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SADI 2011 – Pequot Lakes Supervalu - Credits

In stark contrast to the other winner in this category, Pequot Lakes Supervalu is more like your average neighborhood grocery store. But it is one executed to perfection. Judges found it warm, comfortable and said its design moves succeeded.

One of the strongest parts of the design is that even though Supervalu is a monster chain, the store manages to fit seamlessly within its community. The scheme itself is modeled after the area’s numerous lake resorts and cottages.

The store is a new ground-up 30,000 square foot supermarket in Northern Minnesota with a rustic, cabin-inspired design. Local relevance was a key project goal, and the design team sought to model the store after the area’s numerous lake resorts and cottages.

The store has an impactful first impression with abundant produce and floral to create a fresh farm stand experience. The service deli, fresh bakery, seafood and meats convey a small town atmosphere, complimented by a segregated dining area where shoppers can enjoy a freshly prepared meal next to a large stone hearth fireplace. During the warmer months, customers may take advantage of the outdoor patio complete with cabin-inspired deck furniture.

Custom fixtures both inside and outside the store celebrate the area’s renowned wildlife. Vintage lantern wall sconces with genuine mica shades are featured above the refrigerated cases, lending subtle charm to an area of the store that is traditionally plain and sterile. Dyed concrete flooring, vintage tin wall panels and custom cedar woodwork contributes to the warm, rustic interior. The store’s authentic cabin décor includes hanging split log way-finding signs, stacked stone pillars, deer antler chandeliers and hanging canoes that once belonged to a local resort.

The use of recurring visual elements throughout the store creates a seamless continuity from one department to another. The Pequot Lakes pine tree logo is incorporated into signage, light fixtures, check-stands and a laser-cut wall and floor tile design that greets shoppers as they enter the store. To reinforce the local theme, large printed photos depict outdoor recreation in the region and each aisle directory is named after a nearby lake.

The refrigerated cases are fitted with frameless reach-in doors that present expansive views of the product and are an energy smart solution compared to traditional open cases. Rich wood accents abound throughout the store, and can even be found on the custom check stands. Granite countertops in the service deli department support the store’s residential aesthetic.
Since tourism in Pequot Lakes is seasonal, the produce department features moveable produce pods and oak orchard bins that allow for a customized floor layout at different times of the year. Department signs such as “Sibley Lake Deli” and “Pequot Creamery” help to drive home the store’s unique brand image.

The store connects with local shoppers through a holistic design that reflects the look and feel of their lakeside vacation community. To make the store especially relevant to Pequot Lakes, the walls are adorned with local photography, authentic log cabin décor is featured prominently and bulletin boards in the dining area give anglers an opportunity to show off their latest catch.

Project Name
Pequot Lakes Supervalu

Location
Pequot Lakes, Minn.

Square Footage
30,000

Architect
Supervalu Store Design Services

Developer/Owner
Nor-Son Inc.

Lighting
Amerlux & Lithonia

Millwork, Service Counters and Decor

Capital Wood Products

Refrigerated Cases
Hill Phoenix

Gondolas & Shelving
Lozier

Bakery Display and Cases
Structural Concepts

Smallwares
Hubert

Photography
Mark Steele

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