Comments on: Why do they cool the aisles?!

By: Cherie

Cherie — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 21:37:01 +0000

The store I usually shop in is not overly cool. Have also noticed the lights in the freezer section are not on motion detectors. I shop later at night and might notice it more than those who always shop during the day. They turn on as I go down the aisle. My store seems to be making the effort, if out of necessity or more altruistic motivations, doesn’t matter, end result is the same.

By: Sandi Duncan

Sandi Duncan — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:30:23 +0000

@KaToNaStick … very interesting so you are suggesting it’s actually rather energy efficient doing it this way? I have wondered as well about the blast of heat or a/c when you walk in a store

By: KaToNaStIcK

KaToNaStIcK — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 18:28:31 +0000

The concept is simple – have an open shopping area, with refrigeration fans blowing at the bottom, fans sucking in on top. This creates a swirling action that circulates the air through the product, not just sitting in it. In effect, an “air curtain” is created, and is fairly efficient compared to doors. Ever walk into Sams or Costco and a fan is blowing down hard on you? Same concept; that force prevents cool air getting out, warm air in, and vice versa. Yes, I have managed several food supercenters in my time!

By: Robert_H

Robert_H — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:58:34 +0000

My guess is the doors fog up when they are opened and closed. That cuts down on the sales. Hard to snag an impulse buyer if he can’t see your product.

By: Courtney

Courtney — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 16:12:37 +0000

I’m no expert, but I’m sure there are motors that run these coolers and generate heat, which in turn could cause spoilage of fresh food. At the same time, when you open doors, the temp drops dramatically in the cooler. So it probably does conserve energy to keep the whole area cooled instead of the thermostat going up and down constantly trying to stay at the same temp.