Retail

EDEKA Pessios (D)

Wanzl designs next EDEKA Pessios store in Taunusstein-Wehen, Germany

Following the huge success in Nastätten, Wanzl, in collaboration with owner Michael Pessios in Taunusstein-Wehen, Hesse, has designed the next EDEKA store featuring a Mediterranean look and feel. Across 1,600 square meters of retail space, the owner’s roots are subtly reinterpreted while the EDEKA brand identity is showcased even more prominently. The result is a shopping location combining local sourcing, functionality, and individuality. This is Michael Pessios' third EDEKA store in the region, once again developed in close collaboration with Pessios, EDEKA Südwest Shop Planning & Design department, and Wanzl’s experts in shopfitting and project management.

Further development of the proven design

White as the dominant store color, Greek architectural elements, Mediterranean decorations, blue and white contrasts, and light natural materials – the impressive basic concept of the Nastätten store was retained. "The design still inspires customers today and is almost unique in Germany. However, in Taunusstein-Wehen, we aimed not to create a mere copy, but to authentically evolve the concept while also showcasing EDEKA as a strong brand," explains Michael Pessios. The yellow EDEKA heart, as a recurring design element, captures attention throughout the store while being seamlessly integrated into the overall design.

Further development of the proven design

Highlight: Mezzanine with event area

A standout feature is the mezzanine with event space, which can be utilized for tastings, events, and customer promotions. It creates a space for interaction and 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 at its center. Thanks to its glass railing, the mezzanine looks inviting and impresses with its spacious layout and generous seat spacing. Across from the portal, a large double graphic incorporates the Greek theme, channeling the Mediterranean design concept of the entire store. Michael Pessios explains: "My stores should be more than just supply options. They are meeting places that bring joy and create quality of life. This is exactly what our new mezzanine represents, with its elegant and emotional atmosphere providing space for communication and unique enjoyment experiences.

Highlight: Mezzanine with event area

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

The moment shoppers step into the store, they're greeted by a fruit and vegetable section reminiscent of a Greek agora: Bright arcades frame the area, and white sailcloths stretch overhead like summery canopies over the centrally placed Vitable tables, artfully showcasing the freshness of the products. Eye-catching floor projections draw extra attention, designed as a nod to the EDEKA Bio organic range or as a "Welcome" message, integrated into the familiar Pessios logo resembling an antique coin. The design concept from Nastätten incorporated, among other elements, shelving walls 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 deliberately dispenses with plastic decorations such as sculptures or amphorae, adding an even more subtle and modern flair. Decorative special lights create the right atmosphere. This is particularly impressive in the freezer zone, where blueish-white ring lights create an icy appearance. In the pharmacy department, on the other hand, green plants hanging from the ceiling create a sense of naturalness. In addition, structural challenges such as visible ventilation and power rails were integrated in the design for a harmonious overall appearance. A real highlight is the spacious fresh food counter, with terracotta-color tiles and an impressive overhead structure. The food assortment 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. Across all departments, Michael Pessios relies on the wire tech 100 shelving system from Wanzl, which has been customized in the wine department, among other areas, with arched structures – naturally kept in signature white like the rest of the retail furniture.

Overall, the store design conveys EDEKA’s values: local sourcing, freshness, and quality. "It is precisely these stores that create the allure and enthusiasm for custom shopfitting," emphasizes Tino Pilharcz, Senior Director at Wanzl. "The customers are enthusiastic. It’s a place where they can enjoy a great atmosphere while stocking up on fresh food. The collaboration with everyone involved was fantastic and leaves us wanting more. The result is an EDEKA store that blends the owner’s unique story with contemporary, functional store design to create a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.