February 2009
Shopko has won first place in Chain Store Age's ‘2008 Retail Store of the Year’ design competition for the design of its new prototype store that debuted in Suamico, Wisconsin, early last year.
Designed by leading retail design firm Chute Gerdeman Retail in conjunction with Shopko's in-house design team the new store was a first place winner in the ‘Discount Store/Mass Merchant’ category.
The new design, which will be used for future Shopko stores, incorporates a number of elements that give the store a stronger connection to its core customers–women shoppers who are driven by value, convenience, and family.
The Shopko store experience was completely redesigned–from the identity and exterior architecture to the interior design, floor plan, fixtures, adjacencies, and graphic communications.
The new stores welcome shoppers with a central entry that feels like a specialty store–modern and warm, with the new Shopko logo incorporated in the flooring.
At the entry of each of the store's major departments, dramatic boutique focal points, incorporating classic design elements, help break up the big box feel and make the store easier to shop.
Many of the focal areas are complemented by a generously proportioned lampshade overhead as well as an area rug below.
Columbus, OH-based Chute Gerdeman, known for delivering creative and fresh interpretations of retailers' brand stories, developed residential cues throughout the store: armoire fixtures, comfortable seating, coffered ceiling elements, picture rails, crown molding, and crisp white woodwork highlight the merchandise and ensure design longevity.
To more closely connect to the core customer, framed lifestyle imagery is displayed on the integrated rail system around the perimeter of the store–much like she would proudly display family photos at home.
In October 2008, Shopko celebrated the grand openings of the second and third stores featuring the award-winning design, one in Sussex, Wisconsin and another in North Branch, Minnesota.
A fourth store is currently under construction in Council Bluffs, Iowa. The store is on schedule to open in March of this year.
Shopko's new store design will be profiled in the magazine's February issue.
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