US Patent 8231017 Display of video and other content in retail stores

A shelf for use in a conventional retail display gondola or perimeter wall shelving includes an upper support surface for merchandise and an enclosure below that surface in which electronic components including a thin client computer or a media player are housed. A video display monitor has a screen visible through an opening in a front face of the shelf. The enclosure is usually secured to deny access to the electronic component, but can be opened to provide access to the electronic components housed therein.