It’s not often that a new product or trend represents a true win-win for both consumers and businesses, but this is one of those rare occasions.
LED lighting in refrigerated display cases is quickly being adopted by food retail stores across the globe. It’s more direct, uniform, and bright lighting than the old fluorescents, making it more attractive for consumers. It slashes energy and maintenance costs, making it more affordable for retailers.
With a steady rise in electricity costs in an industry where profit margins are relatively low, food retail stores are quickly adopting a technology that proves to substantially reduce operational costs. Utility rebates have also made the product more attractive to retailers.
It’s certainly no small change. By installing LED lighting in refrigerated glass door displays, stores can cut energy consumption by up to 60 percent. Fluorescent lighting emits much more heat than LED lighting and as a result operates best at 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. In a refrigerated environment, fluorescent light output drops and more energy is expended to keep the case cold.
This year, BJ’s Wholesale Club will install LED lighting in its refrigerated display cases at 68 of its locations.