Tops Goes All-LED at its Geneva, N.Y. Store

Tops Friendly Markets, a full-scale grocery retailer in the northeast U.S., recently installed energy-efficient LED lighting to illuminate its 51,364-square-foot store in Geneva, N.Y.

The store, which opened in November 2012, is using Cree, Inc.’s CS18 luminaires and CR24 troffers for lighting the aisles, specialty departments and pharmacy for an estimated energy savings of 70 percent over the T5 fluorescent lighting that Tops had previously installed.

“Tops Markets has always been progressive in designing energy efficiency into its store,” said Dan Jaskza, energy consultant for Tops Markets. “When we heard about the Cree CS18 linear luminaire, we conducted a test installation in Buffalo and the results were excellent. Not only did the Cree LED lighting product offer us 70 percent energy savings [over the previous T5 fluorescent design], but also improved lighting quality without compromising lighting levels.”

Featuring Cree TrueWhite Technology, Cree CS18 and CR24 architectural troffers provide exceptional color rendering, helping to improve the visual shopping experience by making the merchandise colors more vibrant and appealing, according to Cree. In addition, the Cree CS18 troffers solve the need for strong vertical light levels when mounted on the store’s 13-foot ceiling.

Cree CR24 troffers are designed to offer up to 100,000 lifetime hours, and are expected to help Tops reduce energy consumption by offering dimming capabilities – key considerations for the 24-hour store. In addition to savings achieved through dimmable light levels and decreased maintenance costs, the Cree LED troffers are backed by a 10-year limited warranty.

“For any supermarket operator today, whether they are building a new store or implementing an upgrade, Cree LED lighting is a must-do solution,” Jaszka continued. “It offers energy savings, quality of light and is also fantastic in terms of maintenance reduction.”

A second Tops location featuring Cree CS18 luminaires and round interior pendants is currently under construction. Tops has plans for an additional three stores in 2013, adding to its 153 full-service supermarkets in New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont.