The Rise of Open Refrigeration: Why Supermarkets Are Ditching Closed-Door Cabinets in 2025
09
01
2026
As the commercial refrigeration market continues to evolve, many supermarkets are increasingly adopting open refrigeration units instead of traditional closed-door models. This shift is driven by both consumer behavior and operational efficiency considerations.
Open refrigeration cabinets enhance product visibility and ease of access, allowing shoppers to quickly locate and pick items, which can boost sales and improve the overall shopping experience. While closed-door models offer better energy efficiency, advanced features in modern open units—such as enhanced air curtains, LED lighting, and precise digital temperature controls—help mitigate energy loss while maintaining convenience.
From an operational perspective, open cabinets enable faster restocking, better product display, and optimized shelf layout, particularly in high-traffic supermarket areas. These factors not only influence retailer decisions but also highlight emerging design and technology trends in commercial refrigeration, including energy efficiency, sustainability, and smart temperature monitoring.
With these developments, open refrigeration solutions are becoming a key focus for supermarket chains and commercial refrigeration manufacturers alike, reflecting the market’s push towards improved customer experience and operational performance.
2026 Asia Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Exhibition（CRE Asia）——2026.4.9-11
Poly World Trade Center Expo, Guangzhou, China
2026 ASEAN Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Exhibition（CRE ASEAN）——2026.9.10-12
MITEC, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
This article is summarized and adapted.
Source：https://www.createrefrigeration.com/news/why-do-supermarkets-prefer-open-refrigeration-over-closed-door-models-in-2025/