The hands-free glass door system SCHOTT Termofrost Smart Access has won over the judges for the 2018 German Design Award, an international competition run by the German Design Council, and received the Gold prize for its excellent product design in the “Retail” category. Previously, at EuroShop in March 2017, SCHOTT was awarded the AIT (Architektur Innenarchitektur Technischer Ausbau) innovation award.
SCHOTT Termofrost Smart Access doors for refrigerated cabinets open hands-free using motion detection sensors. Made entirely of glass with no frame, this virtually invisible door system provides shoppers a panoramic view of and easy access to products.
In an effort to differentiate themselves from growing online retail outlets, supermarkets are investing in shop design concepts that create a feel-good atmosphere and provide exceptional customer experience. Product freshness and convenience are the two most important contributing factors, according to the EHI Retail Institute. Appealing product presentation in particular can set retail outlets apart from online retail.
With this in mind, SCHOTT and NOA Design developed a fridge door system of the future for the German supermarket chain REWE. “Our world is modernizing rapidly. Convenience, efficiency, customer experience and environmental friendliness all shape our day-to-day life, including how we shop”, Michael Lammel, Managing Partner of NOA says. Christian Köhler from SCHOTT adds: “Unique store concepts help grocery store managers connect with their customers. Closed refrigerated cabinets will be an integral part of the food retail sector of the future since they save energy. Our automatic fridge door system goes even further. The added convenience and appealing design creates a new, positive customer experience.”
The official award ceremony will be held in February 2018 during Ambiente, the consumer goods tradeshow, in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.