As one of the world’s most fascinating cities re-creates itself, so do its retailers. KRS helped Robért Fresh Market, a well-known merchant in the New Orleans area, turn this former competitor’s space into a beautiful neighborhood institution for shopping, dining, socializing, and community events.
The overarching goal was to convey trust and basic honest value – attributes that held people together during the tenuous time of Hurricane Katrina. The new space looks local and familiar incorporating modern conveniences such as updated service areas and a new café.
Through focus groups, we understood it was important for the store to convey a sense of local pride and be a unique neighborhood fixture; a place where locals could come for impromptu socials. “We want a place where it’s friendly and fun!”
Since the existing market was severely damaged by the hurricane and flood, the entire interior space required demolition leaving only the four exterior walls. The project scope included re-imagining a new brand and food experience uniquely suited to the residents of the recovering neighborhood. The resulting store required all new store planning, outfitting, design, and implementation. This included several unique features that did not exist prior, including the attached, locally-flavored Harrison Cove Café and fresh food service area.
