Self-service f-service On Wheels

13th November 1953, Page 95

13th November 1953

Page 95

Page 95, 13th November 1953 — Self-service f-service On Wheels

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AMOBILE self-service shop,.claimed to be the first in Scotland, has been placed in service by the Kirkcaldy and District Co-operative Society, Ltd., Kirkcaldy, Fife. Based on a Karrier articulated outfit, which was originally a mobile butcher's shop, it -has been refitted in the society's own workshops.

The layout follows. that of normal shop, with a. small counter facing the central entrance on the near side. The counter serves as both a reception and a checking point. _ On entering, the customer substitutes her own carrier bag for a wire basket in which she places her selected goods. There is a receptacle for customers' bags to the left of the entrance. She retains the wire basket until after she has been "checked out" by an assistant aided by an adding machine. .

The interior, which measures 24 ft. by 7 ft., allows a large and varied stock to be carried. Wooden shelves are arranged along three walls, and frontal spars are fitted to secure packs in position.

A fixture designed to protect bottled goods, from damage is fitted along the rear wall. Bottles lie horizontally on shelves, nine to a row, and each neck rests in a semi-circular aperture cut into the shelf front.

At the front, are .a store and eye-level shelves for , bread and confectionery, which are the only commodities handled by the assistants. The growing tendency for all edible goods to be wrapped will • ultimately permit these

• goods to be handled by the customer.

A wire .rack on the floor beside the counter accommodates made-up parcels Of fruit and vegetables. The centre of the vehicle is left Clear, Housed overnight at the central garage of the society, the outfit is driven each morning to a predetermined site. Two female assistants staff the shop, and they check the stores and restock

at a nearby permanent branch. On arrival at the site, the driver returns to his base until evening.

Since it was introduced some weeks ago, the shop has recorded a satisfac tory level of sales. It is breaking ground for permanent stores at a time when restrictions prevent the construction of new buildings in development areas.

The Kirkcaldy and District Co-operative Society, with 12 self-service shops, is one of the largest users of this system

in Scotland. This mobile unit is in essence the spearhead of still further expansion, and as such is 'doing useful pioneer. work. .