Grab-and-Go Growth

Convenience is a primary driver of consumer purchases. Grab‑and‑go meals, sandwiches, snacks, and beverages are booming. The National Association of Convenience Stores shows that prepared food accounted for 71.7% of overall foodservice sales in 2023, with an average margin of 55.65%.

The Zero Zone Guardian^® Merchandiser can be positioned near checkout lanes or beverage stations to drive impulse purchases or placed in a deli to showcase pre-packed sandwiches, smoothies, yogurt cups, and ready-made meals. This flexibility allows retailers to respond quickly to changing customer habits and maximize sales in high-traffic areas.

Modularity for Seasonal Rotations

Retail moves fast—and your refrigeration should keep pace. Seasonal promotions, product launches, and shifting planograms demand flexibility, especially in compact store layouts where every square foot counts.

That’s where modular refrigeration solutions from Zero Zone come in. Our Guardian^® Merchandisers are designed to support quick reconfiguration with minimal disruption. These refrigerated self-contained display cases offer plug-and-play functionality, allowing retailers to reposition units as needed without impacting the overall refrigeration system.

Modular merchandisers enable:

• Seasonal planogram shifts
• New product introductions
• Quick reconfiguration with minimal downtime

Whether you’re putting out autumn flavors, holiday specials, or limited-time offers, the Zero Zone Guardian^® Merchandiser’s modularity helps you stay agile. For small-format retailers and c-stores, that agility translates into better performance, improved merchandising, and a more responsive shopping experience.

Environmental Expectations

Sustainability has climbed from buzzword to baseline expectation. Today’s retailers and shoppers expect refrigeration systems that minimize energy use and environmental impact.

Industry projections show substantial long-term savings in both energy consumption and emissions with the adoption of newer efficiency standards. Natural refrigerants such as R-290 propane and CO₂ offer significantly lower GWP compared to traditional options, while certifications like Energy Star^® signal a company’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

Energy Star^®-certified reach-in freezers and coolers can be up to 20% more efficient, making a measurable difference in both operating costs and environmental impact.

To view an example of how Zero Zone supports sustainability through custom-tailored refrigeration systems, see our case study on a drug store renovation.

Food Safety & Hygiene

Food safety and hygiene are critical in retail refrigeration. As food service offerings expand and evolve, refrigeration systems must support both cleanliness and consistency.

• Packaged and frozen goods require stable temperatures and clear visibility to ensure safety and appeal.
• Top-mounted coils and open base designs improve airflow and simplify maintenance-so safety doesn’t slow you down.

The Crystal Merchandiser^® uses a top coil design to open the bottom of the display case for enhanced airflow and product accessibility. With refrigeration components located at the top, interior surfaces remain unobstructed, making the merchandiser easy to clean.
The Guardian® Merchandiser also features top-mounted refrigeration and an angled bottom that pools water after a spray down, allowing for easy vacuuming and fast, efficient sanitation. Pair these elements with precise temperature control, and you’ve got a refrigeration solution that supports food safety standards while keeping operations smooth and shopper friendly.

Enhanced Aesthetics

Refrigerated display cases are not only functional, but they’re also part of the store’s visual identity. As retailers look to create immersive, brand-aligned environments, merchandisers play a key role in both presentation and customer experience.

The Reveal Merchandiser^® supports branded graphics, LED lighting enhancements, and clean lines that elevate the overall store aesthetic. Zero Zone has also designed the Reveal Merchandiser^® to support aftermarket accessories such as different types of shelving, containers for holding produce, mirrors, and windowed end panels, giving retailers the tools to become a merchandising master.

These customizable features allow retailers of all formats—from grocery and c-stores to specialty and foodservice—to project brand identity, highlight seasonal promotions, and create a more engaging shopping experience through their refrigerated merchandisers.

Shopper Behavior & Visual Psychology

Get in front of the human impulse:

• Commercial coolers near checkout lanes, store entrances, or traffic paths significantly boost impulse purchases, thanks to increased visibility.
• A third of consumers report making impulse buys at least weekly—this is especially true for Gen Z and urban shoppers, who respond strongly to visual cues and convenience.

The sight of a stocked, brightly lit refrigerated merchandiser triggers desire—and that’s the difference between “maybe later” and “yes, now.” The Zero Zone Reveal^® and Crystal^® lines feature clear sightlines, customizable layouts and LED lighting options that help retailers capture attention and drive conversion.

Improved Visibility

Visibility isn’t just aesthetics—it drives sales. When shoppers clearly see products, they’re more likely to engage and buy.

• Thin mullions offer unobstructed views, allowing merchandise to stand out without visual barriers.
• Anti-sweat technology keeps glass doors clear even in humid conditions, ensuring freshness is always visible.

The sight of a well-stocked, brightly lit refrigerated merchandiser triggers impulse and confidence. A shopper who sees freshness effortlessly is far more likely to reach for it—and Zero Zone merchandisers are designed to turn that visibility into sales.