While many businesses operate either out of a permanent location or a mobile one, this convenience store design serves as a hub for both. Horizon Market in Bismarck, North Dakota is a 6,720-square-foot destination that aims to provide limitless options to shoppers.
On the walls of the store, decorative elements and signage help consumers to identify areas like the 'Brewer's Cave' or the 'Frozen' section. There are also locations in the store for shoppers to sample Swirly’s frozen yogurt or pick up a coffee at the Sooner or Later bar. With an emphasis on luxury and convenience, Horizon Market even includes a drive-thru option.
Beyond this physical location, Horizon Market caters to local communities with a roving food truck. A typical route includes a stop at a nearby high school, where students have the chance to purchase fresh hot dogs and cold sodas.
Multi-Channel Convenience Stores
Horizon Market's Convenience Store Design Works with a Food Truck
Trend Themes
1. Multi-channel Retail - There's a visible trend of creating a hybrid retail experience that merges both permanent and mobile locations to provide limitless options to shoppers.
2. Luxury Convenience - Horizon Market creates a high-end convenience store experience that emphasizes luxury and convenience.
3. In-store Experience - The emphasis on providing in-store experiences like sampling Swirly's frozen yogurt or picking up a coffee at the Sooner or Later bar indicates a growing trend of enhancing the shopping experience beyond typical offerings.
Industry Implications
1. Retail Industry - Retailers who are looking to differentiate themselves can leverage multi-channel retail to enhance their footprint and offer greater value to customers.
2. Hospitality Industry - Incorporating a drive-thru option is an innovative approach that opens up opportunities for the hospitality industry to expand their business with convenience store design.
3. Food Truck Industry - The food truck industry can take inspiration from Horizon Market's roving food truck concept to deliver fresh hot dogs and sodas to busy areas such as schools, events, and corporate offices.