Case Study: Power Market – Flexible C-Store Design for Brand Expansion

Table of Contents
Outside store front of the newly redesigned C-Store Power Market

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. 

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. 

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.

Hot food at a proprietary Quick Serve Restaurant in the new Power Market

The Solution

KRS approached the challenge by first doing a thorough deep dive with the H&S Energy team to understand their vision, goals, and expectations for the Power Market concept. KRS conducted site visits, market research, and customer surveys to gain insights into the local demographics, preferences, and trends. KRS also reviewed the existing store layouts, fixtures, equipment, and signage to identify opportunities for improvement and innovation.

Based on the findings, KRS combined industry expertise with the client’s vision to shape a dynamic convenience store blueprint and developed a design strategy that would address the following key objectives:

  • 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.

KRS presented a complete design concept, including 3D renderings, floor plans, and elevations, to the H&S Energy team. The design concept was well received by the client. After integrating some minor revisions and feedback into the final design, the H&S Energy team greenlighted the project’s next phase. 

KRS then advanced to the project’s engineering, prototyping, production, and installation stages, ensuring precision in design execution and adherence to the highest standards. From concept to completion, KRS worked closely with the H&S Energy team, combining our experience with their vision to ensure a successful Yuba City Power Market launch.

Dine in for hot food in the C-Store Power Market

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.

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