19
Feb
Retail

From discount store to supermarket

Zielpunkt takes an important step with Wanzl

Improving the image of a shop – known as trading up – is a business-critical step for the operators and an enormous challenge for the shopfitters. There is always a risk that regular customers will be put off by the enhanced appearance, while the new target group first needs to be won over in a lengthy and cost-intensive campaign.

In recent years, the successful trading up of food stores has become a specialist area for the planners at Wanzl. The latest example of this expertise is the company Zielpunkt. In Vienna, Wanzl has shown how a "hard discounter" can be turned into a supermarket that combines the positive aspects of the past with objectives for the future. At the new Zielpunkt, this is clear from the first glimpse of the façade and the car park entrance: these are much more open, pleasant and inviting to customers than before. At the same time, the oversized, illuminated logo cube and the liberal use of complementary logo colours are a clear nod to the past. 

Inside the building a whole host of measures have been taken to increase shopping comfort, therefore pleasing the supermarket target group without scaring off the discount store customers: the aisles have been widened considerably, the logo colours are now distributed around the store in a more selective and less intrusive manner, goods are presented clearly and in straight lines, daylight enters the store, and the design of the floor and ceiling is kept deliberately simple. The trading up therefore benefits the regular customers in particular as it has increased shopping comfort. This effect is supported by the Wanzl wire tech 100 shelving system, which has a subconscious effect on the shopping atmosphere. Compared with traditional shelving, its wire shelves not only allow an enormous amount of light to pass through, they are also so fine and unobtrusive that, from the perspective of the customer standing in front of the shelving unit, the goods are the main focus and lead the eye around the store. This strong visual accentuation of familiar products and Zielpunkt's own brands helps to retain existing customers, but also appeals to the new target group due to the extremely clean and uncluttered appearance, thus showing typical supermarket customers that Zielpunkt is a real alternative.   This is also symbolised by the stylised natural stone wall in the fruit and vegetables section and the suspended signs and wall posters featuring selected, emotive imagery. Just like the signs in the fruit and veg section, these elements present the idea of "healthy enjoyment" in concise, straightforward language. In combination with the completely redesigned service counters, these indicate to the customer a carefully selected range of products and increased value without increased prices.  

The results achieved in East Vienna are so impressive that Zielpunkt has already decided to gradually convert its other stores to the new concept. It is not only in Austria that Wanzl has proved it has perfected the art of trading up in the food retail industry. As an adviser, planner and supplier, Wanzl has successfully and decisively supported measures to improve the image of well-known businesses from various countries in Europe, but also the Middle East and North Africa.