For many florists, their coolers carry sentimental meaning. They're often old, generally faithful, and likely to be one of your first big buys. And while a well-maintained refrigeration system may not need replacing for 15 to 20 years, there are plenty of accessories - from the cosmetic kind to the more mechanical - that can help you turn your cooler into an integral part of your shop's display.

But before you make any changes, first make sure your cooler is in a customer-friendly location. Accessories won't help you sell if shoppers have to squeeze between displays to reach the refrigerator, or if they have trouble opening the doors once they get there.

This month, Floral Management talked to refrigeration experts and florists to find out what you can do to improve the look and profitability of your cooler.

The Light Stuff

The wrong kind of light can make your prettiest flowers appear sickly. When buying new bulbs, choose the brands with the highest Color Rendition Index (CRI) and Color Preference Index (CPI). Manufacturers sometimes use different scales - some 1-to-10, others 1-to-100. Regardless of the system, the higher the rating, the truer the colors in your cooler will appear.

If you install track lighting on the ceiling, choose fixtures that can hold low-heat bulbs that let out heat from the back of the bulb to save your buds from blowing out too soon.

A word of caution: The more lights you add, the harder your system must work to maintain a 36-38°F environment - which means higher electric bills. Before installing lights, you should know your cooler's BTU range (the amount of heat from lighting that's safe for your unit). Call your refrigeration company to determine your cooler's range.

Shelf Life

While wire shelving was once considered "industrial-looking," today's wire shelves come in colors that you can coordinate with your shop. Other options: tempered glass, plexiglass shelves and zinc-plated shelves that protect against rust and bacteria growth. "Stair steps" - they look just like the name - are made for the bottom of the case and make the most out of a otherwise "dead" space.

Another option: Angled hanging containers on the inside back of the cooler for single stems and bouquets for easy cash-and-carry sales. Depending on the size you buy, hanging units can range in price from about $180 to $280 each. Call your refrigerator manufacturer for options.

A word of caution: Solid shelves can block air circulation, while perforated or woven material allows good air flow. If you install glass or wood shelving, make sure to use brackets that will keep the shelves from touching the walls and allow the air to move behind the displays.

Backdrops and Props

Black backdrops have been popular, but today some florists are using mirrored backdrops and colored panels to coordinate with hues in their shop.

If your cooler walls are in shabby shape, trade in your laminated walls for polyurethane ones. They won't deteriorate, chip or scratch like typical glued laminated walls. Ask your cooler manufacturer about backdrop and wall options.

Door-to-door Sales

If you have an older cooler, replacing the doors is an easy (but somewhat costly) facelift that can update the look of your shop. Depending on the size of your display unit and whether the frame needs replacing, changing cooler doors can cost about $1,200 to $4,000.

A word of caution: Some florists have replaced cooler doors themselves with less-expensive patio doors. Refrigeration experts warn that if the frames of cooler doors are not heated (patio doors typically are not) then they'll "sweat," sometimes enough to make puddles on your store floor.

Skid Row

A non-skid floor can be expensive, but anti-skid tape is a thriftier way to stop skidding on your cooler floor. Industrial marine flooring will work in your unit. It's made of rubber and can be cut to any size. Best of all, it's easily picked up, hosed off and put back. And when it wears, it's cheap enough to replace at about $5 per roll, available at marine supply shops.

Contributors include Marcy Britigan, MEI. Article reprinted from the Society of American Florists July, 1996 SAFNOW publication.