Misting plays a pivotal role in enhancing the shopping experience within the Large-Scale Retail (LSR) sector. The quality of the shopping environment in supermarkets, warehouses, and malls is paramount in determining the success of any business. To attract and cultivate a loyal customer base, it is imperative to offer tailored features that cater to their specific needs.
Natural Misting takes pride in its collaborations with major organized distribution groups in Italy, including Il Gigante, Conad, Pam, Bennet, Banco Fresco, Supermercati Piccolo, Supermercati Tosano, Cadoro, Coop, and many others. Our mission is to deliver a highly efficient service, thereby contributing to the enhancement of the consumer shopping experience in these vital commercial sectors.
This article will delve into the ways in which misting can elevate the shopping experience within the realm of Large-Scale Retail (LSR).
Shopping experience in LSR: commercial environments
The shopping experience in LSR is an aspect that every business in the sector must carefully consider. Companies strive to make their customers feel comfortable during the shopping phase, creating a sense of well-being that encourages customers to return frequently.
In the case of a commercial environment, the misting of fresh products can come to the rescue in various ways.
Aesthetic and visual attractiveness
The use of misting and humidification to preserve fresh products not only offers practical benefits in preserving the food for sale but also creates a theatrical experience that adds dynamism and attractiveness to the entire department. Watching a refrigerated display surrounded by a constant mist of ultrasonic humidity, keeping vegetables and fruits fresh, or observing a fish counter where a thin mist activates and envelops the displayed products creates a spectacle for customers. Initially intrigued, customers then appreciate the attention given to these new technological solutions.
Through misting, especially in the produce department but also for fish and meat products, items maintain their freshness and quality for an extended period. This means that products remain visually attractive for a longer period, as they do not deteriorate as quickly as before. Misting helps maintain the right level of humidity in those food departments where visual appeal is equally important.
Customers tend to focus on products that look better and fresher. Thanks to misting, the shelf life of products extends, benefiting both consumers and the store. The constant mist surrounding the products indicates to customers that these products are treated with care and are always fresh.
Reduction of waste and improvement of shopping experience
The idea that a significant amount of food goes to waste can undoubtedly negatively impact the shopping experience of customers in supermarkets. Misting not only prolongs the freshness of products but also plays a crucial role in reducing losses due to the early deterioration of food.
When stored products are protected from degradation, the waste of perfectly edible food is avoided. This practice not only demonstrates environmental responsibility but also represents an economic advantage for LSR operators.
Customers, in turn, benefit from this reduction in waste as food supplies remain fresher and available for a more extended period. The shopping experience becomes more rewarding when customers notice that purchased products do not deteriorate prematurely, allowing them to fully enjoy their purchases.
Misting as a sensory marketing tool
In addition to the visual aspect, it is essential to consider the importance of smell when discussing the shopping experience in the Grande Distribuzione Organizzata (LSR). Unpleasant odors can negatively affect the customer’s stay in the store, which is why misting becomes a valuable ally in engaging the sense of smell.
Misting not only keeps products fresh in optimal conditions for a longer period but also prevents them from releasing unwanted odors. On the contrary, it allows products to spread their fresh and natural fragrance in the surrounding environment. This is particularly relevant in the produce, meat, and fish departments, where freshness and the absence of unpleasant odors are crucial.
When customers perceive an environment free of unpleasant odors and can smell the natural fragrance of fresh products, they feel more comfortable and inclined to explore the various sections of the store more thoroughly. The association between fresh products and an environment free of unpleasant odors reinforces the store’s quality image and can positively influence customer purchasing choices.
Misting technologies
Among the various technologies capable of improving the shopping experience in LSR, Natural Misting offers the versatility of low and high-pressure misting, along with humidification capabilities through ultrasonic technology. Each of these modes can be used in different ways to ensure a superior shopping experience.
Low-pressure misting
Low-pressure misting technology, operating at a pressure of approximately 8 bar, provides an innovative approach to improving the freshness of fresh products for sale and is ideal for enhancing the shopping experience in LSR concerning produce or seafood. This system sprays a fine mist of water droplets ranging from 25 to 35 microns directly onto the surface of the products. This mist not only helps restore the natural moisture of the food but also creates a temporary fog layer. This layer, during the evaporation process, has the dual advantage of cooling the interior of the food. Misting cycles are quick, with a duration of 4-8 seconds, repeating cyclically every 6-10 minutes.
High-pressure misting
High-pressure misting, similar to its low-pressure counterpart, allows for the distribution of a fine mist of water droplets on products for sale. However, the droplets are considerably smaller, with a diameter of about 15 microns. Operating at a pressure of about 30 bar and with adjustable nozzles, this technology allows directing the misting jet even in narrow spaces, such as those found in the presence of curved glass display cases or when the misting line is located up to 2.5 meters away from the products to be misted. Operating cycles are substantially similar to low-pressure systems: misting lasts 4-8 seconds and repeats cyclically every 6-10 minutes.
Ultrasonic humidification
Ultrasonic humidification represents a unique and versatile option. Unlike the other two technologies, it generates even smaller water droplets, ranging from 1 to 3 microns, without the need for pressure. This method uses the high-frequency vibration of its transducers to create a cold mist that can be distributed over products through perforated tubes or other devices.
The most significant feature of this technology is that it does not directly mist the products. This means it can be safely used on the most sensitive products, such as meat displayed in refrigerated counters and fruits. Furthermore, this technology creates an engaging visual spectacle in the sales area, operating continuously and contributing to enliven the environment, in total silence.
Its versatility, safety, and aesthetic impact make it an ideal choice for preserving and presenting a wide range of products for sale.
Shopping experience in LSR: conclusions
The use of misting and humidification is an effective tool to improve the shopping experience within the Grande Distribuzione Organizzata (LSR) and, consequently, to increase sales. For this reason, these technologies are widely adopted by major LSR chains, with significant results.
Natural Misting is committed to meeting the needs of each industry operator, contributing to creating a more comfortable environment where customers can make their purchases easily.
Maintenance of misting systems
The satisfaction of our customers is a fundamental priority for Natural Misting. Our team of experienced technicians performs periodic maintenance of consumable components and responds promptly to customer requests throughout the territory. Thanks to our scheduling service, we can notify the customer in advance when maintenance is required, minimizing emergency interventions and ensuring the safe operation of the system without wasting resources.
From the initial assessment to scheduled maintenance, we take care of our customers at every stage of the journey. Feel free to contact us for a quote and discuss your needs. We are here to provide high-quality service and ensure your complete satisfaction.
