Tops Friendly Markets, Buffalo, N.Y., selected energy-efficient LED lighting by Cree, Inc., Morrisville, N.C., to illuminate its 51,364-square-foot store in Geneva, N.Y. The store, which opened in November 2012, features Cree CS18 luminaries and CR24 troffers lighting the aisles, specialty departments and pharmacy for an estimated energy savings of 70% over the original T5 fluorescent lighting.

“Tops Markets has always been progressive in designing energy efficiency into its store. When we heard about the Cree CS18 linear luminaire, we conducted a test installation in Buffalo and the results were excellent,” says Dan Jaskza, energy consultant for Tops Markets. “Not only did the Cree LED lighting product offer us 70% 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. In addition, the Cree CS18 troffers solve the need for strong vertical light levels when mounted on the store’s 13-foot ceiling.

“Consistent, high-quality light levels from top to bottom of the shelf are a critical need for retailers as they look to enhance the overall shopping experience,” says Mike Bauer, vice president of lighting sales, Cree. “The CS and CR troffers deliver the lighting quality Tops Markets desires, with the added benefits of low-maintenance and energy efficiency—ultimately supporting the bottom line.”

Designed to offer up to 100,000 lifetime hours, Cree CR24 troffers help Tops Markets 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. Tops Markets estimates the Cree system will pay for itself within 2.5 years.

“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 adds. “It offers energy savings, quality of light and is also fantastic in terms of maintenance reduction.”

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