Epta UK Joins the National Association of Shopfitters to Support Retail Fit-Out and Refrigeration Projects
Epta UK, a specialist in commercial refrigeration, HVAC, and air conditioning, has joined the National Association of Shopfitters (NAS) to strengthen collaboration with the UK shopfitting community and support the delivery of modern retail environments.
Epta is a global refrigeration brand with a strong local presence, with UK offices based in Bradford and Ringwood. The company supports retailers, shopfitters, and project partners across the UK with commercial refrigeration systems, convenience store refrigeration solutions, and air-conditioning systems designed for energy efficiency, reliability, and long-term performance.
Retail environments such as convenience stores, petrol forecourts, supermarkets, food-to-go locations, and general retail stores rely heavily on effective temperature control. Refrigeration plays a critical role not only in product display and food safety but also in managing energy consumption and overall store operating costs. At the same time, well-designed air-conditioning and HVAC systems help maintain a comfortable store environment for customers and staff while supporting the performance of refrigeration equipment.
Supporting the Retail Fit-Out and Shopfitting Sector
Shopfitters play an essential role in the design, build, and refurbishment of retail stores. From store layout and merchandising zones to installation and project management, shopfitters are often central to how commercial refrigeration and air-conditioning systems are specified and integrated within a retail project.
By joining the National Association of Shopfitters, Epta UK aims to connect with shopfitting companies involved in retail development projects across sectors such as:
- Convenience stores
- Petrol forecourt retail environments
- Supermarkets and small-format grocery stores
- Coffee shops and food-to-go outlets
- General retail stores requiring air conditioning and climate control
Through these relationships, Epta hopes to support shopfitters delivering complete store environments where commercial refrigeration and HVAC systems form a key part of the overall project.
Supporting Shopfitters Expanding into Refrigeration Projects
One of Epta UK's objectives through NAS membership is to connect with shopfitters interested in expanding their capabilities to include projects involving commercial refrigeration systems.
Many shopfitting businesses already deliver full retail fit-outs for convenience stores and food-to-go operators. As the demand for modern store formats grows, refrigeration is increasingly central to the design of these environments. By working alongside a specialist refrigeration manufacturer such as Epta, shopfitters may be able to broaden their service offering while maintaining their core expertise in store design and installation.
Epta remains focused on its role as a commercial refrigeration and HVAC supplier, but collaboration with shopfitters could help streamline projects and create mutually beneficial partnerships.
Supporting the Convenience and Food-to-Go Community Through Epta Direct
As part of its commitment to supporting the convenience retail and shopfitting community, Epta UK is also continuing to develop Epta Direct.
Epta Direct is designed to provide easier access to commercial refrigeration solutions, spare parts, and support for convenience stores, food-to-go operators, shopfitters, and retail businesses. The platform will continue to evolve to better support the needs of the convenience and food-to-go sector, helping businesses access the equipment and expertise required to maintain efficient and reliable refrigeration systems.
By developing Epta Direct, the company aims to provide additional resources and support for the wider retail ecosystem, including shopfitters involved in store development and refurbishment projects.
Energy Efficiency and Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)
Energy consumption is one of the most significant operational costs for retailers, particularly in stores where refrigeration equipment runs continuously.
Modern commercial refrigeration systems and HVAC technologies are increasingly designed with energy efficiency and total cost of ownership (TCO) in mind. Factors such as cabinet design, refrigerant choice, system configuration, and store layout can all influence long-term energy performance.
Epta works with retailers and project partners to help balance capital investment (CAPEX) with operational costs (OPEX), supporting store designs that reduce energy consumption while maintaining strong product presentation and refrigeration performance.
For many convenience stores and food retail environments, improving the energy efficiency of refrigeration and air-conditioning systems can significantly reduce operating costs over the lifetime of the equipment.
Preparing for the Future of Refrigeration
Environmental regulations, including the continued phase-down of high global warming potential refrigerants under F-Gas legislation, are driving the adoption of more sustainable refrigeration solutions. Increasingly, CO2 refrigeration systems are becoming a key technology in food retail due to their environmental performance and regulatory alignment.
For shopfitters involved in projects where refrigeration systems are specified or installed, understanding the potential impact of these regulatory changes may become increasingly important as the sector approaches further milestones in the post-2030 F-Gas regulatory landscape.
Epta hopes to share insight and knowledge around these developments with members of the shopfitting community.
Strengthening Collaboration Across the Retail Sector
By joining the National Association of Shopfitters, Epta UK looks forward to building stronger relationships with shopfitting businesses, retail designers, and project partners involved in the delivery of modern retail environments.
Through collaboration, the company aims to support the design and installation of energy-efficient commercial refrigeration and air-conditioning systems that help retailers optimise product display, improve store performance, and manage long-term operating costs.
To learn more about the National Association of Shopfitters, visit:
To learn more about Epta Direct, visit: