Space Age Fuel’s 2015 prototype was designed to increase the functionality of the store in hopes of increasing sales and profit. “We had a ‘feel-good experience’ in mind when we redesigned our store,” said General Manager Don Nelson. “We expanded our aisle widths and broadened our offerings by eliminating unproductive space.”
Nelson also wanted to create an environment that invites customers to linger. “For that, we designed bar seating areas with charging stations and free Wi-Fi that invite our traveling customers to stay a while,” he said. “We believe that when customers feel good while in our stores, which includes offering them inviting shopping areas and good selections, they are likely to buy more products.”
What the Experts Say
“The company of tomorrow serving you today”: What a great brand promise. Can the chain deliver? Well, it would appear that it did in this store design. The grand entrance welcomes you to a futuristic store. The bold contemporary design combines modern architecture with eclectic signage, modern lighting and reclaimed wood with printed graphics. The industrial touches combine with modern equipment and fixtures to present a space-age design that is new and old at the same time. My three favorite parts of this design are the cool light fixtures in the food area, the reclaimed wood graphics and the coffee program: Coffee Planet, offering “out-of-this-world” product. The chain has embraced both its name and its brand promise in this design. —Mike Lawshe, president and CEO, Paragon Solutions