2003 Best Merchandising Ideas: Cream Whippers

Previously, cream whippers were simply tools utilized for whipped cream, but not anymore. Now, cream whippers may be used from morning till night, beginning with that first cup of coffee and ending with a sumptuous dessert after dinner. Set the stage for multiple cream whipper purchases by illustrating to your customers the simple luxury and versatility this tool provides.

Dazzling Display

No matter what your customers' kitchen d?cors may be, their cream whippers can make statements all their own. Create an eye-popping display that showcases all the colorful cream whippers you stock. Go overboard with the display by creating a wall of cream whippers as a backdrop to the display itself. Use plexiglass shelving between the rows of cream whippers so you can stack them several feet high.

Set up a home bar scene within the display itself without focusing specifically on cream whippers. Since home entertaining and specialty drinks are so popular these days, you might pull together a great barware collection, including specialty drinkware, a blender, cocktail napkins, stirrers, and bar drink guides. Include a colorful cream whipper in the display, along with specialty coffee drinkware and old-fashioned fountain glasses. Not only does this display promote the colorful range of product you carry, but it also enables customers to see cream whippers in a setting outside the kitchen.

Freshness First

One of the best features about using cream whippers is the quality of the resulting whipped cream. Grab your customers' attention with signage touting the freshness of whipped cream from a cream whipper and why it's better than aerosol or processed cream toppings.

Using a sign that reads, "If it's not fresh, it's certainly not natural," attract your customers' attention by explaining the wonderful high-quality whipped cream they can make themselves at home with a cream whipper. Also point out the benefits of being able to add flavorings and colors that allow home chefs to individualize their whipped cream whenever they serve it.

Coffee Bar

If you serve complimentary coffee to your customers, spruce up your coffee service area with a cream whipper, giving customers the opportunity to use the product themselves. Change the flavoring daily or weekly simply by adding flavoring syrup, so that customers get the message that cream whippers provide versatility for even the simplest tasks.

For specialty food stores or cafes serving coffee, why not let customers get a firsthand look at the cream whipper you're using. Top off coffees at the counter or even tableside with a lovely whipped cream. Add a display in your coffee department with signage pointing out that this is the professional equipment you use in your own store. Accent the display with a range of flavoring syrups, coffee cups, gourmet snacks, and decorative giftware.

Outside Marketing

As a specialty gourmet store owner, you may have focused all your attention on the customers walking through your doors, but many more customers reside in your community who are just waiting to be served.

Cream whippers and the nitrous oxide cartridges that keep them charged are staples for many businesses in your area. Create a business-to-business program with local restaurants, coffeehouses, and caterers for your cream whipper business. Offer discounts on multiple cream whipper purchases and advance orders, including volume discounts for pre-ordered nitrous oxide cartridges.
Kick off your working relationship with these establishments by giving them their first cream whipper free, with which you include printed materials that list your store's name, location, and phone number. Also consider developing a list of other items you stock that you might be able to pre-order and price competitively for restaurants, such as buffet serveware or flatware. Once you create enough interest in your business-to-business pricing, you can create your own Business Club Card that offers a set discount for in-store purchases, which will drive additional foot traffic to your store.

Quick Tips

Cream whippers and the nitrous oxide cartridges that keep them charged are staples for many businesses in your area. Create a business-to-business program with local restaurants, coffeehouses, and caterers for your cream whipper business.

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Add a display in your coffee department with signage pointing out that this is the professional equipment you use in your own store. Accent the display with a range of flavoring syrups, coffee cups, gourmet snacks, and decorative giftware.

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Since home entertaining and specialty drinks are so popular these days, pull together a great barware collection that includes specialty drinkware, a blender, cocktail napkins, stirrers, and bar drink guides. Include a colorful cream whipper in the display, along with specialty coffee drinkware and old-fashioned fountain glasses.

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