70 Retro retail

Retro retail

The latest high-design stores are turning back the hands of time with nostalgic interiors.

Superette’s newest cannabis dispensary in Toronto was designed to resemble a retro grocery store. Its vibrant colors, punchy graphics, and what Dezeen called “pop art aesthetic” are evocative of mid-century retail branding and design. In August 2021, the company opened Sip ’n’ Smoke, an express kiosk with a similar look inspired by old-school cafeterias.

The interior of Los Angeles grocery Wine & Eggs, opened in 2021, was partially inspired by public schools. Saturated hues of blue and yellow feature throughout the space and branding, complemented by bright green. Rounded wood shelving and displays call to mind building blocks, and the blue-andgreen checkered floor is made from commercial-grade vinyl composition tile (VCT). “I love VCT because it actually feels both playful and reminiscent of our childhood in public schools,” Adi Goodrich, who created the interior, told Dezeen.

Creative agency Saint of Athens designed a jewelry store, opened in August 2021 in Mykonos, Greece, that nods to the splendor of luxury swimming pools in a bygone era. The interior is decked in light-blue tiles with red-and-white striped accents. “Soft blue, a color reminiscent of urban pool luxury of the ‘60s, furniture made from metal, vintage elements and custom blue terrazzo displays constitute a retro yet modern, Wes Anderson kind of universe,” agency founder Nikos Paleologos told Dezeen.

Why it’s interesting The past two years saw people turning to nature-inspired design to create a sense of comfort and stability. Now, the latest store designs are opting for kitschy, playful interiors that offer a nostalgic escape.

Luxury