Should you invest in extra refrigeration in time for Christmas?

Christmas is coming, and with it comes the headache of keeping everything cool.

Your current fridges might do the job most of the year, but the festive rush is a different story.

If you’re wondering whether to get extra commercial refrigeration, it’s not just about finding more space. It’s about keeping things running smoothly, keeping your team sane and making the most of those crucial Christmas sales.

Getting more fridges isn’t a decision to take lightly. You’ll need to crunch some numbers, think about whether you want a quick fix or a long-term solution, and figure out what makes sense for your business. This blog will help you make an informed choice.

Understanding the Christmas chaos

We’ve all been there. Christmas hits, and suddenly, sales go through the roof. Most businesses see a 25%-50% jump in sales compared to regular times. If you’re in food retail or hospitality, you know the score… everyone wants their turkey crowns, Christmas puds, party platters, and fizz kept perfectly chilled.

Your current setup might handle regular days just fine, but Christmas is different. You’re not just storing your usual stock; you’ve got all those seasonal specials to think about, too. And let’s not forget those last-minute customer requests that always seem to pop up.

How to know if you need more space

Think back to last Christmas.

Were you playing Tetris with your stock, shuffling things between fridges?

Did your team spend half their time trying to squeeze stuff in?

They’re pretty clear signs you need more space.

Your staff are your best source of truth here. If they’re telling you they can’t find anything, can’t rotate stock properly or can’t keep displays looking full, it’s time to think about extra refrigeration.

And here’s another red flag – have you had to turn customers away because you couldn’t store their orders? Or struggled to keep popular items in stock during busy times?

That’s money walking out the door.

The benefits of extra cooling space

Let’s talk about the good stuff first. Extra fridge space means you can say ‘yes’ more often.

Yes, to those big orders.

Yes, to stocking up on your bestsellers.

Yes, to keeping everything running smoothly, even when it’s madness out front.

Think about your displays, too. More space means better-looking products that customers can see and grab. And we all know what happens when things look good and are easy to get to. Impulse purchases go up, and so do your sales.

Your team will thank you as well. Instead of playing musical fridges all day, they can focus on what really matters – serving customers and selling more.

Plus, it’s much easier to keep everything organised and food-safe when you’re not cramming things in wherever they’ll fit.

The not-so-fun bits to think about

Getting more refrigeration isn’t cheap, whether you’re buying or renting. You’ve got the obvious costs, like the units themselves, but don’t forget about installation, running costs and keeping them maintained.

Then there’s the space issue. Extra fridges need to go somewhere. If you’re already tight on floor space, that’s a real head-scratcher. You need to make sure you can fit everything in without turning your shop into an obstacle course.

And yes, your energy bills will go up. More units mean more power use. There’s no way around that. You might need to spend some time training your team on the new equipment, too.

Quick fixes vs long-term solutions

Need a quick fix? Short-term rental could be your best solution. You can get extra fridges just for the Christmas rush. Maybe a mobile unit or two, or some temporary display chillers. It’s flexible, and you’ll not be stuck with extra equipment in January.

If you’re in it for the long haul, buying new units might make more sense. Yes, it’s a higher upfront cost, but then you’ve got that extra capacity all year round,  handy for other busy periods or if you’re planning to grow.

Or maybe it’s time to upgrade what you’ve already got? Today’s fridges are much more energy efficient and often have better features. You might find you can get more space and lower running costs in one go.

When you’re working out if this makes financial sense, don’t just look at the price tag. Think about how much extra stock you could sell, and how much less you might waste with proper storage. Those energy-efficient units might make your eyes water price-wise, but they could save you a packet in the long run.

Here’s a clever tip – compare rental costs against buying. Renting might seem cheaper at first, but if you find yourself hiring extra fridges every Christmas, you might be better off buying your own.

When to invest in new commercial refrigeration

Don’t leave this until the last minute. Refrigeration companies get swamped as Christmas gets closer, so getting in early means you’ll have your pick of the best options. Plus, you’ll need time to get everything installed and your team trained up.

Take a good look at your space. Map out where extra units could go. Think about how you’ll get deliveries in and out, where the power points are and whether your customers can still move around easily.

Every business is different. If you’re running a small café, a temporary display chiller might be all you need. But if you’re managing a busy convenience store, you might want to think about permanent extra capacity.

Look at your local patch, too.

Are you in a busy spot?

Do you get lots of Christmas party orders?

These things make a difference in how much extra space you might need.

How can Fridgesmart help?

Extra refrigeration at Christmas could be a game-changer for your business. Whether you go for a short-term fix or take the plunge with permanent equipment, the key is choosing what works for you.

Don’t hang about, though. Start planning now, weigh up your options and think about your immediate Christmas headaches and your longer-term business plans.

Not sure which way to jump? That’s what we’re here for. Our team knows refrigeration inside out, and we can help you figure out precisely what you need.

Whether you’re after a short-term rental to get you through the festive season or you’re thinking about investing in permanent equipment, we’ve got you covered. Our refrigeration experts will have a chat to understand how you operate and recommend the best solution for your setup.

Give us a call today, and let’s sort out your Christmas refrigeration. The sooner we get cracking, the better prepared you’ll be for the festive rush.