The future of supermarkets – has changing the way we shop, changed the way we store food?

Adapting to the rise of online shopping

The rise in online grocery orders has led to more complex storage requirements.

Customers are now opting for click-and-collect or delivery services over in-store purchases, supported by research from eMarketer, which reported that in 2023, 15.4% of UK ecommerce orders were fulfilled by click-and-collect, which is almost double the pre-pandemic share in 2019 – and growth will continue through 2026.

Therefore, supermarkets need versatile refrigeration systems that can accommodate varying product types.

This flexibility allows supermarkets to streamline operations and ensure that both fresh and frozen items are stored optimally for customer pickup.

At True Refrigeration, our new, adaptable T-Series Flex Temp units provide exactly this versatility, allowing supermarkets to switch between a fridge and freezer, based on inventory needs.

The role of sustainability

Supermarkets must prioritise energy efficiency in their equipment, to not only save on rising energy costs, but to also appeal to their shoppers. 

As customers look to brands that align with their eco-conscious values, True Refrigeration’s energy-efficient units help reduce environmental impact while meeting the growing demand for sustainable business practices.

Cashier-less checkouts

The rise of cashier-less checkouts is reshaping the supermarket landscape.

We’ve seen this concept before, with supermarkets like Tesco offering scan as you shop. Others soon followed suit, with Amazon launching their Amazon Go™ stores in the US, where customers pay for items without the assistance of a cashier or self-service checkout.

We expect this to continue, and with less staff around to upsell in these establishments, stores must display products in attractive ways to grab customer’s attention and tempt them to buy.

LED lighting and branded POS panelling can be used to help display food products in their best light and provide a branded experience.

As well as thinking about an attractive display, it’s important to consider restocking issues that may arise due to limited staff members. True’s e-bracket shelving enables maximum storage capacity, without affecting food safety or presentation.

Grab-and-go food trends

As consumer demand for grab-and-go options increases, with Lumina Intelligence forecasting the UK food to go market to grow by 3.5% in 2024 to reach £23 billion, these quick, efficient customer experiences require refrigeration units near checkout areas to keep products fresh while promoting impulse purchases.

True’s glass door refrigeration solutions are perfectly suited for these evolving store layouts. Our modular system allows supermarkets to adapt quickly, ensuring peak performance even in high-traffic areas.

Ensure you’re equipped for the future of retail

By choosing equipment that not only tempts customers but also meets operational demands, supermarkets can stay competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

True’s commercial refrigeration, known for their flexibility and energy-efficiency, are ready to help supermarkets keep pace with customer demands for convenience, quality and eco-consciousness.