Semi automated retail store

Claim 1

In a semi automated store arranged in a building and having therein a customer entrance and exit, the improvement comprising a first area of the store serving as a stockroom, a second area serving as a goods display area, said display area being arranged into a shopper, self-service area and a goods sample display area, samples of goods therein having individual identifying codes associated therewith, a supply of order cards for filling in by the shopper as to requirements of the goods in the sample display area, said goods stockroom containing along aisles stocks of merchandise corresponding to the samples in the display room, a first computing device equipped to read the customer order cards and including a program containing a catalogue of goods in the stockroom, their quantity, price, and location in the stockroom, signifying means in the stockroom operatively cojpled to said first computing device serving to indicate goods listed on said order card processed by said computing device, a selfpropelled truck operative through said stockroom serving to permit an operator thereof to transverse the aisles therein for filling the customer''s order listed on the order card, a plurality of order stations on said truck, a second computing device associated with said truck and equipped to read a plurality of order cards equal to the number of order stations on said truck, and to signify which, if any, ones of said truck order stations reQuire goods, and their respective quantity, listed on said order card, and means for placing said signifying means in the non-signifying condition following completion of the order-filling operation from said stockroom.