A winner of a ARE Design Award for sustainability, this ultra-hip Whole Foods Austin store boasts plenty of unique culinary delights and playful design elements. The laid back grocery store, designed by CTA Architects & Engineers, features a coffee bar, draft beer shack and a plant wall.
The ultramodern supermarket boasts an interior characterized by comfortable seating for busy shoppers, wooden beams and an overall "rustic steampunk" feel.
The exterior of the Whole Foods Austin location is just of fun, boasting a playground, adult gaming space, bike repair stations and a selection of rocking chairs. There is even a stage, beer garden seating and fire pits, making it a hip location that is sure to host a bevy of exciting community-driven events.
Community Hub Supermarkets
This Award-Winning Whole Foods Austin Location is a Retail Playground
Trend Themes
1. Community-driven Supermarkets - Opportunities exist to transform traditional supermarkets into experiential hubs that foster community connections and facilitate events.
2. Sustainable Supermarkets - Innovation can be pursued in the area of supermarket design to ensure sustainability and eco-friendliness, reducing carbon footprints.
3. Experiential Retail - Rich and immersive retail experiences can be created and integrated into the shopping process to make it more memorable and appealing than online shopping.
Industry Implications
1. Supermarkets - Supermarkets can embrace the trend of creating community hubs that provide more than just a shopping experience. Supermarkets can look at opportunities to provide community spaces and incorporate entertainment features that will, in turn, promote brand loyalty and engagement.
2. Retail Design and Architecture - Creating engaging retail environments through architecture and design offers great potential for architects and designers to experiment with design innovation and incorporate sustainable materials, resulting in functional yet beautiful community spaces.
3. Hospitality and Entertainment - The trend of community hub supermarkets provides the hospitality and entertainment industry with a chance to create new, innovative concepts to match the needs of this evolving retail ecosystem.