Press Release
North Prairie, WI—July 10, 2019—Zero Zone is proud to introduce a new product from the Reveal Merchandiser® line of cases, the Zero Zone Reveal Merchandiser® PX, designed exclusively for the display of fresh produce.
This new open multi-deck will give retailers a competitive edge. The angled, tiered shelving and the product temperature is specifically set to improve the shelf life of produce. ChillBrite® LED lighting provides bright and reliable illumination to enhance the natural appeal of produce and catch the eyes of shoppers. Its open display allows for higher product visibility and easy shopping.
“I’ve been in the grocery business for 51 years, and I think this is one of the best produce presentations I’ve ever seen,” said a store manager of a Wisconsin retailer.
Not only does it provide optimal accessibility for shoppers, but it also saves time for retailers. It is easy to install, easy to maintain, and easy to fill, allowing store owners to cut back on stocking times.
Retailers can choose between 80″ or 82″ tall cases with either low or medium sills, allowing them to customize the display depending on their needs. Glass fronts are also available as an option, as well as angled end frames with windows.
Zero Zone provides innovative products made with the highest quality materials to ensure performance and durability. The new Reveal Merchandiser® PX reflects the Zero Zone commitment to listening to the needs of their customers and providing a solution that is both stylish and energy efficient.
Learn more about the Reveal Merchandiser® PX display case
About Zero Zone
Established in 1961, Zero Zone has display case plants in North Prairie and Waukesha, WI, and refrigeration systems facilities in Ramsey, MN. Zero Zone is a leading manufacturer of refrigerated glass door display cases, open multi-decks, and commercial refrigeration systems for supermarkets, drug, dollar, and convenience stores, and manufactures industrial refrigeration systems for cold storage, food processing, and ice arenas.
Press Release
North Prairie, WI—July 10, 2019—Zero Zone, Inc., a leading manufacturer in the refrigeration industry known for its responsiveness to customers, announced the introduction of the Zero Zone Reveal Merchandiser® MX, designed exclusively for selling fresh meat.
This new open multi-deck is specifically designed to optimize the display of fresh meat. It incorporates the sleek design and energy performance of all Zero Zone products while maximizing the appeal and freshness of meat. Featuring ChillBrite® LED lighting, shoppers will be drawn to this case whether it’s displaying beef, poultry, pork, or lamb.
“That bright red meat color really pops, and it’s all about ‘eye appeal is buy appeal.’ I feel that the Reveal case does a better job at showing the fresh meat program,” said the general manager of a Louisiana retailer.
Retailers can choose between 75″ or 80″ tall cases, low or medium sills, optional angled end frames with windows, and optional glass fronts. As the responsive company™, Zero Zone is proud to offer you choices so you can select the case that best fits your needs.
Zero Zone provides innovative products made with the highest quality materials to ensure performance and durability. As part of the Reveal Merchandiser® product line, the new MX display case is built to emphasize product visibility and accessibility.
Learn more about the Reveal Merchandiser® MX display case
About Zero Zone
Established in 1961, Zero Zone has display case plants in North Prairie and Waukesha, WI, and refrigeration systems facilities in Ramsey, MN. Zero Zone is a leading manufacturer of refrigerated glass door display cases, open multi-decks, and commercial refrigeration systems for supermarkets, drug, dollar, and convenience stores, and manufactures industrial refrigeration systems for cold storage, food processing, and ice arenas.
Press Release
North Prairie, WI—July 8, 2019—Zero Zone is pleased to unveil a new environmentally friendly cooling unit, the Zero Zone LCCU ETP (Liquid-Cooled Condensing Unit Electronic Technology Package).
Working as a seamless bundled package with Zero Zone Hybrid™ display cases and a pump skid, the new LCCU ETP is a smart and clean choice. With up to 96% refrigerant leak reduction, 25% energy savings, and as much as two additional days of fresh food life, the LCCU ETP is the efficient solution. It operates at the warmest evaporator temperature while maintaining optimal product temperature, which minimizes energy consumption. While other cooling units may use R-404A with a global warming potential of 3,922, the LCCU ETP uses R-448A, which has a lower global warming potential of just 1,273.
Besides its efficiency, it is also easy to install. The pre-charged refrigerant lines between the condensing unit and display case are connected using quick-connect couplings. It uses a glycol/H2O loop to cool the refrigerant.
The LCCU ETP also contains advanced monitoring that runs preventive diagnostics. Retailers with the LCCU ETP will receive real-time performance overviews of their cooling system to maximize efficiency and minimize environmental impact.
Additionally, this cooling system is equipped with noise reducing insulation. Using rotary compressors instead of louder piston compressors, the LCCU ETP is quieter than the noise level in a typical store, improving the shoppers’ experience.
Zero Zone designs innovative products that provide environmentally friendly solutions. Known as ‘the responsive company™’, Zero Zone is just a phone call away to help answer any questions about the LCCU ETP or other products.
“Any time we reach out to Zero Zone, they’re Johnny-on-the-spot. They are there to answer any questions and help us out of any pickle we get into. Zero Zone keeps us up and running and helps us keep our shoppers happy,” said a refrigeration manager for a southwest retailer.
For more information about Zero Zone, the LCCU ETP, Hybrid™ display cases, or pump skids, visit www.zero-zone.com.
About Zero Zone
Established in 1961, Zero Zone has display case plants in North Prairie and Waukesha, WI and refrigeration systems plants in Ramsey, MN. Zero Zone is a leading manufacturer of refrigerated glass door display cases, open multi-decks, and commercial refrigeration systems for supermarkets, drug, dollar, and convenience stores, and manufactures industrial refrigeration systems for cold storage, food processing, and ice arenas.
Maximizing Product Appeal: Strategic Use of Retail Display Cases in Modern Supermarkets
In the competitive landscape of modern retail, particularly within the grocery sector, the strategic deployment of retail display cases is paramount to captivating customers and driving sales. Retailers are constantly seeking innovative ways to showcase their products, ensuring optimal freshness and visual appeal. To gain valuable insights, we turned to Mike Floersch, owner of Ray’s Apple Market in Seneca, Kansas, and Marc Robért III, general manager of Robért Fresh Market in New Orleans, Louisiana, to discuss their merchandising strategies using open multi-deck and reach-in display cases.
The Allure of Open Multi-Deck Retail Display Cases
Both Ray’s Apple Market and Robért Fresh Market have embraced the Reveal Merchandiser® open multi-deck for their produce displays. This choice underscores the inherent appeal of fresh fruits and vegetables when presented in an open format. “I did not want to put produce behind doors,” Floersch explained, drawing upon his extensive experience in the grocery business. “I’ve been in the business 50-some years, and I felt like it presented itself well.” The open design of these retail display cases allows the vibrant colors and natural textures of the produce to take center stage, creating an inviting and visually stimulating shopping experience.
Robért Fresh Market has further elevated this approach by creating a dramatic “showstopper” display, featuring a 54-foot run of Reveal Merchandiser® cases strategically positioned at the store’s entrance. This impactful presentation immediately captures the attention of shoppers, emphasizing the store’s commitment to freshness and quality. The versatility of these open retail display cases extends beyond produce, as Robért Fresh Market also utilizes them for showcasing fresh meats. “That bright red meat color really pops, and it’s all about ‘eye appeal is buy appeal,'” Robért noted. He also emphasized the enhanced accessibility of products in open cases, allowing customers to easily browse and select their desired items.
The Practicality and Efficiency of Reach-In Retail Display Cases
While open multi-decks excel in visual merchandising, reach-in display cases, such as the Crystal Merchandiser® and Highlight Merchandiser®, offer distinct advantages for other refrigerated products. Both retailers have opted for these cases to display dairy, deli, and frozen foods. The key feature of Zero Zone’s reach-in merchandisers is the CoolView® doors, which boast a sleek, narrow design that maximizes display area and provides excellent product visibility. These retail display cases offer a clean and organized aesthetic, contributing to a pleasant shopping environment.
For stores located in humid regions like New Orleans, the performance of reach-in cases is critical. The CoolView® doors are equipped with heaters in the doors, door rails, mullions, and sills, effectively preventing condensation. Robért has been particularly pleased with the performance of these retail display cases in his high-humidity environment. “With our high humidity environment, I have found that [Zero Zone] has been a perfect match and that we’ve had zero issues with sweating and humidity issues coming onto our product,” he stated.
Floersch, initially hesitant about using reach-in cases, has also experienced positive feedback from his customers. “A lot of stores you go into, it’s cold, and it’s because of all the open cases,” he observed. His shoppers appreciate the warmer environment created by the reach-in cases, highlighting the importance of customer comfort.
A Comprehensive Solution for Every Retailer
Whether a retailer prefers open multi-decks, reach-in display cases, or a combination of both, Zero Zone offers a comprehensive range of solutions to meet their specific needs. Robért emphasized how the combination of Zero Zone’s retail display cases has “brought the décor and the feel of the whole store together.” Floersch highlighted the significant cost savings achieved through a 25% reduction in kilowatt usage. Ultimately, both retailers agree that selecting Zero Zone as their refrigeration partner was the optimal decision, providing a complete and effective solution for their merchandising needs. The right selection of retail display cases can truly transform a retail space.
Learn more about our retail display case solutions!
The pursuit of freshness unites two distinct family-owned supermarket chains, Ray’s Apple Market in Seneca, Kansas and Robért Fresh Market in New Orleans, Louisiana, despite their geographical separation. Both understand that the key to thriving in today’s competitive grocery landscape lies in delivering superior perishables. Central to their strategies is the strategic implementation of the retail display case, a crucial element in maintaining product quality and visual appeal.
Robért Fresh Market prioritizes produce as its “showstopper,” utilizing a 54-foot run of open Reveal Merchandiser® cases. This choice highlights the importance of visual merchandising, where the vibrant colors and fresh appearance of produce drive impulse purchases. The open retail display case allows shoppers to fully engage with the product, emphasizing freshness and quality. This approach reflects the understanding that in produce, “eye appeal is buy appeal.”
Similarly, Robért Fresh Market extends the use of open retail display cases to their meat department, where the rich colors of beef, poultry, and pork are showcased. Ray’s Apple Market, however, opts for reach-in cases for their meat, emphasizing product longevity and reduced shrink. These reach-in retail display cases provide a clean and organized appearance, enhancing the perception of freshness among shoppers. Owner Mike Floersch notes a significant reduction in shrink, attributing it to the superior preservation capabilities of these cases.
The choice of retail display case directly impacts product lifespan and consumer perception. While open cases excel in visual merchandising and impulse buying, reach-in cases offer superior temperature control and reduce product waste. Both Ray’s Apple Market and Robért Fresh Market have tailored their refrigeration strategies to align with their specific needs, demonstrating the versatility and importance of selecting the right display solution for maintaining the highest standards of freshness.
Learn more about their refrigeration strategies using Zero Zone!
In 2005, Hurricane Katrina destroyed all Robért Fresh Market locations. But 2018 marks a milestone as the New Orleans-based supermarket opened their sixth location and moves beyond the hurricane. “This particular location is a historic landmark,” General Manager Marc Robért III explained. “It was the first self-service grocery store in the city of New Orleans in 1941.” Even after being devastated by Katrina, the store still has some of the original terracotta and pine timbers.
Zero Zone provided refrigeration solutions as Robért Fresh Market rebuilt. “I worked with many vendors to get this store open, whether it was equipment vendors, décor vendors, lighting, and so on. I found that Zero Zone was an excellent vendor to work with,” Marc said.
Marc Robért chose Zero Zone to help achieve their mission of freshness. “We are Robért Fresh Market,” Marc emphasized. “We focus on fresh, locally-sourced, organic produce.” For produce and fresh meats, Marc chose the Zero Zone Reveal Merchandiser® open case as the “impactful showstopper” at the entrance of the store. “As you walk through the front of our store and get through the vestibule, you see this case, there’s a visual line-of-sight to this case, the colors pop well, and the LED lights within the case really help bring the product to life.” He added that for vibrant products like produce and fresh meat, “eye appeal is buy appeal,” and the open display cases work perfectly for that.
For displaying other refrigerated products, he chose Zero Zone Crystal Merchandiser® reach-in coolers and Highlight Merchandiser® reach-in freezers. “The door cases make a very clean and neat presentation. I’ve heard concerns about putting product behind doors, but I feel that the doors create a nice, clean look to the store, and customers appreciate seeing that level of cleanliness.” Also, Marc is pleased that the Zero Zone door cases perform well in the hot, humid New Orleans climate. Marc reports that they have not had any door sweating issues.
With six locations open, Robért Fresh Market forges onward from Hurricane Katrina. They project growth for their company, and they can confidently move forward as partners with Zero Zone. “I will be using Zero Zone in the future,” he says. Zero Zone is proud to have been chosen to provide refrigerated display cases and refrigeration systems to Robért Fresh Market and wants to be your trusted partner for refrigeration solutions, too.
Press Release
NORTH PRAIRIE, Wis. – May 10, 2018: Zero Zone, Inc. has designed a new ultra narrow display case to save space in tight conditions, particularly in small format stores like convenience stores or at the end of grocery aisles. The new Crystal™ Merchandiser Ultra Narrow Display Case is the latest addition to the Crystal™ Merchandiser product line.
The Ultra Narrow case was developed to solve a customer’s needs concerning space restrictions. Grocery stores and small format stores need coolers that maximize product visibility while preserving limited floor space. Zero Zone designed the Ultra Narrow case to give shoppers total visibility of the contents inside the cooler without compromising the store layout.
“At Zero Zone, we pride ourselves in our responsiveness to our customer’s needs,” said Carl Petersen, Marketing and Advertising Manager at Zero Zone, Inc. “The Ultra Narrow case was designed in response to a retailer’s need, and the customer couldn’t be happier with our innovative solution.”
The Ultra Narrow case is available as either a single-sided or back-to-back unit. The single-sided case is perfect as a grab-and-go end cap case on the end of shelving. The space-saving back-to-back unit fits in line with gondola shelving.
Every case in the Crystal™ Merchandiser product line beautifully displays sandwiches, salads, produce, fresh meat, and beverages. The Ultra Narrow case continues the trend of Zero Zone products, which are manufactured to maintain freshness and ensure longer shelf life for the products inside.
For more information about the Crystal™ Merchandiser Ultra Narrow or the other cases in the Crystal™ Merchandiser product line, visit www.zero-zone.com/reach-in-coolers.
Ray’s Apple Market, a testament to enduring customer service, has strategically upgraded its commercial refrigeration systems, reinforcing its commitment to quality. Founded on the principle of treating customers right, Ray Floersch established the market in 1965, driven by his dissatisfaction with previous employer practices. Over five decades later, his son Mike continues this legacy, emphasizing strong partnerships. “We have a partnership with our customers. We want our customers to trust us. That’s how I feel about Zero Zone: they’re a partner. They trust me, and I trust them,” Mike states, highlighting the mutual trust developed during the 2017 commercial refrigeration installation.
The market’s focus on perishables, stemming from the Associated Wholesale Grocers’ “Apple” merchandising approach, necessitated advanced commercial refrigeration solutions. “We feel like that’s where we need to be the best… perishables. You can buy groceries about anywhere today, but if we have the freshest meat, freshest produce, people will shop with you,” Mike explains. He opted for the open Reveal Merchandiser™ for produce, recognizing its superior presentation, and transitioned to Zero Zone reach-in cases for other products. “I was a little nervous about putting things behind doors, but I’m so glad I have,” Mike admits, praising the LED lighting and tall doors for enhancing product visibility within their new commercial refrigeration setup.
A significant benefit of the Zero Zone commercial refrigeration upgrade was the substantial reduction in energy consumption. By replacing individual compressor units with two centralized rack systems, Ray’s Apple Market dramatically lowered its monthly energy bill. “As the months went along, we could see our kilowatt [usage] lowering. I’m thinking we’re going to be looking at about a 20,000 kilowatt drop, which is about a 25% drop in energy usage,” Mike reports. “Zero Zone helped us cut our energy costs, which we can pass on to our customers.”
Furthermore, the store streamlined its refrigerant usage, moving from multiple refrigerants, including outdated R-12, to a single, more efficient R-448A. This decision was influenced by evolving EPA regulations and installation costs. “The copper tubing was smaller. When we compared the lines we took out to what we put in, it was almost like, ‘Really? Is this going to work?’ And it’s been great,” Mike says, expressing satisfaction with the new commercial refrigeration system’s performance.
Mike also praised the Zero Zone sales representative’s dedication, highlighting their presence during every installation phase. “I do not have to buy from Zero Zone, but when I get the kind of response they give me, then I’m sold,” Mike concludes, emphasizing the value of Zero Zone’s exceptional customer service and the quality of their commercial refrigeration solutions.
Learn more about our commercial refrigeration solutions!
Let’s take a little vacation. Picture yourself on the beach with a can of your favorite cola in hand. The soda is ice cold, but the outside air is sunny and 75°F. The problem? Your hand is soaked with condensation from the can, causing you to hunt for the nearest koozie.
The same problem can occur with your reach in coolers. Warm air in the building mixes with the cool air inside the case and causes condensation buildup on your display case doors. Foggy display cases can decrease your sales if customers cannot see the products inside. You can’t afford to miss any potential sales opportunities, whether impulsive or not. Here are a few common issues that may cause door condensation in your reach in refrigerator and what you can do to minimize it.
Power Supply
A common cause of door condensation in a reach in refrigerator is insufficient incoming voltage and amperage. Check that the amperage input matches the numbers on the display case data plate. Without proper electrical input, components like the case anti-condensate heater will not operate at full capacity, causing condensation buildup. The reach in refrigerator should receive a minimum of 115V for full operation. If the voltage is sufficient but the amperage is low, you may need to replace a burned-out heater with a new heater.
Store and Surface Temperature
The surface temperature of your commercial refrigerator door, particularly in a reach in refrigerator setup, must be greater than the dew points temperature of your store. The surface temperature of your reach in refrigerator, should be 58°F or more in a standard 75°F room. Case door temperatures may be too cold as a result of gasket, insulation, or cabinet air complications. Sweating may occur if your store dew point rises above that 58°F. Increasing air conditioning usage may decrease room temperature, but not necessarily decrease room humidity. Have your HVAC technician install or check your store dehumidification system to help remove excess moisture in the air, especially important for maintaining optimal conditions within your reach in cooler.
Interior Case Temperature
Another factor that may cause door sweating in your reach in refrigerator is interior case temperatures. For ice cream products, a case colder than -15°F can cause sweating. Frozen food products stored at temperatures colder than -10°F may also risk sweating unnecessarily in your reach in cooler. Talk to your technician about adjusting your temperatures if your case temperatures are not above these minimum recommendations.
These are just a few reasons for condensation occurring on your reach in cooler doors; there could be other explanations. If you cannot identify the cause of the condensation, we recommend talking to your technician or contact us. And then take that vacation with your cold drink in hand.
Elevate your product presentation and captivate your customers with the Zero Zone Highlight Merchandiser®, a premium reach in refrigerator solution designed to maximize visibility and drive sales. This isn’t just another refrigerated food display case; it’s a meticulously engineered showcase that transforms your merchandise into a visual spectacle. As highlighted in our Product Spotlight video, the Highlight Merchandiser® boasts taller doors, featuring an impressive five additional inches of glass. This seemingly small enhancement delivers a significant impact, providing shoppers with an unparalleled, expansive view of your refrigerated offerings.
The increased glass surface of this reach in refrigerator translates to enhanced product visibility, allowing customers to easily browse and select items. This feature is particularly crucial for maximizing the visual appeal of fresh produce, dairy products, and other refrigerated goods. The Highlight Merchandiser® is designed to make your products the star of the show, effectively drawing attention and encouraging impulse purchases.
Zero Zone understands the importance of creating visually engaging refrigerated food display case environments. That’s why the Highlight Merchandiser® is crafted with precision and attention to detail, ensuring a seamless blend of functionality and aesthetics. The taller doors not only enhance visibility but also contribute to a sleek and modern design that complements any retail setting.
Beyond its visual appeal, the Highlight Merchandiser® prioritizes energy efficiency and performance. Zero Zone’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the design of this reach in refrigerator, which incorporates advanced technology to optimize cooling performance while minimizing energy consumption. Retailers can confidently rely on the Highlight Merchandiser® to maintain consistent temperatures and preserve the freshness of their products, ensuring customer satisfaction and reducing waste.
The Highlight Merchandiser® is more than just a reach in refrigerator; it’s a strategic investment in your business. By maximizing product visibility and creating an inviting shopping experience, this display case helps you drive sales and enhance your brand image.
For a comprehensive understanding of the Highlight Merchandiser®‘s features and benefits, we encourage you to watch our Product Spotlight video. This video provides a detailed overview of the display case’s design, functionality, and performance. Additionally, you can find detailed information, product literature, and spec sheets on the Highlight Merchandiser® product page on our website, empowering you to make an informed decision and optimize your refrigerated food display case strategy