Shop Display Cases

Shop display cases are a key part of food retail infrastructure — they represent a significant portion of the capital investment in setting up a supermarket or delicatessen. A properly selected shop display case ensures optimal product temperature, extended shelf life, visually appealing presentation and energy-efficient operation. In food retail, shop display cases are a priority investment for businesses aiming to maintain high product quality standards.

Types of shop display cases

Open-angle display cases are the most common format in supermarkets — customers can freely access products without opening doors, which speeds up the shopping process and increases impulse purchases. Open display cases are ideal for high-turnover products such as dairy, ready meals and beverages, where quick customer access is a priority.

Closed display cases with glass doors provide better energy efficiency — the doors reduce cold air loss and lower overall electricity consumption. Closed display cases are suitable for premium products, seafood, cheeses and delicatessen items, where product presentation and temperature retention are more important than access speed.

Temperature ranges and product groups

Medium-temperature display cases (+2–+4°C) — for dairy products, ready meals, meat products and delicatessen items. Higher-temperature display cases (+4–+8°C) — for vegetables, fruits and beverages that require chilled but not cold storage. Neutral display cases (without refrigeration) — for dry confectionery, bread and products that do not require temperature control.

For each product type, the appropriate temperature range must be selected in accordance with HACCP requirements and manufacturer guidelines. Incorrect storage temperature would accelerate product spoilage, reduce shelf life and create food safety risks for both customers and the retail business.

HACCP and retail display cases

Shop display cases are subject to strict food safety requirements — temperature control, documentation and regular cleaning are mandatory components of the HACCP plan. Food safety audits regularly check the temperature stability and cleanliness of retail display cases.

Regular defrosting and cleaning of display cases prevent ice buildup, which reduces energy efficiency and can affect temperature stability. Annual preventive maintenance of the refrigeration unit ensures optimal equipment operation and prevents unexpected breakdowns during business hours, which could lead to product losses and revenue decline.

HoReCa and retail scenarios

In a delicatessen, a premium closed display case showcasing fish, seafood and premium deli meats is a key retail element that influences the customer’s first impression of product quality. In business complex mini-markets, open shop display cases provide quick and convenient access to chilled ready meals during the workday.

Also explore refrigerators for a shop, retail freezer display cases and the full range of retail display cases in Europe.

Frequently asked questions

Which display case is best suited for selling cheese and delicatessen items? For cheeses and delicatessen items, a closed display case with glass doors at +2–+6°C is most suitable, as it ensures an attractive presentation, preserves aromas and prevents mixing with other product odours. Open display cases are less suitable for odour-sensitive products.

How often should a shop display case be cleaned? A shop display case should be cleaned at least once a week — internal shelves and walls should be washed with food-safe cleaning agents. The refrigeration unit should be serviced once a year. Maintaining a documented cleaning log is a HACCP requirement.

Why choose BHS?

BHS – Baltic HoReCa Solutions supplies professional equipment for restaurants, cafés, hotels and canteens: more than 20,000 products from many manufacturers. Our specialists help you choose the right equipment and spare parts for your kitchen or bar.

Delivery

We deliver across the European Union. Delivery time and cost depend on the order volume and destination — contact the BHS team for an exact price and lead time.