Category Archives: Equipment, Design & Operations
At your service
As in-store bakeries and delis focus on scratch baking, artisan breads and restaurant-quality meals, equipment manufacturers are keeping pace. By Kim Ann Zimmermann Some … Continue reading
Hot out of the oven
High-tech cooking equipment that saves energy and space is gaining favor with grocers. By Kim Ann Zimmermann A retailer simply roasting up a few … Continue reading
Making a splash
A gallery of hot and cool products appealed to NAFEM attendees looking to save energy and labor costs while producing high-quality prepared foods. By … Continue reading
Shining examples
Improvements to LED and traditional lighting are providing retailers with a wealth of options. By Kim Ann Zimmermann A customer will become aware of … Continue reading
Double duty
Loss prevention equipment is going beyond catching the misdeeds of shoppers and employees. Cameras, monitors and other devices are also helping to improve customer … Continue reading
The heat is on
Heated merchandisers are becoming more flexible, energy efficient and stylish. By Kim Ann Zimmermann Not so long ago, the hot food offerings at supermarkets … Continue reading
Planet pleasing
Whether they are seeking LEED or GreenChill certification or just becoming more environmentally friendly, grocers are investing in energy-efficient equipment and designs. By Kim … Continue reading
Making products P-O-P
Point-of-purchase fixtures, displays and shelving are helping retailers call attention to new items, highlight healthy options and stock product faster. By Kim Ann Zimmermann … Continue reading
Local Flavor
Store designs are reflecting the history and vibe of the communities they serve. By Kim Ann Zimmermann The “go local” movement is going beyond … Continue reading
Equipment evolution
From total design overhauls to energy-saving equipment upgrades, smart supermarket operators continually invest in their stores. By Kim Ann Zimmermann While it may not … Continue reading
Stand-out design
Grocers are upgrading décor, lighting and other design elements to woo shoppers. By Kim Ann Zimmermann Warm colors. Inviting layout. Energy-saving features. While these … Continue reading
Easy on energy
Equipment manufacturers are offering solutions such as LED lighting and distributed refrigeration systems to keep a cap on costs. By Kim Ann Zimmermann Supermarkets … Continue reading
CoolMoves
Grocers are looking to reconfigured cases and alternative refrigerants to keep the lid on refrigeration costs. By Kim Ann Zimmermann Store layouts are continuously … Continue reading
Transportation overhaul
Grocers are revamping their transportation strategies by investing in technologies and equipment and forming new partnerships. By William Epmeier If the past several years … Continue reading
Ultimate multi-taskers
When it comes to deli and bakery equipment, grocers look for systems that can perform a variety of tasks while maintaining high output and … Continue reading
Bouncing back
The industry remains committed to sustainability and self-checkout options at the store level as store size and selling space hold steady. While supermarkets have … Continue reading
Pleasing to the pallet
While the materials differ— wood, plastic, steel and various combinations—the pallet industry appears to be committed to safety and sustainability. By Carol Radice As … Continue reading
Cutting losses
Loss prevention systems do more than catch thieves. They also identify training and operational issues that can lead to shrink. By Kim Ann Zimmermann … Continue reading
Turning the front end upside down
Will this be the year that the Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) finally takes off? By Kim Ann Zimmermann Even the best shopping experience … Continue reading
Taking the LEED
Supermarkets are upgrading equipment and using eco-friendly materials to gain Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. What they’re finding is that these … Continue reading
Hot and cold
Keeping the store at the optimal temperature is a seemingly never-ending battle for grocers. Customers, lights and the motors powering the cases, ovens and … Continue reading
Designs that shine
As fans of home design shows know, even a fresh coat of paint can upgrade the look of a room. But when it comes … Continue reading
Smooth operators
If a grocer’s merchandising display looks shabby or the cooking equipment breaks down so often that customers can’t always count on getting a chicken … Continue reading
Turning trash into cash
Recycling, instead of being mainly a “feel good” issue for supermarkets, is gaining in economic and strategic importance. The dollars involved can be large: … Continue reading
