Busch's, a family owned Ann Arbor, Mich.-based operation celebrating its 25th year, installed child-friendly checkout lane play spots in five of its 11 stores. The company mascot, someone dressed as a Scotty dog, appears in stores as Buddy Busch, and encourages children to play in the special area, between 5 by 7 and 5 by 10 feet, as their parents check out nearby. "It's intended to be a playspace, and diversion, during checkout. They are not really intended as an activity center for the entire shopping trip," said Peggy Conlin, director of marketing for the chain. "Obviously these play areas work best in new stores where they can be designed into the most appropriate location, as opposed to being retrofitted in. So far, though, the kids love them!" The playspace is made by Play N Store, Cleveland. Overall, the response to the play areas has been very positive, said Conlin, adding that Busch's has also placed some of the wave mirror panels, bead panels and sensory panels around the store.
