The Sobeys Flexstore is being opened by the Canada-based grocery store chain as a modular, flexible new take on the classic design of supermarkets.
The new store is located in Orangeville, Ontario where it is fitted with fixtures that can be easily changed according to varying needs throughout the operating hours. This is thanks to the help of Interstore | Schweitzer who helped the brand to debut its line of modular, flexible fixtures for the first time in North America
Interstore | Schweitzer commented on the new Sobeys Flexstore saying, "The aim of the project was to translate the new brand concept of Sobeys into a suitable store format and to set innovative accents that will flow into further projects in the future. The final concept, which relies on a modified customer flow and a flexible store layout, will serve as a guideline for other stores. Hence, the customer journey leads the shopper in a circle through the fresh food departments, which are positioned along the walls of the store. In the center of the store, gondolas with dry goods are positioned where the customers can focus on their rational shopping list."
Modular Fixture Grocery Stores
The Sobeys Flexstore is Opening in Orangeville, Ontario
Trend Themes
1. Modular Fixture Stores - Grocery stores are implementing modular fixtures that can be easily changed to cater to varying needs throughout operating hours.
2. Flexible Store Layouts - Grocery stores are adopting flexible store layouts that cater to the customer journey and can serve as guidelines for other stores.
3. Modified Customer Flow - Grocery stores are creating modified customer flows that lead shoppers in a circle through fresh food departments and position gondolas with dry goods in the center of the store.
Industry Implications
1. Retail Industry - Grocery stores are implementing modular fixtures and flexible layouts to provide better customer experiences and increase operational efficiency.
2. Store Fixture Industry - The store fixture industry has an opportunity to create innovative modular fixtures that can be easily changed based on the varying needs of grocery stores.
3. Retail Design Industry - The retail design industry can provide grocery stores with innovative ideas for modified customer flows that improve the shopping experience.