ECONOFROST’s Easy-to-Install Pull Down Night Covers
Save Energy, Reduce Shrink & Keep Foods Fresher, Longer!

This New Year, Canadian retailers are set to position themselves as leaders of the industry when it comes to undertaking retrofit and energy savings projects.  And for many independent grocers across Canada, one of the simplest and most effective energy saving products they can install is night covers.

Night covers install on the outside of a refrigerated case and are designed to enclose the open refrigerated case at night, helping retailers and food service operations save substantially. In addition to energy savings, ECONOFROST night covers also allow fresh food retailers to cut daily shrink and discard in fresh food departments. The savings for one retailer can literally represent thousands of dollars a month!

ECONOFROST night covers act a thermal barrier and shield sensitive and highly perishable food items from store lights and ambient heat.  As a result, foods maintain colder, more stable temperatures for longer which helps extend the shelf life and appearance of perishable food products.

Unlike, the expensive alternative, glass doors, ECONOFROST night covers are a cost-effective solution for independent grocers and food-service businesses. They do not interfere with the shopping process and allow shoppers full unrestricted access to merchandise.

Selecting The Right Night Cover For Store Sustainability

When it comes to making a difference and operating with a low impact or carbon footprint, the selection process can become tougher.  Cheaper made products flood the market and dilute any real savings a retailer can chieve.  That is why it is so important to choose a night cover that will last and provide long-term service and savings.

How to Protect Your Savings – Look For:

Night covers that are constructed with recyclable components and modular replacement parts that really extend the lifetime performance of the night cover

Night covers that use true woven aluminum fabric as it possesses the greatest thermal properties essential for energy savings and temperature control

Night covers specifically constructed for fresh food retail businesses; avoid harmful agents or toxic coatings that are used to prevent mold or mildew.

Night Covers & Canadian Rebate Opportunities

As a Canadian retailer you may qualify for some of the highest rebate incentives across North America!   Both horizontal and vertical night covers are often listed as a retrofit energy saving product with provincial utility companies.  BC Hydro, Manitoba Hydro and Nova Scotia currently have one of best rebate incentives for retrofitting  night covers just for Canadian grocers and food-service businesses.

This New Year, reach for the savings and start the year by saving money – inquire about night covers and how your store will benefit from a quick install.

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We are proud to be a Canadian company helping Canadian businesses save money and make a difference in a positive and healthy way!

Look for our ad and more info on ECONOFROST night covers in Canadian publication Western Grocer’s Jan/Feb issue due out soon.

Otherwise, feel free to contact us directly by email at info@econofrost.com or visit our website for more info http://savings.econofrost.com

Product loss is one of the leading issues for grocers and fresh food retailers.  According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), approximately 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted world-wide on an annual basis.  That is why it is so important to protect the shelf life of perishable foods at the store level.

Perishable food items such as those displayed in open refrigeration merchandising units are particularly susceptible to spoilage as they are exposed to ambient heat and light. This refrigeration must work harder to maintain cooler case temperatures against the the heated temperatures of the store.  This process expends a lot of energy which represents a significant cost for retailers.

Steps Used To Reduce Food waste and Conserve Energy

A good way to curtail this effect and reduce product spoilage is through the use of thermal night blinds, or thermal night curtains. Used to cover up open refrigerated display cases after hours, night curtains stabilize and maintain cooler temperatures within the display case over night, the benefits of which extend into the day.

As cold air is free to circulate inside the case and ambient heat and light is shielded from entering the case, products stay cold and fresher longer.  Night curtains counteract the negative effects of foods being exposed during store hours.

As a result, fresh food grocers see a marked improvement in the appearance and freshness of their food items and save both energy and product as product waste is reduced.

Building Stronger Sales and Strengthening Shopper Loyalty

The investment in refrigeration night blinds will save grocers thousands of dollars in lost revenue and energy savings over the course of a year.  Retaining perishable fresh foods in a more attractive and saleable condition is a bonus for both retailers and shoppers.  When it comes to the cosmetic appearance of fruits, vegetables and packaged meats, color and freshness are the strongest qualifying factors in our decision to purchase the item. The impression made upon customers by the appearance of refrigerated goods is enough to mark the difference in waning sales and customer loyalty versus a bustling store with a higher volume of sales.

A poor representation of overly ripened and wilting produce will most certainly guarantee fruits and vegetables are picked over because of their perceived poor quality. Just as with canned goods or any other item, cosmetic flaws will be more than enough for many customers to not purchase an item.

Refrigeration Night Curtains Make A Positive Impact for Fresh Food Retailers

When you retrofit thermal night blinds as part of your sustainability strategy the improved refrigeration and protection means that your fresh food products will last longer on the shelf and have greater shopper appeal.

Retrofit night curtains are designed to fit a variety of display cases, multi-decks, merchandisers, tub and freezer cases. The highest quality and performing night covers are engineered with perforated woven aluminum fabric, providing superior thermal protection against heat and light and durable enough to withstand the rigors and abuse of a food retail environment.

Customers still have unobstructed access to refrigerated stocked items as night curtains are an accessory used at night when the store is closed.  They easily roll up and are housed in an aluminum case installed on the external canopy of the case.

When it comes to extending the shelf life of perishable food items and conserving energy, refrigeration night blinds are an invaluable tool for store owners and independent food service operations.

The Cost of a Retrofit Night Curtain Installation

As with any investment and energy saving device designed to save your business money, a quality constructed thermal blind will pay for itself in a short time span.  Retrofitting night curtains on all open refrigerated cases is a wise choice for both large supermarket chains and independent grocers who wish to improve their bottom line and reduce waste.

If your dairy, produce and packaged meat cases represent a large percentage of your sales floor, it becomes even more pertinent to use night covers in your operation. Smaller stores and regional chains may also be able to cover part of the cost of a night cover installation project through incentive and rebate programs offered by state and provincial utility providers.

Your store can expect to the following benefits when using night covers:

* increased profits

* happier customers who will enjoy their shopping experience even more

* improved quality of perishable and fresh foods

* daily energy savings

* colder case and product temperatures

* more efficient refrigeration system

* reduced trimming and maintenance of displays

* a healthier more sustainable operation

Promoting good stewardship and strengthening your businesses foundation and the food retail industry for a better just makes good business sense.

The Econofrost brand of thermal blinds is the preferred brand of night covers among leading retailers.  Constructed specifically for a food retail environment, Econofrost night covers deliver energy savings and the highest level of protection for your fresh food cases.

If you would like more information about thermal curtains and the Econofrost line of night covers please visit the website: http://www.econofrost.com/benefits_econofrost.html or contact us by email at info@econofrost.com.

Every fresh food retailer who owns or manages a grocery store knows that their operation draws a huge amount of electrical energy.

Energy management is a major area of concern for retailers world-wide. Many of the sought after products in a grocery store, such as dairy products, fresh produce and meat items are stored in open refrigerated display cases must be kept cool at all times.

For those products commonly found in the freezer aisle such as ice cream, frozen vegetables and other products like TV dinners these items must be kept at extremely low temperatures. And numerous stores across North America still operate with freezer cases that are not enclosed but remain open allowing costly cold air to escape the case and detrimental ambient store air to infiltrate the case.

Fact: The greatest energy expenditure in a store occurs at the refrigeration level. It is quite costly to operate refrigeration units, compressors and pumps day-in and day-out.

Moreover, many large supermarket chains keep their lights on 24/7 to assist night crews with the stocking and maintenance procedures of the business. These lights create ambient heat and light in the form of radiation which impedes the stabilization of cool air internal to the commercial display case. In addition, this light and heat also causes perishable foods to discolor, wilt and spoil at a faster rate.

In the summer a grocery store building is air conditioned and in the winter heated for the comfort of the shoppers. This too causes havoc for fresh foods and department personnel tending to the displays.

While the price of electricity may fluctuate, it is generally accepted that the price of electricity will continue to increase as more demands are placed on utility companies.

When it comes to lowering operational costs, what criteria are fresh food retailers using when selecting green, energy saving tools for their business?

1. The Cost of the energy saving product – initial project investment, is there enough in the budget and under what category would it fall?

2. The Payback period – most stores require a payback period of less than two years

3. Available rebates or financial incentive programs for commercial businesses

4. The potential savings – how much will the product save the business and for how long, this is where product lifetime is evaluated

An Energy Saving Product That Meets the Above Criteria

For North American fresh food retailers, thermal night curtains or thermal night blinds are an ideal energy saving product that can be used to lessen the demand for electrical energy and keep perishable food products fresh and cold for longer periods.

Ideal for a variety of departments and cases including produce wet racks, packaged meat multi decks and dairy and beverage lineups, Econofrost refrigeration case curtains help retailers save energy for many years. As a retrofit energy product, Econofrost thermal curtains qualify for rebate and financial programs currently being offered by many state and provincial utility providers.

The Benefits of Using Econofrost Thermal Blinds
? Provides an effective thermal barrier so temperatures stay colder and more stable for longer periods
? Produce stays fresher longer with less wilt and daily trim requirements
? Packaged meat and deli meat products don’t spoil and discolor from infiltrating heat and light radiation
? Dairy and beverage products stay cold and refreshing and maintain their nutritional and flavor qualities.
? Retailers save energy every day for up to ten years!

Night covers can help a store save anywhere from 37 to 50 percent in energy costs and significantly reduce their shrink and discard rates. Night curtains are easily retrofitted to the external case of the canopy and are pulled down at night to enclose the case and construct a thermal barrier while the store is closed.

Another benefit of Econofrost’s night covers is that their cooling effect works even after they are retracted for the store being open. Products inside the case retain their cold temperature for up to fifteen hours after the night covers where utilized. As a result of colder more stable case and product temperatures, the product is and stays fresher and more attractive to shoppers.

Constructing Energy Management Products for Grocers
When it comes to constructing energy management products for the commercial food industry, the quality of materials, durability and usability of the product is key. When the performance and longevity of the product design are in-line with the retailers own sustainability objectives, then that product becomes a key component in fabric and methodology of the business.

And when it comes to fabric, Econofrost’s night covers are constructed using perforated woven aluminum fabric which provides the greatest thermal and insulating properties. Aluminum is the best fabric to use for retrofit night curtains since it is durable and doesn’t tear, wrinkle or fray hindering the performance of the unit unlike other fabric materials. Nor does it require the artificial treatment of antimicrobial coatings or nano-silver to deter mold, mildew and bacteria unlike other night curtain products.
Retrofit night blinds, like Econofrost, permanently and securely fasten to the refrigerated display case becoming an integrated management system to the case. For retailers who wish to use night covers on long lineups of cases or in prep room and service areas, electric motorized units which tie into a stores energy management system are also available.

Econofrost night covers typically pay for themselves within two years and sometimes within 6 months depending on the kwh rate and level of product and labor savings.

Thermal night curtains for commercial refrigerated equipment are an excellent way to save energy, reduce costs and prevent unnecessary waste. To learn more about night curtain products and to see if your store qualifies for eligible grants and rebates in your area, call us toll free at 1-800-519-1222.

Grocery stores and independent retailers like the easy access and excellent visibility afforded by open-cased merchandisers but lament the operational costs associated with these commercial cases. Refrigerated display cases pose a unique challenge to retailers – how do they continue to offer their shoppers greater accessibility to products while striving for a sustainable operation in the midst of rising energy costs?

The very nature of open-faced multi-level refrigerators and freezers permits valuable refrigerated air to escape the case while allowing ambient light and heat to infiltrate the case spoiling perishable items stored inside. For independent food retailers the costs of product discard, trimming, re-wrapping and discounting of products, as well as the high energy bills are seen as a necessary evil associated with these types of showcases. However, this is no longer the case.

With rising energy demands being placed on utility companies even more pressure is being exerted on retailers to operate more efficiently. A new tool in the market for retailers and supermarket equipment specialists is the website www.supermarket-equipment-design.com; a site dedicated to educating stores about new energy saving products and technologies designed to reduce operating expenses and cut down on product losses.

New Technologies Used to Combat Product Loss
Advocating the use of display case covers to curtail the loss of energy and resources is just one of the may associated tips supermarket-equipment-design.com offers its readers.

with open-ended refrigerated cases New initiatives concerned with sustainable energy-use practices have. Air curtains or plastic and vinyl strips are no longer deemed efficient enough at containing refrigerated air for open cooler cases. Retrofit and custom night cover products are proving to be more versatile for store owners who may still be operating with older refrigeration equipment and cannot afford a huge cash injection to install with glass doors.

In addition to listing night covers as a sustainable energy saving product, the informative site for food industry professionals also takes a closer look at store lighting design and the impact it has on fresh foods. With millions of pounds of food being discarded annually and resources diminishing at faster rates than local food production can keep up with, there is an emphasis for manufacturers of food retail equipment to meet the challenge of extending shelf life removing the burden for many retailers. And lighting is just another facet for attention.

Incorporating the Best Technology to Date
Perishable goods that maintain their freshness and shopper appeal while on display afford stores even greater opportunity to the sell the item as well as ensuring less product is wasted through premature spoilage. For retailers, if the end result is better energy savings, improved product integrity and greater profit retention, then the action is warranted.

To learn more about the recommended products for grocery stores and independent shops, visit the redesigned site www.supermarket-equipment-design.com.

Have you ever noticed if your local supermarket or grocery store is using retrofit night covers to save energy and reduce product waste?

Many food retailers have invested in night covers as part of their ongoing commitment to sustainability. Night covers are more than just energy savings, they also improve product appearance and lower operating costs for a more eco-friendly operation.

An effective night cover product enables an open refrigerated case to extend the shelf life of products such as meat packs, organic and fresh produce, milk and assorted beverages and all types of cheeses and deli meats.

Retrofit night covers maintain cold temperatures within the case, so that food stays fresher, longer.

While shoppers enjoy the visual appeal and ease of access, open refrigeration display cases offer limited protection from ambient heat and light. The shelf life and integrity of the perishable items inside the refrigerated case may be compromised. However, the alternative of closed displays presents not only an economical challenge for many independent retailers but make accessibility to the products more challenging for shoppers.

Night covers are a viable solution for grocery stores. They retrofit to commercial displays and at night, the covers transform the case into a closed unit that keeps foods cool and fresh. The benefits of which extend to the daytime hours when shoppers find themselves shopping in greater comfort with an improved selection of fresh items.

At night, refrigeration covers roll down like window blinds to shield the case’s open front. The woven aluminum material forms an effective thermal barrier between the cold interior and the store’s varying temperature. Foods that spend the night in the cold environment a retrofitted case provides have a longer shelf life and are protected from premature spoilage.

Older refrigeration equipment uses a lot of energy. Night covers can help older cases achieve even greater energy savings, specifically in lightening the load on the compressor and other components. Even more, they help reduce the frequency and duration of the defrost cycles; the refrigeration system is now operating more efficiently.

Night covers are a smart component for businesses looking to save energy, time and money. A superior designed night cover integrates with the store décor and requires little to no maintenance over its lifetime.

Just before the grocery store or supermarket opens, store employees zip around and unhook the night covers which retract into a secure cassette housing mounted on the top canopy of the case. Shoppers now have a clear view of the open cold case displays and the items within. Open cases encourage shoppers to reach in, examine and ultimately place products in their carts. Under the protection of a night cover, shoppers are rewarded with the freshest, most appetizing selection of items. Customer satisfaction is sure to boost sales.

Shop owners also notice a great difference in the levels of departmental shrink and discard. Independent retailers will find that night cover installations often pay for themselves within 18 months, and often as quickly as 3 months. Savings can be in the thousands of dollars. In addition, a number of states offer rebate programs for retrofit night covers.

When shopping for night covers, be sure to visit the informative night cover site http://www.supermarketcovers.com where you will find a wealth of information on the industry’s best night cover.

For grocery stores of all sizes, maintaining adequate food sustainability is more imperative than ever. Large-scale retailers and independent grocers alike must strive for enhanced cost-efficiency on all fronts. Every commercial food vendor knows that excessive energy consumption and overhead are the primary profit eroders. In the perishable food industry, conservation of energy and inventory is imperative to gain a competitive edge.

 Once again, Econofrost is on the scene to help save the day and dollars for food vendors.

 A Closer Look at Econofrost Night Curtains

 Econofrost retrofit thermal covers give grocers the best thermal barrier and industrial-quality refrigeration in existence. The main keys to greater profitability are cooler product and case interiors, and product temperature stability. In addition, deflecting ambient heat and radiation from refrigerator casing prolongs the shelf life, integrity, and consumer eye appeal of perishable food items.

 Night covers are ideal for the drastic reduction of utility and product wastage overhead costs. There are many sizes, designs, and models available on today’s marketplace. Econofrost offers the best energy solutions to suit every need.

Benefits of Econofrost Refrigeration Blinds:

       -     Substantial Energy Savings

 The company’s exclusive closed design retains cold air within the interior of food display cases.

-    Unique Construction

 Econofrost night covers are constructed from a special perforated aluminum weave for ideal temperature regulation. This means that mechanical components do not have to work as hard to maintain temperature consistency.

 Thus, the serviceable life of commercial refrigeration equipment is lengthened considerably. This Econofrost advantage results in reduced discard rates from premature discoloration, spoilage, and shrinkage of edible products.

       -     Wide selection of product specifications

       Econofrost night curtains are available in three standardized widths of four, six, and eight feet. Econofrost also offers retailers and OEM’s (original equipment manufacturers) custom night cover products and sizes.  Attached fabric backing covers a vertical opening of to 76 inches long.

       -     Superior Parts Protection

       All metallic brakes, spring assemblies, and internal implements are constructed to remain free of corrosion and rust for the unit’s entire useful life.

       -     Energy Efficient Exterior Design

The open cassette design of all Econofrost coolers inhibits condensation accumulation by increasing the unit’s internal breathing. Thus, harmful mildew, mold and bacteria growth is prevented without the use of toxic sprays or anti-microbial treatments.

       -     Reinforced Taped Edges

       This feature prolongs usable lifespan and enhances functionality of woven aluminum fabric that is specially engineered to withstand thousands of retractions throughout its lifetime.

       -     Get a Better Grip

       Night cover handles are designed in a slender clip-on style which facilitates ultra-secure fastening of the cover to the refrigeration case bumper. Patented engineering also ensures they are easier to use and provide greater durability.

 Arrange a Trial Demonstration or In-Store Test

Did you know that stores can save money and energy by using night covers on commercial refrigerated cases during stores closed hours, and the effect on the environment is considerable.

If your grocery store, convenience store or supermarket is trying to become more energy efficient or you are considering alternatives that will save money and have an eco-friendly impact on the environment, then using energy saving night covers on commercial refrigeration equipment is definitely one way to accomplish this goal. Thermal night blinds are a wise and cost-effective option. They will be an important component of your energy management system.

There are many reasons to use night covers in refrigerated cases and the list below shows just a few of these.

• Night covers conserve energy
• Thermal night blinds blocks heat and light
• Night covers help maintain cooler temperatures
• A stable temperature helps meet food safety requirements
• Thermal night blinds help keep perishables fresh
• Night covers increase shelf life
• Night blinds help a refrigeration system operates more efficiently
• Night covers lessen energy consumption
• Night covers decrease maintenance costs
• Night blinds help food retailers reduce overhead and save money
• Thermal night blinds help sustain the integrity of merchandise
• Night blinds protect products in case of a power failure

Critical to the survival of a retail food business are food safety and sustainability. Installing night covers on your open grocery display cases helps to keep food safe and fresh because the temperature is kept balanced. As the cold air continues to circulate in the refrigerated cases and warm air and light is deflected away, this protects perishable products. This results in less energy being required to sustain the temperature during the night. Grocery outlets are able to decrease their impact on the environment by decreasing energy consumption and electricity and will save money on their electric bills. When you consider buying night covers, look at what’s available for retrofit models.

One of the most effective thermal barriers are night blinds that employ woven aluminum in their design. Night blinds are usually installed on open refrigerator display cases, by supplying a thermal barrier that protects refrigerated foods from heat and light. These covers are pulled down at night, like blinds, trapping cold air inside the case, and pulled up before the store opens in the morning. More and more grocery stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores have started using night covers in their efforts to reduce costs.

For more information please visit http://www.econofrost.com or call us at 1-800-519-1222 for a local distributor.

Attention all grocery retailers and specialty markets across British Columbia. Provincial utility provider BC Hydro has just launched new rebate programs effective June 1, 2010. These product incentive programs provide financial incentives to retailers seeking ways to incorporate energy-efficient products into their business.

Market Group Ventures, a Vancouver Island business that manufacturers and sells Econofrost night covers world-wide is excited at the rebate opportunity for local supermarkets and grocery stores to qualify for retrofit night covers on open refrigerated display cases.

For many years, BC Hydro has listed night covers as part of their rebate incentive program however, this newest launch showcases some of the highest prescriptive rebates for night covers available. Previously the rebate for vertical night covers was $9.00 per linear foot and now the rebate has jumped to $20.00 per linear foot. For horizontal display cases the rebate is $7.00 per linear foot.

Night covers are a great tool for supermarkets and specialty food shops to save energy, improve product freshness & appearance, reduce product shrink & discard rates and lower overall operating costs. As the leader in the night cover industry and with the support of local utility provider BC Hydro, Market Group Ventures is encouraging all local stores to take advantage of this opportunity to install Econofrost night covers and start saving immediately.

With minimum energy savings of 36% per hour used and with reductions up to 75% in product shrink, retailers are saving hundreds even thousands of dollars a month. And with a serviceable life of up to ten years, Econofrost provides a great return on investment.

Econofrost night covers are engineered for performance and durability and have been designed specifically for food retail applications, it is the number one night cover on the market.

Available in a variety of models and standard sizes (4ft, 6ft, 8ft linear lengths), Econofrost night covers supports retailers initiatives to lower energy consumption, stabilize case & product temperatures, optimize the efficiency of refrigeration equipment while contributing to a healthier environment.

In addition, night covers provide retailers with instant support and protection during power outages while longer-term measures are implemented. Using night covers during a single power outage event often pays for the installation of night covers.

Canadian Region Sales Manager, Trevor Brien tells us, “BC Hydro has long recognized the value of night covers and efforts of local retailers to make a difference in their energy usage and impact on the environment. We fully applaud the efforts of utility providers like BC Hydro who support implementing such rebate programs for worth while projects.”

Find the benefits of Econofrost night covers online by visiting www.econofrost.com or contact directly toll free at 1-800-519-1222. To request more information please send us an email at info@econofrost.com.

We’ve posted Econofrost Installation Videos on both our product site (http://www.econofrost.com/technical.html) as well as on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/user/MGVInc) if you would like to view them.

The MGV Team

Market Group Ventures Inc. (MGV Inc.) is very pleased to announce the addition of Scott Harrison to our North American Sales Team.

Scott brings 16 years of Sales experience in the HVACR Industry together with account management skills.   Having extensively travelled throughout the Southwest and Northwest in his previous position, Scott’s transition to managing the Western United States territory for MGV Inc is expected to be quite smooth.

We are excited to have Scott Harrison join our team and discover more about our products in retail merchandising solutions.  Furthermore, we are eager to work with Scott  as he further develops distribution in his territory and build on his knowledge and skills.

Fluent in English and French, we are certain Scott will be a definite asset to our North American Sales Team.

MGV, Inc. has supplied technology for the international retail food industry since 1975.