Using Multideck Display Fridges to Optimise Chilled Display in Shops

Retailers that sell perishable goods face the challenge of displaying their merchandise efficiently and appealingly. Multideck display fridges, with their open-front design and tiered shelving, provide an ideal solution for showcasing a wide array of products while maintaining the perfect temperature.

An open-front multideck display fridge is essential for retail environments. It optimises the display of chilled products like drinks, milk, sandwiches, and salads. The open fridge design offers customers an unobstructed view and easy access, while the tiered shelves maximise space efficiency. This setup enhances product visibility and promotes better organisation, leading to increased impulse purchases.

The advantages of open front chillers are numerous. 

• Larger size compared to conventional fridges means they can display more products in a smaller footprint.
• The open front design allows customers to easily view and access products, encouraging impulse purchases.
• Multideck fridges cater to various product sizes and types, thanks to adjustable shelving and multiple temperature zones.
• Available in various sizes and finishes, making them suitable for any store design. A well-organised multideck can enhance the overall shopping experience.

These fridges work by establishing a continuous flow of cold air across all levels of the unit. This sophisticated circulation system ensures that each product, whether placed on the top shelf or at the bottom, is kept at the optimal temperature for freshness and safety.

At the heart of a multideck chiller's operation is its advanced cooling technology. Unlike conventional refrigeration units, multideck fridges employ a more dynamic airflow pattern due to the open front. This pattern is designed to cover the entire display area uniformly. The cold air blankets all products, from beverages and dairy to prepared meals and fresh produce, maintaining a consistent temperature that is crucial for preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of perishable goods.

While the most common design feature of multideck fridges is undoubtedly the open shelves that gives the customer easy access, this brings a new set of challenges in terms of chilling contents. Modern equipment incorporates designs to direct and minimise the loss of cold air. The strategic placement of vents and the use of cold air curtains help in creating a barrier that keeps the cold air inside, thus balancing customer accessibility with energy efficiency.

While older models were historically much less energy efficient than standard glass door display fridges, due to more rudimentary technology, lesser quality materials and reduced insulation, multi deck fridges on the market today offer much better levels of energy efficiency.

The ideal temperature range for an open front display fridge is between 0°C to 5°C. This range is critical to comply with food safety standards and prevent spoilage. However, it's essential to consider the type of products being stored. For instance, dairy products require colder temperatures compared to fruits and vegetables. Environmental factors, such as proximity to heat sources or direct sunlight, can also affect the internal temperature of the fridge.

In addition to the standard features, many multideck chillers come with customisable options to fit the specific aesthetic and size requirements of different retail establishments; all of which need to be considered when buying the perfect open display fridge. Sizes can range significantly, from compact units with integral refrigeration systems ideal for small shops to larger models and remote banks of equipment that are typically seen in supermarkets.

Multideck display fridges, with their open front design and efficient cooling, are indispensable for retail establishments looking to optimise their chilled display. Not only do they enhance product visibility and accessibility, but they also play a vital role in maintaining product freshness and adhering to food safety standards. With a variety of sizes including low height and slimline multidecks, and customisable options available including glass door options for added efficiency, multideck chillers offer a flexible and effective solution for any retail space.

We’ve established why multidecks are ideal for shops and boosting sales, but what can they hold and how can that also influence sales?

Multidecks can hold almost any produce that you sell, with general purpose multidecks and even fresh meat multidecks available. To maximise profits in small shops, cafes, and even supermarkets, stock easy-to-eat, healthy, and nutritious items, along with a range of sweet and savoury snacks. You can also include a variety of drinks to cater to all tastes, such as water, soft drinks, juices, and milkshakes. Examples of foods to stock include:

• Crisps, cereal bars, chocolate, biscuits
• Cheese, fruits, vegetables, salads, pasta, yoghurts, pre-cooked meats, sandwiches, and baguettes

With the right equipment and creative planning of stock, you can design a visually appealing and accessible multideck open chiller that meets customer needs and maximises potential profits.