1 minute read
‘Store of the Future’
from DB3 Food Retail
by DB3Group
Location: UK-wide
Expertise Area: Architecture
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DB3 acted as Architect for this scheme to develop a new superstore and petrol filling station with associated car parking, two new accesses, a public amenity space with public art by a local artist, a link to an existing cycle path/ future tramway and further off-site Section 278 highway improvements.
The project provides a gross internal floor area of 67,000 sq. ft. with 33,000 sq. ft. retail sales area. The design was originally a ‘Store of the Future’, incorporating lean store (value engineering) initiatives, but became a ‘laboratory’ store incorporating a ‘Food Retail Warehouse’ concept. We worked with US/Canadian consultants using the Preston store as a ‘lab’ to incorporate innovative ideas and technology, such as tunnel scanner checkouts and LCD screens for in-store promotions. There is an emphasis on better value via bulk sales at a discount, with full cases of products available to buy, alongside an amplification of the ‘quality, value and fresh’ ethos synonymous with the client.
As is familiar in ‘Store of the Future’ sites, customers enter into a wide produce aisle. To the right is a wet produce area (From the Garden). To the left are variations on the traditional Morrisons’ ‘Market Street’ of The Oven, Meat Shop and Fish Shop moving around the rear of the store to Bake Shop and Deli & Cheese. In the produce aisle, all cases are low, giving a view of the entire area. Bespoke signage and lighting lends the area an American Farmer’s market funkiness.
