Product information system

A method of displaying promotions for the sale of products to a customer at a location remote from any checkout counter, comprising the steps of:

• a) selecting a portable unit to provide to said customer, wherein said portable unit is operable remote from any checkout counter and said portable unit comprises a display, and a data entry device for inputting identification of a product desired by said customer,
• b) providing means for accessing stored data representative of said product identification, means for accessing stored product specifications, and a processor for controlling the operation of said portable unit wherein said processor is in communication with said data entry device for inputting product identification, to said means for accessing stored data representative of said product identification and to said means for accessing stored product specifications;
• c) programming said processor with operational instructions and rules for selecting said identified product, a competing product to said identified product, or a complimentary product to said identified product for promotion in response to said stored data representative of said product identification when said customer inputs said product identification on the data entry device such that said processor accesses said stored product specifications and promotes a product by displaying said stored product specifications of said product selected for promotion to said customer;
• and
• d) providing said programmed portable unit to said customer for use by said customer at a location remote from any checkout counter as said customer selects products for purchase,
• wherein said displaying promotions for the sale of products to a customer occurs prior to the customer reaching any checkout counter or point of sale.