Supermarket freezer placement is crucial in optimising sales, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing the overall shopping experience. Proper freezer placement ensures that customers can easily access frozen products while maintaining an efficient store layout that promotes smooth traffic flow. This guide explores the best practices for supermarket freezer placement, helping retailers maximise revenue while keeping operational costs in check.
Why Supermarket Freezer Placement Matters
Strategic placement of freezers in supermarkets impacts several key factors, including:
- Sales Optimisation: Properly placed freezers increase visibility and encourage impulse purchases.
- Energy Efficiency: Correct positioning minimises energy waste and improves store-wide temperature control.
- Customer Experience: A well-organised freezer layout makes it easier for shoppers to find and access frozen goods.
- Traffic Flow Management: Ensures smooth navigation and prevents congestion in high-traffic areas.
- Compliance with Store Design and Safety: Freezer placement should align with store safety regulations and accessibility guidelines.
Best Practices for Supermarket Freezer Placement
Position Freezers Along the Perimeter: One of the most effective strategies for supermarket freezer placement is positioning freezers along the perimeter of the store. This keeps frozen products accessible while preventing disruption to the natural traffic flow. Additionally, perimeter placement reduces temperature fluctuations by keeping cold sections away from warm central areas.
- Use Freezer Islands for Promotions: Standalone freezer islands are ideal for promotional or seasonal frozen goods. Placing these in high-traffic areas, such as near fresh produce or entrance zones, can encourage impulse buys and increase sales of limited-time frozen products.
- Ensure Easy Access and Visibility: Customers should be able to easily locate and access frozen products. Ensure that freezers are well-lit, have clear signage, and are not obstructed by other displays. Glass-door freezers enhance visibility, allowing customers to see products without opening doors unnecessarily, which also helps maintain energy efficiency.
- Group Similar Frozen Products Together: Organising freezers based on product categories improves convenience and encourages cross-selling. For example:
- Frozen vegetables and ready-to-cook meals should be placed together.
- Ice creams and desserts should have a dedicated section.
- Frozen meats and seafood should be positioned near complementary products like sauces or seasonings.
- Minimise Freezer Placement Near Heat Sources: To optimise efficiency, avoid placing freezers near heat-generating areas, such as bakery sections, deli counters, or entrances where warm air frequently enters. Heat exposure forces freezers to work harder, increasing energy costs and reducing equipment lifespan.
- Incorporate End-Cap Freezers for High-Demand Products: End-cap freezers are highly effective for displaying best-selling frozen items. These are placed at the end of aisles, attracting shoppers’ attention as they navigate the store. End-cap freezers are perfect for frozen pizzas, popular ice cream brands, and other high-turnover products.
- Follow an Energy-Efficient Layout: To maintain energy efficiency, ensure that freezers are positioned in a way that prevents overuse. Strategies include:
- Using night curtains on open freezers after store hours.
- Placing open freezers in areas with minimal direct sunlight or artificial lighting.
- Installing motion-sensor lighting inside freezer sections to reduce unnecessary energy consumption.
- Maintain a Logical Customer Journey: Customers naturally follow a certain shopping pattern. Many supermarkets place frozen products near the end of the shopping journey, ensuring frozen items remain cold while customers complete their purchases. However, strategically placing select frozen items near complementary fresh products can also boost sales.
- Adopt a Modular Freezer System: Modular freezer systems provide flexibility for future reconfigurations based on seasonal demand and changing shopping trends. These adaptable units allow supermarkets to adjust freezer placement as needed without requiring major renovations.
The Role of Remote Refrigeration in Freezer Placement
Many supermarkets are turning to remote refrigeration systems to improve energy efficiency and store aesthetics. By placing the refrigeration components externally, remote freezer systems reduce in-store heat and noise, contributing to a more pleasant shopping environment.
FAQs About Supermarket Freezer Placement
What is the ideal location for freezers in a supermarket?
The best location for supermarket freezers is along the store perimeter, where they can maintain stable temperatures and optimise traffic flow. End-cap freezers and freezer islands can be used strategically for promotional or high-demand items.
Why are freezers usually placed at the back of the supermarket?
Supermarkets often place freezers toward the back to encourage customers to walk through the store and encounter other products, increasing the likelihood of impulse purchases.
How does freezer placement affect energy consumption?
Proper freezer placement minimises exposure to heat sources, reducing the strain on refrigeration systems. This leads to lower energy consumption and reduced operating costs.
Should open or closed freezers be used in supermarkets?
Closed freezers (glass-door models) are more energy-efficient as they prevent cold air from escaping. Open freezers may enhance accessibility but require additional measures, such as night covers, to maintain efficiency.
How can supermarkets improve the efficiency of freezer placement?
Supermarkets can improve freezer efficiency by:
- Using LED lighting inside freezers.
- Implementing energy-efficient refrigeration systems.
- Ensuring regular maintenance and defrosting.
- Grouping similar frozen products together to facilitate quick customer selection.
Are freezer islands effective for increasing sales?
Yes, freezer islands placed in high-traffic areas are effective for seasonal promotions and impulse purchases, helping boost sales of featured frozen products.
What should be considered when placing freezers near checkout areas?
Small freezer units near checkout areas can be effective for last-minute purchases (e.g., ice cream or frozen snacks). However, they should not obstruct customer flow or create congestion.
Can supermarkets move freezers frequently?
While some freezers are modular and can be repositioned, frequent movement should be avoided to maintain an efficient store layout and minimise disruptions in energy efficiency.
What role does signage play in freezer placement?
Clear signage helps guide customers to frozen sections and assists in product selection, reducing the time spent keeping freezer doors open and conserving energy.
Should freezers be placed near fresh produce?
In some cases, freezers near fresh produce can encourage cross-selling (e.g., frozen berries near fresh yoghurt). However, placement should not disrupt temperature control for fresh items.
Contact JUST Refrigeration for Details
Supermarkets can improve sales, enhance customer experience, and optimise energy efficiency by strategically placing freezers. Implementing best practices in supermarket freezer placement ensures a well-organised, cost-effective, and shopper-friendly environment. For expert refrigeration solutions, consider working with specialists like JUST Refrigeration to achieve the best results for your store.
Contact us today for more information.
