Retail

EDEKA Pessios (D)

Wanzl designs next EDEKA Pessios in Taunusstein-Wehen

Following its huge success in Germany's Nastätten, Wanzl teamed up with owner Michael Pessios to design the next EDEKA store in Taunusstein-Wehen, Hesse, with a Mediterranean look and feel. The owner’s Greek roots are once again subtly reflected in the 1,600 square metre sales area while at the same time showcasing the EDEKA brand identity even more. The result is a shopping location that combines regionality, functionality and individuality. This is Michael Pessios' third EDEKA store in the region, which he has once again developed in close collaboration with EDEKA Südwest's Shop Planning & Design department and Wanzl's shopfitting and project management expertise.

Development of the proven design

With white as the defining colour, Greek architectural elements, Mediterranean decorations, blue-and-white contrasts and light natural materials, the impressive core concept of the Nastätten store has been preserved. "The design inspires customers to this day and is virtually unique in Germany. In Taunusstein-Wehen, however, our aim was not to create a mere copy, but to authentically develop the concept while emphasising EDEKA as a strong brand more prominently," explains Michael Pessios. As a recurring design element, the yellow EDEKA heart draws attention to the brand throughout the store while being seamlessly integrated into the overall design.

Development of the proven design

Highlights: Gallery with event area

An innovative and eye-catching element is the gallery with event area, which can be used for tastings, events and customer promotions. It is a space for interaction and also elevates the store to a new level of functionality. Prominently visible in the store, the symbolic “event” portal features white ornaments, light wood, and a large yellow EDEKA heart in the centre. Thanks to its glass railing, the gallery looks inviting and impresses with its spacious layout and plenty of space between the seats. Opposite the portal, a large double graphic references the Greek theme, thereby establishing a connection to the Mediterranean design concept of the entire store. Michael Pessios explains: "I want my stores to be more than just another shopping location. I want them to be meeting places that bring joy and create quality of life. This is exactly what our new gallery represents, with its elegant and emotive atmosphere, providing a space for conversation and special gourmet experiences.

Highlights: Gallery with event area

Individual design & functional solutions - a short tour of the store

As soon as you enter the store, you are greeted by a fruit and vegetable section reminiscent of a Greek agora: light-filled arcades frame the area and white sail cloths stretch over the Vitable tables in the centre as summery sun shades, skilfully showcasing the freshness of the products. Striking floor projections attract additional attention, whether as a reference to the EDEKA Bio organic range or as a “Welcome” message, integrated into the familiar Pessios logo designed in the style of an antique coin. The design concept from Nastätten incorporated, among other elements, shelves adorned with white and blue tiles, a font reminiscent of the Greek alphabet, and wall graphics featuring motifs from everyday Greek life. This time, the design intentionally forgoes plastic decorations such as sculptures or amphorae, resulting in an even more subtle and modern atmosphere. Decorative special lights create the right atmosphere. This is particularly impressive in the frozen food section, where ring lights emitting a bluish-white colour tone create an icy effect. By contrast, the green plants hanging from the ceiling give the pharmacy section a natural feel. In addition, structural challenges such as visible ventilation and contact rails were integrated in the design to ensure a harmonious overall appearance. A real highlight is the spacious fresh produce counter, which is tiled in terracotta colours and has an impressive superstructure. The product signs for fish, meat and cheese are integrated here in the form of a curved arch with ornaments that echo the design of the event portal. Michael Pessios uses the wire tech 100 shelving system from Wanzl in all departments. This system has been uniquely enhanced in the wine section with arched structures, as has the rest of the sales furniture. All of this furniture is presented in striking white.

Overall, the store design conveys EDEKA’s values: regionality, freshness and quality. “These stores are precisely what create the allure and passion for bespoke shopfitting,” emphasises Tino Pilharcz, Senior Director at Wanzl. "The customers are thrilled. It’s a place where they can buy fresh food in a great atmosphere. The collaboration with everyone involved was fantastic, and we're eager for more." The result is an EDEKA store that seamlessly blends the owner's personal story with a contemporary, functional store design, creating a truly unique shopping experience.