Concept and Features:

The Ashburton IGA underwent a much-needed transformation, with the goal of creating a more engaging and sustainability-focused store for the local community.

 

Previously, the store was quite plain and lacked warmth, offering little beyond a utilitarian, "get in and get out" shopping experience. IGA, at its core, is meant to serve as a community grocer, but the old store felt impersonal and overly commercialized. To address this, the redesign embraced natural colors and elements that reflect the farmers and products at the heart of the store's offerings.

 

The checkout area now features large tomato display racks, strategically placed to encourage last-minute purchases, while a playful "vine" installation offers customers a fun way to donate to charity—similar to the familiar spiral coin donation tins.

 

The checkout desk is equipped with a large, built-in scanning port and screen, streamlining the process and allowing staff to serve customers efficiently.

 

The retail section, including aisles and refrigerated units, draws inspiration from the revamped front area. The design incorporates the large tomato displays and subtle fencing, reinforcing the message that the store’s produce is fresh and sourced directly from local farmers.

 

To further enhance the store’s identity, the logo outside the building was enlarged and its color scheme matched the interior décor, creating a cohesive and unified brand experience.