Patent Publication Number: US-10323873-B2

Title: Modular island merchandiser

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to an island merchandiser, and more particularly, the present invention relates to an island merchandiser including at least two merchandiser modules positioned adjacent and coupled to each other. 
     In conventional practice, commercial businesses such as supermarkets and convenience stores are equipped with various merchandisers (e.g., refrigerated merchandisers, heated merchandisers, and ambient temperature merchandisers) including product display areas that support and display product (fresh or frozen product, beverages, condiments, dry goods, etc.). Often, the merchandisers are positioned side-by-side in a row and display similar product (e.g., meat product). 
     SUMMARY 
     In one construction, the invention provides an island merchandiser including a first merchandiser module, a second merchandiser, and a single, unitary base that is positioned to at least partially support each of the first and second merchandiser modules relative to a support surface. The first merchandiser module includes a first case that has side walls and a rear wall at least partially defining a first product display area. At least a portion of a refrigeration system is coupled to the case and has an evaporator in communication with the first product display area to maintain the first product display area within a predetermined temperature range below approximately 41 degrees Fahrenheit such that the first merchandiser module defines one of a medium temperature module and a low temperature module. The second merchandiser module is positioned next to the first merchandiser module. The second merchandiser module includes a second case that has side walls and a rear wall at least partially defining a second product display area. The rear wall of the second case is in communication with the rear wall of the first case so that the first merchandiser module and the second merchandiser module are positioned in a back-to-back relationship. The second merchandiser module defines one of a high temperature module, an ambient temperature module, a medium temperature module, and a low temperature module, and the module defined by the second merchandiser module is different from the module defined by the first merchandiser module. 
     In another construction, the invention provides method of assembling an island merchandiser. The method includes positioning a first merchandiser module in a single, unitary base, positioning a second merchandiser module in the unitary base adjacent the first merchandiser module, and positioning a third merchandiser module in the unitary base adjacent the first merchandiser module and the second merchandiser module. The first merchandiser module includes a first case that has side walls and a rear wall at least partially defining a first product display area maintained at a temperature below approximately 41 degrees Fahrenheit. The second merchandiser module includes a second case that has side walls and a rear wall at least partially defining a second product display area maintained at a temperature above approximately 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The third merchandiser module includes a third case that has side walls and a rear wall at least partially defining a third product display area maintained at a temperature above approximately 41 degrees Fahrenheit. The method further includes orienting the first merchandiser module and one of the second merchandiser module and the third merchandiser module in back-to-back relationship, orienting the other of the second merchandiser module and the third merchandiser module relative to the first merchandiser module so that the rear wall of the other of the second merchandiser module and the third merchandiser module is in communication with one of the side walls of the first merchandiser module, and after positioning and orienting the first, second, and third merchandiser modules in the unitary base, placing the island merchandiser on a support surface in a retail setting. 
     In yet another construction, the invention provides an island merchandiser including a first merchandiser module, a second merchandiser module positioned next to the first merchandiser module, and a third merchandiser module positioned next to the first merchandiser module and the second merchandiser module. The first merchandiser module includes a first case that has side walls and a rear wall at least partially defining a first product display area. At least a portion of a refrigeration system is coupled to the case and has an evaporator in communication with the first product display area to maintain the first product display area within a predetermined temperature range below approximately 41 degrees Fahrenheit such that the first merchandiser module defines one of a medium temperature module and a low temperature module. The second merchandiser module includes a second case that has side walls and a rear wall at least partially defining a second product display area. The rear wall of the second case in communication with the rear wall of the first case so that the first merchandiser module and the second merchandiser module are positioned in a back-to-back relationship. The second merchandiser module defines one of a high temperature module, an ambient temperature module, a medium temperature module, and a low temperature module. The third merchandiser module includes a third case that has side walls and a rear wall at least partially defining a third product display area. The rear wall of the third case is in communication with one of the side walls of each of the first case and the second case. The island merchandiser also includes a base positioned to at least partially support each of the first, second, and third merchandiser modules relative to a support surface. The module defined by the second merchandiser module is different from the module defined by the first merchandiser module, and the rear wall of the third case is sized and shaped to conform to the cooperative size and shape of the side walls of the first case and the second case. 
     Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an island merchandiser including first, second, third, and fourth merchandiser modules embodying the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of the island merchandiser of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic top view of the island merchandiser of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic top view of another island merchandiser including first, second, and third merchandiser modules embodying the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic top view of another island merchandiser including first and second merchandiser modules embodying the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a low temperature center merchandiser module. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a medium temperature center merchandiser module. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an ambient temperature center merchandiser module. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of a high temperature center merchandiser module. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an ambient temperature end merchandiser module. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a high temperature end merchandiser module. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a low temperature end merchandiser module. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a medium temperature end merchandiser module. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. 
       FIGS. 1-3  show an exemplary island merchandiser  10  for supporting and displaying product  13  (e.g., frozen food, fresh food, beverages, etc.) available to consumers in a retail setting (e.g., a supermarket or grocery store, etc.). The island merchandiser  10  includes a first merchandiser module  15 , and a second merchandiser module  20  positioned adjacent and in back-to-back relationship with the first merchandiser module  15  in the retail setting. The island merchandiser  10  also includes a third merchandiser module  25  positioned adjacent respective ends of the first and second merchandiser modules  15 ,  20 , and a fourth merchandiser module  30  positioned adjacent respective ends of the first and second merchandiser modules  15 ,  20  opposite the third merchandiser module  25 . Generally, the first and second merchandiser modules  15 ,  20  are defined as “center” modules of the island merchandiser  10  each having a width and a first predetermined length (e.g., 4 feet, 5 feet, 6 feet, 8 feet, 10 feet, 12 feet, etc). The third and fourth merchandiser modules  25 ,  30  are defined as “end” modules of the island merchandiser  10  each having a second predetermined length (e.g., 5.5 feet) that corresponds to the combined width of the first and second merchandiser modules  15 ,  20  such that the island merchandiser  10  has a substantially rectangular footprint. Other footprints of the island merchandiser  10  are also possible depending on the shape of the merchandiser modules that form the island merchandiser  10 . 
       FIG. 4  shows another island merchandiser  35  that is similar to the island merchandiser  10  described with regard to  FIGS. 1-3 . The island merchandiser  35  includes three merchandiser modules positioned next to each other. For example, the island merchandiser  35  can include two center merchandiser modules (e.g., the first and second merchandiser modules  15 ,  20 ) positioned adjacent and in back-to-back relationship relative to each other in the retail setting, and one end merchandiser module (e.g., either the third merchandiser module  25  or the fourth merchandiser module  30 ) positioned on the ends of the two center merchandiser modules. Alternatively, the island merchandiser  35  can include three end merchandiser modules (e.g., the third and fourth merchandiser modules  25 ,  30  and another end merchandiser module). 
       FIG. 5  shows another island merchandiser  40  that includes two merchandiser modules positioned next to each other in back-to-back relationship. For example, the island merchandiser  40  can include two center merchandiser modules (e.g., the first and second merchandiser modules  15 ,  20 ) positioned adjacent and in back-to-back relationship relative to each other in the retail setting. Alternatively, the island merchandiser  40  can include two end merchandiser modules (e.g., the third and fourth merchandiser modules  25 ,  30 ) positioned adjacent and in back-to-back relationship relative to each other in the retail setting. 
       FIGS. 1, 2, and 6  show one construction of the first merchandiser module  15  defining a low temperature merchandiser module (e.g., a reach-in frozen food merchandiser) that includes at least a portion of a refrigeration system  45  (shown schematically in  FIG. 6 ) having ducting internal to the module  15  to maintain product temperatures in the first merchandiser module  15  less than about 32 degrees Fahrenheit. As is known in the art, the refrigeration system  45  generally includes an evaporator through which refrigerant flows. The refrigerant in the evaporator absorbs heat, thereby decreasing the temperature of an airflow passing over the evaporator. The heated or gaseous refrigerant then exits the evaporator and is pumped back to one or more compressors. The cooled airflow exiting the evaporator via heat exchange with the liquid refrigerant is directed toward the product  13  via the ducting in the first merchandiser module  15  to maintain the product  13  at desired conditions. 
     Although the first merchandiser module  15  described with regard to  FIGS. 1-3 and 6  includes a low temperature merchandiser module, other types of merchandiser modules for the first merchandiser module  15  are possible and considered herein. For example, the first merchandiser module  15  can include a medium temperature merchandiser module. In other constructions, the first merchandiser module  15  can include an ambient temperature merchandiser module. In still other constructions, the first merchandiser module  15  can include a high temperature merchandiser module. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the first merchandiser module  15  includes a display case  50  that has a modular base  55 , a front wall  60 , a rear wall  65 , opposed side walls  70 , and a shelf  75  coupled to the rear wall  65 . The modular base  55 , the front wall  60 , the opposed side walls  70 , and the rear wall  65  cooperate to define a product display area  80  for supporting product  13  that is accessible by consumers via an opening  85  adjacent an upper end of the display case  50 . In the illustrated construction, the display case  50  is a self-contained horizontal open display case. In some constructions, lids or doors may be provided over the opening  85  to limit heat transfer from the product display area  80  to the environment surrounding the display case  50 . In other constructions, the display case  50  may include an upright or vertical display case that is provided with or without doors for access to the product display area  80 . 
     The modular base  55  is disposed below the product display area  80  and is supported by a floor or support surface (not shown) of the supermarket. The modular base  55  defines a lower portion of the product display area  80  that can support a portion of the product  13  in the display case  50 . In some constructions, each of the rear wall  65  and the side walls  70  can include attachment points  90  (e.g., openings). 
       FIG. 7  shows one construction of the second merchandiser module  20  defining a medium temperature merchandiser module (e.g., a meat merchandiser module, a deli and dairy merchandiser module, a produce merchandiser module, seafood merchandiser module, a beverage merchandiser module, etc.). The second merchandiser module  20  includes at least a portion of a refrigeration system  95  (shown schematically in  FIG. 7 ) that has ducting internal to the module  20  to maintain product temperatures in the second merchandiser module  20  within a temperature range of approximately 32 degrees Fahrenheit to 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Similar to the refrigeration system  45  described with regard to  FIG. 6 , cooled airflow exiting an evaporator of the refrigeration system  95  via heat exchange with liquid refrigerant in the evaporator is directed toward the product  13  via the ducting in the second merchandiser module  20  to maintain the product  13  at desired conditions. In other constructions, the second merchandiser module  20  can include other types of merchandiser modules (e.g., a low temperature module, an ambient temperature module, or a high temperature module. 
     The second merchandiser module  20  includes a display case  100  that has a modular base  105 , a canopy  110 , side walls  115 , a rear wall  120 , and shelves  125  coupled to and extending outward from the rear wall  120 . The modular base  105 , the canopy  110 , the side walls  115 , and the rear wall  120  cooperate to define a product display area  130  for supporting product  13  on the shelves  125 . The product display area  130  is accessible by consumers via an opening  135  adjacent the front of the display case  100 . In the illustrated construction, the display case  100  is an upright or vertical display case  100  that is provided without doors for access to the product display area  130 . In some constructions, one or more doors may be provided over the opening  135  to limit heat transfer from the product display area  130 . 
     The modular base  105  is disposed below the product display area  130  and can be supported by the floor or support surface of the supermarket. The modular base  105  defines a lower portion of the product display area  130  that can support a portion of the product  13  in the display case  100 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , the second merchandiser module  20  is positioned next and coupled to the first merchandiser module  15  such that the rear wall  120  of the second merchandiser module  20  is in communication with the rear wall  65  of the first merchandiser module  15 . In some constructions, one or all of the side walls  115  and the rear wall can include attachment points  140  (e.g., openings) that are aligned with the attachment points  90  of the rear wall  65  of the first merchandiser module  15  so that the first and second merchandiser modules  15 ,  20  can be attached to each other via fasteners. 
       FIG. 8  shows another exemplary center merchandiser module  145  of the island merchandiser  10  that defines a dry shelf ambient temperature module. In some constructions, the merchandiser module  145  can include other types of ambient temperature merchandiser modules (e.g., a dry counter merchandiser module, a prepared foods merchandiser module, a specialized merchandiser module, etc.). 
     The merchandiser module  145  includes a display case  150  that has a modular base  155 , side walls  160 , a rear wall  165 , and shelves  170  coupled to and extending from the rear wall  165  for supporting product  13 . The modular base  155 , the side walls  160 , and the rear wall  165  cooperate to define a product display area  175  for supporting product  13  on the shelves  170 . The product display area  175  is accessible by consumers from the front and or sides of the display case  150 . The illustrated display case  150  is an upright or vertical display case  150  that is provided without doors for access to the product display area  175 . In some constructions, the display case  150  may include walls (e.g., glass panels) that at least partially enclose the product display area  175 . In these constructions, doors or lids may be provided to allow access to the product display area  175  from outside the display case  150 . 
     The modular base  155  is disposed below the product display area  175  and can be supported by the floor or support surface of the supermarket. The base  155  defines a lower portion of the product display area  175  that can support a portion of the product  13  in the display case  150 . In some constructions, either or both the side walls  160  and the rear wall  165  can include attachment points  180  (e.g., openings). 
       FIG. 9  shows another construction of a center merchandiser module  190  of the island merchandiser  10  that defines a high temperature soup merchandiser module. In some constructions, the merchandiser module  190  can include other types of high temperature merchandiser modules (e.g., a prepared foods merchandiser module, a specialized merchandiser module, etc.). As one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, the merchandiser module  190  includes at least a portion of a heating system  195  that has ducting internal to the merchandiser module  190  to maintain product temperatures in the merchandiser module  20  within the desired temperature range (e.g., at or above 150 degrees Fahrenheit). Generally, air is heated by the heating system  195  and is then directed toward the product  13  in the merchandiser module  190  to maintain the product  13  at the desired conditions. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , the merchandiser module  190  includes a display case  200  that has a modular base  205 , side walls  210 , and a rear wall  215 . The modular base  205 , the side walls  210 , and the rear wall  215  cooperate to define a product display area  220  for supporting product  13  that is accessible by consumers from adjacent the front and sides of the display case  200 . A canopy  225  extends from the rear wall  215  over the product display area  220  to partially enclose the product display area  220 . 
     The modular base  205  is disposed below the product display area  220  and can be supported by the floor or support surface of the supermarket. The modular base  205  defines a lower portion of the product display area  220  that can support a portion of the product  13  in the display case  200 . In some constructions, either or both the side walls  210  and the rear wall  215  can include attachment points  230  (e.g., openings). 
       FIGS. 1, 2, and 10  show one construction of the third merchandiser module  25  defining an ambient temperature merchandiser module (e.g., a dry foods merchandiser). The illustrated third merchandiser module  25  utilizes the surrounding environment to maintain the product  13  generally within a temperature range between about 41 degrees Fahrenheit and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. In some constructions, the third merchandiser module  25  can include a refrigeration system or a heating system to control conditions (e.g., humidity, temperature) of the product  13  within the desired temperature range. In other constructions, the third merchandiser module  25  can include other types of merchandiser modules (e.g., a low temperature module, a medium temperature module, or a high temperature module). 
     Except for the length and the slight curvature of the third merchandiser module  25 , the third merchandiser module  25  is similar to the merchandiser module  145  described with regard to  FIG. 8 . As illustrated in  FIG. 10 , the third merchandiser module  25  includes a display case  235  that has a modular base  240 , a rear wall  250 , and shelves  255  coupled to and extending from the rear wall  250 . The modular base  240 , the front wall  245 , and the rear wall  250  cooperate to define a product display area  260  for supporting product  13  that is accessible by consumers from the front and sides of the display case  235 . The illustrated display case  235  is an upright or vertical display case that is provided without doors for access to the product display area  260 . The modular base  240  is disposed below the product display area  260  and is supported by a floor or support surface (not shown) of the supermarket. In some constructions, the rear wall  250  can include attachment points (e.g., openings). 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , the third merchandiser module  25  is positioned next and coupled to the first merchandiser module  15  and the second merchandiser module  20  such that the rear wall  250  of the third merchandiser module  25  is in communication with one side wall  70  of the first merchandiser module  15  and one side wall  115  of the second merchandiser module  20 . In some constructions, the third merchandiser module  25  and the first and second merchandiser modules  15 ,  20  can be attached to each other via fasteners extending through the corresponding attachment points  90 ,  140  of the first and second merchandiser modules  15 ,  20 , and the attachment points of the third merchandiser module  25 . 
       FIG. 11  shows one construction of the fourth merchandiser module  30  defining a high temperature prepared foods merchandiser module. In some constructions, the fourth merchandiser module  30  can include other types of high temperature merchandiser modules (e.g., a soup merchandiser module, a specialized merchandiser module, etc.). The fourth merchandiser module  30  includes at least a portion of a heating system  270  to maintain product temperatures in the fourth merchandiser module  30  within the desired temperature range (e.g., at or above 150 degrees Fahrenheit). The heating system  270  of the fourth merchandiser module  30  is similar to the heating system  195  described with regard to  FIG. 9 , and as such, the heating system  270  will not be discussed in detail. In other constructions, the fourth merchandiser module  30  can include other types of merchandiser modules (e.g., a low temperature module, a medium temperature module, or an ambient temperature module). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the fourth merchandiser module  30  includes a display case  275  that has a modular base  280 , side walls  285 , a rear wall  290 , and a canopy  295  extending from the rear wall  290  toward the front of the display case  275 . The modular base  280 , the side walls  285 , the rear wall  290 , and the canopy  295  cooperate to define a product display area  300  for supporting product  13  that is accessible by consumers from adjacent the front and sides of the display case  275 . In the illustrated construction, the product display area  300  includes a plurality of compartments  305  for supporting various prepared food products  13 . The modular base  280  is disposed below the product display area  300  and can be supported by the floor or support surface of the supermarket. In some constructions, the rear wall  290  can include attachment points (e.g., openings). 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , the fourth merchandiser module  30  is positioned next and coupled to the first merchandiser module  15  and the second merchandiser module  20  such that the rear wall  290  of the fourth merchandiser module  30  is in communication with one side wall  70  of the first merchandiser module  15  and one side wall  115  of the second merchandiser module  20  opposite the third merchandiser module  25 . In some constructions, the fourth merchandiser module  30  and the first and second merchandiser modules  15 ,  20  can be attached to each other via fasteners extending through the corresponding attachment points  90 ,  140  of the first and second merchandiser modules  15 ,  20 , and the attachment points of the fourth merchandiser module  30 . 
       FIG. 12  shows an exemplary construction of a low temperature end merchandiser module  315  (e.g., a reach-in frozen foods merchandiser module) of the island merchandiser  10 . In other constructions, the merchandiser module  315  can include other types of low temperature merchandiser modules (e.g., a specialized merchandiser module, etc.). Except as described below, the merchandiser module  315  is the same as the first merchandiser module  15  described with regard to  FIGS. 1-3 and 6 , and like elements are given the same reference numerals. 
     The merchandiser module  315  includes the display case  50  that has the modular base  55 , the front wall  60 , the rear wall  65 , the side walls  70 , and the shelf  75 . The modular base  55 , the front wall  60 , the side walls  70 , and the rear wall  65  cooperate to define the product display area  80 . In the illustrated construction, the merchandiser module  315  has a length that is shorter than the length of the merchandiser module  15 . Also, the front wall  60  has a slight longitudinal curvature, and only the rear wall  65  includes attachment points. Although not illustrated in  FIG. 12 , the merchandiser module  315  further includes the refrigeration system  45 . 
       FIG. 13  shows another construction of an end merchandiser module  320  of the island merchandiser  10  defining a medium temperature merchandiser module (e.g., a meat merchandiser module, a deli and dairy merchandiser module, a produce merchandiser module, seafood merchandiser module, a beverage merchandiser module, etc.). Except as described below, the merchandiser module  320  is the same as the second merchandiser module  20  described with regard to  FIG. 7 , and like elements have been given the same reference numerals. 
     The merchandiser module  320  includes a display case  325  that has the modular base  105 , the canopy  110 , the rear wall  120 , the shelves  125 , and side walls  330 . The modular base  105 , the canopy  110 , the rear wall  120 , and the side walls  330  cooperate to define a product display area  335 . In the construction of the merchandiser module  320  illustrated in  FIG. 13 , the side walls  330  partially enclose the product display area  335  to limit heat transfer from the product display area  335  to the surrounding environment. The side walls  330  include translucent or transparent glass to permit viewing the product display area  335  from the sides of the display case  325 . In some constructions, one or more doors may be provided over the front of the display case  325  to further limit heat transfer from the product display area  335  to the environment surrounding the display case  325 . 
     Although the first, second, third, and fourth merchandiser modules  15 ,  20 ,  25 ,  30  have been described herein as defining one of a low temperature merchandiser module, a medium temperature module, an ambient temperature module, and a high temperature module, each of the first, second, third, and fourth merchandiser modules  15 ,  20 ,  25 ,  30  can include any one of these different types of merchandiser modules. For example, the island merchandiser  10  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2  show one each of a low temperature merchandiser module (the first merchandiser module  15 ), a medium temperature module (the second merchandiser module  20 ), an ambient temperature module (the third merchandiser module  25 ), and a high temperature module (the fourth merchandiser module  30 ). One or more of the merchandiser modules  15 ,  20 ,  25 ,  30  of the island merchandiser  10  can be replaced with a different temperature merchandiser module. 
     As illustrated by  FIGS. 3-5  the island merchandiser  10 ,  35 ,  40  can include any combination of low temperature, medium temperature, ambient temperature, and high temperature merchandiser modules. In particular, any combination of two, three, or four merchandiser modules (e.g., two low temperature merchandiser modules, one medium temperature merchandiser module, and one ambient temperature merchandiser module, two ambient temperature merchandiser modules and two high temperature merchandiser modules, two medium temperature merchandiser modules and one ambient temperature merchandiser module, one medium temperature merchandiser module and one ambient temperature merchandiser module, etc.) is possible and considered herein. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-5 , each of the island merchandisers  10 ,  35 ,  40  includes a unitary base  340  that surrounds or encapsulates the merchandiser modules  15 ,  20 ,  25 ,  30  to provide a unified or uniform, seamless appearance for the corresponding island merchandiser  10 ,  35 ,  40 . In some constructions, the unitary base  340  can be a common base permitting the selected quantity of merchandiser modules  15 ,  20 ,  25 ,  30  to be “dropped-in” without separate attachment of the merchandiser modules  15 ,  20 ,  25 ,  30  to each other. As shown in  FIGS. 6-13 , the illustrated unitary base  340  is incorporated into each merchandiser module  15 ,  20 ,  25 ,  30 ,  145 ,  190 ,  315 ,  320 . In other constructions, the unitary base  340  may be attached to each merchandiser module  15 ,  20 ,  25 ,  30 ,  145 ,  190 ,  315 ,  320  after assembly next to each other. 
     In some constructions, one or more components (e.g., one or more compressors, condenser, valves, refrigerant piping, etc.) of the refrigeration systems  45 ,  95  of different merchandiser modules in the same island merchandiser (e.g., the first and second merchandiser modules  15 ,  20 ) can be shared with each other. In other constructions, the refrigeration systems  45 ,  95  can be substantially autonomous. Similarly, one or more components of the heating systems  195 ,  270  can be shared between the merchandiser modules  190 ,  270  of the same island merchandiser, or alternatively, the respective heating systems  195 ,  270  can be substantially autonomous relative to each other. Generally, the ducting of each merchandiser module  15 ,  20 ,  30 ,  190 ,  315 ,  320  is separate from the ducting of the remaining merchandiser modules to accommodate different temperatures associated with the respective product display areas  80 ,  130 ,  220 ,  300 ,  335 . 
     Each island merchandiser  10 ,  35 ,  40  also includes a single electrical system that is shared by the merchandiser modules comprising the island merchandiser  10 ,  35 ,  40 .  FIGS. 1 and 2  show that the island merchandiser  10  further includes a first insulation panel  345  disposed between the first and second merchandiser modules  15 ,  20  and the third merchandiser module  25 , and a second insulation panel  350  disposed between the first and second merchandiser modules  15 ,  20  and the fourth merchandiser module  30 . The island merchandiser  10  can also include an insulation panel (not shown) between the first merchandiser module  15  and the second merchandiser module  20  to limit heat transfer between the first and second merchandiser modules  15 ,  20 . In constructions of the island merchandiser  10  including similar-temperature merchandiser modules (e.g., ambient temperature merchandiser modules) positioned next to each other, the island merchandiser  10  may be provided without insulation panels between the proximate merchandiser modules. 
     The first insulation panel  345  is defined by a solid wall that is formed as part of one or both of the first and third merchandiser modules  15 ,  25  and as part of one or both of the second and third merchandiser modules  20 ,  25  to provide a seamless transition between the first and second merchandiser modules  15 ,  20  and the third merchandiser module  25 . The wall includes insulation to limit heat transfer between the first and second merchandiser modules  15 ,  20  and the third merchandiser module  25 . In other constructions, the first insulation panel  345  can include glass (e.g., double-paned glass) to provide product visibility between the first and third merchandiser modules  15 ,  25 , and between the second and third merchandiser modules  20 ,  25 . 
     The second insulation panel  350  is defined by a wall formed as part of one or both of the first and fourth merchandiser modules  15 ,  30  and as part of one or both of the second and fourth merchandiser modules  20 ,  30  to provide a seamless transition between the first and second merchandiser modules  15 ,  20  and the fourth merchandiser module  30 . The second insulation panel  350  includes insulation to limit heat transfer between the first and second merchandiser modules  15 ,  20  and the fourth merchandiser module  30 , and glass  355  (e.g., double-paned glass) that is coupled to the wall to provide product visibility between the first and fourth merchandiser modules  15 ,  30 , and between the second and fourth merchandiser modules  20 ,  30 . In other constructions, the second insulation panel  350  can include a substantially solid wall similar to the first insulation panel  345 . 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-3 , the island merchandiser  10  is assembled by positioning the first and second merchandiser modules  15 ,  20  next to each other in back-to-back relationship such that the rear walls  65 ,  120  are in communication with and coupled to each other. In constructions of the merchandiser modules  15 ,  20  including the respective attachment points  90 ,  140 , fasteners can be used to affirmatively attach the modules  15 ,  20  to each other. Next, the third and fourth modules  25 ,  30  are positioned next to the first and second merchandiser modules  15 ,  20  on opposite sides to enclose the ends of the first and second merchandiser modules  15 ,  20 . The respective rear walls  250 ,  290  of the third and fourth merchandiser modules  25 ,  30  are positioned in communication with and coupled to the side walls  70 ,  115  of the first and second merchandiser modules  15 ,  20 . Fasteners can be used to affirmatively attach the modules to each other via the attachment points  90 ,  140 ,  265 ,  310 . 
     In constructions of the island merchandiser  10  including the unitary base  340  as a separate component, the unitary base  340  is attached to the merchandiser modules  15 ,  20 ,  25 ,  30  after the modules have been positioned relative to each other. Assembly of each of the island merchandisers  35 ,  40  is the same as the assembly of the island merchandiser  10 , except for the quantity and orientation of the respective merchandiser modules in each merchandiser  35 ,  40 . 
     Each of the island merchandisers  10 ,  35 ,  40  illustrated in  FIGS. 1-5  is shipped as a single unit to the retail setting to provide flexible product merchandising that meets the particular desires of the retail setting. In particular, each of the individual island merchandisers  10 ,  35 ,  40  provides an “endless” variety of combinations of merchandiser modules so that unique combinations of products  13  can be displayed in close proximity to each other. 
     For example, the island merchandiser  10  can be used to display complete meal solutions (e.g., meal solutions for all aspects of one meal). In particular, the first merchandiser module  15  of the island merchandiser  10  displays frozen foods (e.g., desserts) in the corresponding product display area  80  and accessory products  13  on the shelf  75 . The second merchandiser module  20  displays refrigerated products  13  (e.g., sandwich meat, cheeses, etc.). The third merchandiser module  25  displays dry food products  13  (e.g., bread, chips, drinks, etc.). The fourth merchandiser module  30  displays prepared hot foods  13  (e.g., side dishes). 
     Alternatively, the island merchandiser  10 ,  35 ,  40  can display complementary soups and salads. The island merchandiser  10 ,  35 ,  40  may also be used to display customized seafood products  13  (e.g., lobster, shrimp, fish) and complementary products  13  (e.g., butter, seasonings, cooking utensils, lemons, etc.) in different merchandiser modules of the same island merchandiser  10 ,  35 ,  40 . The island merchandiser  10 ,  35 ,  40  may also be used to display customized meat items and complementary deli products  13  (e.g., side dishes) in different merchandiser modules of the same merchandiser  10 ,  35 ,  40 . Other combinations of merchandiser modules are possible and considered herein. 
     The two or more merchandiser modules in the island merchandiser  10 ,  35 ,  40  can provide the consumer with a one-stop shopping area in the retail setting. The flexible island merchandiser  10 ,  35 ,  40  provides a universal display platform based on modular merchandisers to provide a unified island merchandiser  10 ,  35 ,  40  that displays different and/or complementary products  13  in close proximity to each other. 
     Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.