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Piggly Wiggly looks outside the aisles for new concept |
05.02.2008
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MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.--Piggly Wiggly Carolina Co. unveiled its new concept store April 4 at Market Common, an upscale, mixed-use development here.
Designed around the way shoppers think, the 40,000-square-foot store is the first of its kind and is set up to complement the way customers intuitively shop. Instead of walking down isles to find groceries, foods are grouped together in specific categories as a convenience to shoppers. Eggs are found near the bacon and pancake mixes, and cereal is near the milk. All beverages, including beer and wine are in one area and canned and fresh fruits and vegetables are in another.
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"We were convinced there was a better and easier way for consumers to shop for groceries," said Rita Postell, manager of community and employee relations for Piggly Wiggly. "This is like shopping the way you think."
The store's decor features soft lighting and hardwood flooring. The entrance is an open concept that is designed to resemble an at-home kitchen. Employees can be seen preparing the days ready-to-eat food offerings. The Seattle-based meal prep company Dream Dinners also has a station where customers can assemble their own entrees and Starbucks has an in-store coffee bar.
Throughout the store are individual meal solution stations that have everything needed to create an entire meal at home. For example, a station for an Italian night out includes pasta, sauce, cheese and wine. Advanced refrigeration systems allow for unique pairings of shelf-stable and perishable items. The store also includes a cafe that seats approximately 25 people and curbside pick-up is offered for prepared foods such as lasagna, pizza, ribs, salads and desserts.
In development for about two years, the store's concept was designed to cater to the area's demographics. Market Common is an upscale shopping center and includes high-end retail stores like William-Sonoma, as well as vacation homes, town houses and apartments.
Piggly Wiggly does not have immediate plans to open another store like the one here, but Postell said this is a test for future openings.
Based in Charleston, S.C., Piggly Wiggly Carolina Co. operates 115 supermarkets in South Carolina, Georgia and North Carolina.
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