Check-out counter systems and methods

A check-out counter system for processing merchandise, comprising:

• a scanner configured to collect merchandise information from the merchandise;
• and
• a bagging station positioned adjacent to the scanner, the bagging station including:
• a first bag rack configured to support a plurality of first bags for loading with a first portion of the merchandise,
• a first support shelf positioned a first distance below the first bag rack and configured to support each of the plurality of first bags when each of the plurality of first bags is loaded with the first portion of the merchandise,
• a second bag rack adjacent the first bag rack and configured to support a plurality of second bags for loading with a second portion of the merchandise, and
• a second support shelf positioned a second distance below the second bag rack and configured to support each of the plurality of second bags when each of the plurality of second bags is loaded with a second portion of the merchandise,
• wherein the second distance is greater than the first distance.

A check-out counter comprising:

• means for hanging and supporting a plurality of bags while one of the plurality of bags is loaded with merchandise;
• means for holding the one of the plurality of bags after the one of the plurality of bags is loaded with merchandise, wherein the means for hanging and supporting is separated from the means for holding;
• and
• means for transferring the one of the plurality of bags loaded with merchandise from the means for hanging and supporting to the means for holding, wherein the means for transferring is characterized by an absence of lifting the one of the plurality of bags from the means for hanging and supporting.

A method of processing merchandise in a check-out counter system, the method comprising:

• providing first bag holder adjacent a merchandise reader;
• reading information from merchandise with the merchandise reader;
• placing a first portion of the merchandise in a first bag held open by the first bag holder;
• and
• placing a second portion of the merchandise in a second bag held open by a second bag holder positioned in front of and below the first bag holder relative to a cashier location within the check-out counter system.