full headroom be desired behind the bins, the top shelf is reduced in width accordingly.