Quiet, Reliable, Efficient and More Convenient
Hubbard Commercial, the UK's leading independent supplier of tax and energy efficient cooling hardware to the convenience store and forecourt sectors is directing its focus for 2007 on delivering ever more practical solutions to enable retailers to enhance the consumer purchasing experience and to seize the increased spending opportunity.
In a sector that is expected to grow between 4.5% and 7% during 2007 value is being driven by changing consumer attitudes to product choice, range, presentation and environmental issues such as "food miles" leading to pressure on manufacturers to deliver efficient and value for money refrigeration. Hubbard Commercial believes that local product sourcing of healthier foods and beverages is likely to be more critical in influencing consumers purchasing decisions bringing a host of new presentation and storage issues for perishable products to the convenience store sector. Dougie Stoddart, Commercial Manager at Hubbard points out: "Whilst product sales value across the whole convenience store sector rose by 4% during 2005-6 to almost £25 billion the number of outlets fell by 1.1%. This reinforces our view that the convenience and forecourt sector has to work significantly harder than it has done at any time in recent years and that this trend is likely to continue. This means that selecting a refrigeration package that is not only cost effective and efficient on day one, but that is capable of coping with increasing consumer demand for 'fresh' products in years ahead will be decisive for convenience multiples, co-operatives, independents and symbol members".
Hubbard Commercial is now one of the leading brands for the convenience refrigeration segment, offering a selection of packaged units featuring enhanced acoustic options, feature rich maintenance friendly designs and supported by comprehensive free technical support services.
Hubbard units utilise R404a refrigerant and are available for High, Medium and Low temperature ranges. Hubbard units designed for the convenience and forecourt sector are all weatherproof and can be ground, flat roof or wall mounted. This also minimises acoustic pollution, a significant issue for urban sites. Their slim design makes them ideal for situations where space is limited, and removable and hinged panels allow for easy service access. The units offer a wide range of specifications including scroll compressors and condenser coils with sickle bladed fans. Liquid receivers, filter driers and sight glasses are fitted as standard as are HP/LP safety switches and control boxes with main isolators.
Dougie Stoddart continues: "Whilst the consumer's impression is that all convenience stores are very similar, the fact of the matter is that this is very far from the truth. Choosing a cooling system from a specialist with a long track record within the convenience sector not only saves days during a refit but long-term ensures that the whole system is fit for purpose. Which would you prefer a system that has been designed and developed in the 'real-world' by a team that understands that 66% of convenience store shoppers would rather 'go without' if they don't like what's on offer, or one that's only ever been seen on a Cad Cam screen?"