Energy Solutions for the Retail Sector
Bloom is a trusted partner in the retail sector, powering over 300 stores, warehouses, and distribution locations across the U.S. Our innovative energy solutions help businesses reduce energy spend, minimize energy waste, and achieve sustainability in the retail industry.
Retail Sector at a Glance
Retailers operate a diverse range of facilities–stores, distribution centers, warehouses, production plants, corporate campuses–all with their own unique energy profiles. A key challenge for these organizations is figuring out the most impactful way to achieve goals like decarbonization while maintaining profitability in a competitive market. The retail sector also has important business continuity requirements and must stay open and fully operational for customers in times of need. Bloom Energy’s fast time to power ensures retailers can quickly implement clean energy solutions without disrupting operations.
Quick Facts About the Retail Sector
- A recent U.S. Department of Energy report estimated that the total cost of power outages to American businesses is around $150 billion every year.1
- Unplanned downtime is costing the top 2,000 companies $400 billion a year, or roughly 9% of their profits, a new report has found.2
- According to recent research, the average cost of downtime has inched as high as $9,000 per minute for large organizations.3
- Meta’s 2024 two-hour glitch cost nearly $100 million in revenue.4
- A one-hour outage cost Amazon approximately $34 million in sales.5
Overcoming Energy Challenges in the Retail Sector
Preventing Outages
U.S. grid outages have increased by 60% over the past decade. It’s critical for the retail industry to improve their preparedness so that when the time comes, they can remain open and operational and be safe, reliable anchors for their communities in times of need.
Resilient Solution
As a critical, always-on solution, Bloom’s microgrids provide fast time to power, enabling retailers to stay operational during both planned and unplanned outages. This ensures businesses have access to reliable emergency power when the grid fails.
Lowering Emissions
Energy sustainability and management have increasingly become key areas of focus for retail organizations. Many have put these strategies at the forefront of their brands and are constantly innovating across the value chain to reduce environmental impacts.
Sustainable Solution
Hydrogen fuel cells generate electricity through an electrochemical process rather than combustion, supporting the decarbonization of retail energy systems. This avoids emitting harmful criteria air pollutants that cause severe respiratory diseases and poor air quality worldwide. Fuel cells reduce carbon emissions compared to the grid and combustion-based technologies and are also fuel-flexible with the ability to run on biogas or hydrogen for carbon-neutral emissions options.
Controlling Costs
Many retail organizations have tight operating budgets, so it’s especially important to find low- or no-cost ways to reduce energy usage and operating expenses. Managing retail energy consumption is a key strategy for controlling costs, as traditional electricity delivered from the grid exposes store operators to fluctuating prices that make budgets difficult to set and achieve.
Predictable Solution
Bloom offers several financing options that require no upfront capital to engage, which is very compelling for customers who are looking to reduce operating expenses. By fixing a large portion of electricity spend, customers are able to hedge against volatility and price escalation, keeping spending predictable.
Retail Sector FAQs
What is the retail sector?
The retail sector encompasses businesses that sell goods or services directly to consumers. This includes stores, e-commerce platforms, and other distribution channels. A key component of the sector is optimizing operations to meet consumer demands while addressing retail challenges such as sustainability and energy costs. For example, many retailers are adopting energy solutions and focusing on energy efficiency in retail to reduce operating costs and environmental impact. Retailers also rely on technologies like Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve inventory management and enhance customer experiences.
What is an example of a retail sector?
An example of the retail sector is the grocery industry, which includes supermarkets, specialty food stores, and online grocery platforms. These businesses often face challenges in the retail sector, such as reducing energy consumption while maintaining operational efficiency. Many grocery retailers have implemented sustainable retail operations using technologies like Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (AS/RS) to streamline logistics and reduce costs. By investing in energy solutions, such as microgrids or energy-efficient refrigeration systems, they’re also addressing the growing demand for environmentally responsible practices.
