In Olympia, Washington, the Thriftway grocery stores, Bayview Thriftway and Ralph’s Thriftway, are not just shops—they are community staples. With staff who know customers by name, these stores prioritize a friendly shopping environment. In line with this commitment, Stormans, the family-owned company operating these stores, recently undertook a significant upgrade to their refrigeration systems, addressing customer concerns about comfort and equipment reliability.
In 2022, Stormans partnered with Taper, a specialist in optimizing building efficiency, to replace outdated, doorless refrigeration units with centralized systems. This undertaking meant moving away from numerous standalone systems that were frequently in need of repair. Taper’s thorough planning ensured minimal disruption during this year-long transition, setting a clear schedule and identifying logistical needs.
One notable solution from Taper involved using refrigerated semi-trailers to hold products during the installation, mitigating the risk of spoilage. This was crucial since the upgrade required that existing systems be offline during the process.
The new centralized units are designed for better efficiency, lowering energy use by 27% and subsequently reducing electricity bills. Maintenance costs have also dropped, thanks to a more accessible layout and an improved system design that minimizes outages.
Additionally, Taper installed smart controls to optimize operations, such as monitoring condensation in frozen food displays, which enhances visibility for customers. The new cases, equipped with doors, maintain optimal temperatures, thereby improving product freshness and elevating the shopping experience.
After the project’s completion, Kevin Stormans, co-owner of Thriftway, expressed immense pride in the transformation. He noted that, post-installation, the stores appeared brand new, reaffirming their dedication to providing the community with a superior shopping environment. As a B Corp, Taper not only supports operational efficiency but also contributes significantly to sustainability, using eco-friendlier refrigerants that comply with environmental regulations.
This project illustrates how thoughtful enhancements in grocery operations can lead to enhanced customer experiences, lower operating costs, and a positive environmental impact, setting a benchmark in the grocery industry.
