Services Provided
The Challenge
H&S Energy, owned by the Hassan family, operates several different convenience store banners in California. The company’s future growth strategy is currently focused on the Power Market banner. A key element of the growth strategy is to unify all Power Market locations under a common design concept that will accommodate differing sizes and merchandising while maintaining a core brand identity and unified design.
The challenge was to develop a design that would work with Power Market’s shared elements, such as the thriving coffee program and Papa Sal’s proprietary QSR concept, as well as stores of varying footprints. The prototype for future Power Market convenience stores is based on three different sizes, setting the blueprint for future growth.Â
In order to meet these challenges, H&S Energy engaged KRS to create a design that would reflect the Power Market brand identity, enhance the customer experience, and optimize the operational efficiency of the store while adapting to the different store sizes and locations.Â
The first prototype store, located in Yuba City, CA, represents the largest footprint for the chain and carries more grocery items and service foods than the smaller stores.
The Solution
- Create a consistent and recognizable brand image for Power Market across all store sizes and locations.
- Design a flexible and modular store layout that allows easy customization and adaptation to different store sizes and locations.
- Incorporate elements of freshness, quality, and convenience into the store design, such as fresh produce, bakery, deli, and grab-and-go options.
- Enhance the customer journey and engagement by creating distinct zones for different product categories and services, such as coffee, snacks, beverages, and fuel.
- Use lighting, signage, graphics, and color to create a bright, inviting, and modern store environment that would appeal to a wide range of customers.
- Optimize the store operations and efficiency by using durable and easy-to-maintain materials, fixtures, and equipment.
The Result
The Power Market in Yuba City had its Grand Opening in 2020, successfully meeting the challenge. The store features a modern, sleek design showcasing the Power Market brand identity and values. It offers a variety of products and services that cater to the needs and preferences of local customers, such as fresh produce, bakery, deli, coffee, snacks, beverages, and fuel. The store layout is flexible and modular, allowing for easy adaptation to different store sizes and locations. The store environment is bright, inviting, and engaging, creating a positive customer experience and loyalty. Using durable and easy-to-maintain materials, fixtures, and equipment also optimizes store operations and efficiency.
With these strategic solutions in place, the resultant Power Market store exceeded expectations. The Power Market in Yuba City has become the prototype for future Power Market stores, setting the standard for the convenience store concept in California. The store has received positive feedback and reviews from the customers, the H&S Energy team, and the industry. KRS continues to work with H&S Energy to roll out the Power Market concept to other store locations and provide ongoing support and maintenance.
Summary
The Power Market project represents a modern convenience store concept designed to unify all locations under a consistent brand while adapting to varying store sizes and layouts. By focusing on fresh food offerings, modular layouts, and a bright, engaging environment, the store enhances the customer experience while optimizing operational efficiency.
KRS collaborated closely with H&S Energy to research, design, prototype, and implement the Power Market concept, resulting in a flexible, inviting, and brand-consistent convenience store that serves as a prototype for future locations.
Key Takeaways from the Power Market Redesign
- Creating a consistent and recognizable brand identity across all store sizes is crucial for franchise or multi-location concepts.
- Flexible, modular layouts allow stores to adapt to different footprints while maintaining brand standards.
- Fresh food zones, bakery, deli, grab-and-go, and coffee areas improve customer engagement and satisfaction.
- Distinct zones, effective lighting, signage, and color schemes enhance navigation and shopping experience.
- Durable, easy-to-maintain materials and fixtures optimize operational efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.
- Prototyping and 3D visualization ensure design precision and facilitate client feedback before implementation.
- The Yuba City location serves as the prototype for future Power Market stores, setting the standard for a modern convenience store concept.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What defines a modern convenience store concept?
A. A modern convenience store concept integrates a strong brand identity, flexible store layouts, fresh food offerings, clear signage, and engaging customer zones to create a cohesive and inviting shopping experience.
Q. How can convenience stores maintain brand consistency across different store sizes?
A. Using modular layouts, standardized fixtures, color schemes, signage, and consistent product zones allows stores of varying sizes to retain a uniform brand identity while accommodating local constraints.
Q. What strategies improve customer engagement in convenience stores?
A. Creating distinct zones for fresh food, coffee, snacks, and services, combined with effective lighting, signage, and intuitive navigation, enhances customer engagement and satisfaction.
Q. Why is prototyping important in store design?
A. Prototyping allows designers and clients to visualize layouts, test operational flow, and refine the design before full-scale implementation, ensuring efficiency, accuracy, and adherence to brand standards.
