How to arrange your commercial refrigerators

It’s not only choosing the best commercial refrigerator for your business that’s important but also how you use it. From deciding on the best location for your commercial refrigerator to storing products efficiently, how you use your commercial refrigerator will have a big impact on how it benefits your business. A commercial refrigerator is an investment and optimising the output of that investment is a crucial element in running a successful business. So, if you’re thinking of investing in a new commercial refrigerator for your business, whether to replace an older one or as an additional unit to provide a new range of products for your customers, then make sure you know how to get the most out of your new commercial refrigerator.

Location is key

Where you choose to situate your commercial refrigerator is one of the most important decisions. Spend time watching and analysing the customer flow through your retail unit. Where do people stop and look? Where is there a bottleneck? Think about what products you’re going to be selling in your commercial refrigerator. If you’re selling grab-and-go lunchtime snacks, then placing the commercial refrigerator where your customers are queuing can be effective for generating impulse buys. If you’re selling high-end ready-cooked meals, then your customers will need the space to stop and think about what they might like to eat that evening, so your commercial refrigerator may be better located in a more spacious part of your unit. Working out the best place to put your commercial refrigerator is time well spent. Factors such as what type of door you choose for your commercial refrigerator will affect the location of your unit. Conventional doors will take up space, so consider which way the door needs to open to suit you best. Sliding doors or open-fronted units can be more space efficient, so consider this as part of your planning around the location.

Use your space wisely

Once you’ve chosen the best place for your commercial refrigerator, you need to make the most of the space inside it. Our commercial refrigerators are designed to maximise the available space. Older commercial refrigerators have a larger footprint for a smaller useable interior. Our modern design has streamlined this, giving you far more space for a smaller footprint. Think about how you stack your refrigerator. Consumers are extremely visual, so neat, eye-catching displays will entice them to buy. Overfilled shelves where it’s difficult to see what’s available will put people off, while empty shelves give the wrong message. Keep your refrigerators well stocked, with a good first-in, first-out system in place, to help keep your food fresh. Be aware that customers will sometimes pull from the back of the shelves to find the longest-date items, so keep an eye on your stock.

Some other tips include:

Ensure that products are clearly visible. Transparent doors, LED lighting and organised shelving can help highlight your products.
Organise products by type or brand. For example, place all dairy items together, or all vegan products on one shelf.
Adjustable shelves can help accommodate products of different sizes, ensuring each product is showcased effectively.
Keep the refrigerator clean both inside and out. Wipe down shelves regularly and ensure there’s no build-up of ice or condensation.
Place items on sale or with special promotions at eye level or in areas of high visibility.
Clear and attractive signs can help customers quickly identify product categories, prices or special offers.
Colours evoke different emotions. For instance, green might be used to emphasise organic or fresh products.
Regularly update the display based on seasons, holidays or new products to keep it fresh and engaging.
Ensure your staff is knowledgeable about the products in the refrigerator. They should be able to answer customer questions and offer suggestions.

Energy conservation for your business bottom line

How you stack your commercial refrigerator will also affect how energy efficient it is, which will impact your running costs and profit margins. Choosing a well-designed and modern commercial refrigerator such as our commercial refrigeration range here at Fridgesmart will give you access to the most energy-efficient models on the market today. However, even the most energy-efficient fridge will perform badly if poorly used. Fridges are most efficient when around 75% full. This allows the air to circulate freely, keeping the air temperature consistent with minimum effort. An overstocked fridge makes it hard for the air to circulate efficiently, while an understocked one means the fridge is working harder to keep the air cool, without products taking up the space. Spend time fine-tuning your delivery schedule, or rotating stock between display and storage units to ensure your commercial refrigerators are always performing at their optimum. Time invested in doing this will help to keep your energy consumption down, and your profits up.

Come to Fridgesmart for your commercial refrigerators

If you are looking for a commercial refrigerator for your business, then take a look at our excellent range of commercial refrigerators. Whether you need a replacement in a hurry or are planning ahead for expansion at your retail unit, our team are on hand to help. We’ve worked with many businesses over the years, helping them to make the most out of their commercial refrigeration. For advice on choosing the best commercial refrigerator for your business, simply call Fridgesmart today on 01792 677169.