Convenience stores are not known for their design-savvy or aesthetically pleasing environments, but that is all about to change according to Convenience Store News. Recently, numerous convenience store chains have shelled out substantial sums to improve both the interior and exterior of their stores. For example, Toronto-based Suncor Energy Products, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Suncor Energy Inc.), with 74 franchised Sunoco locations in Canada, opted for a full-scale makeover in 2003. Inside the stores, Suncor added modern touches to the stores, refreshed the interior with bolder colors, architectural detail and bright color-coded merchandise zones with graphic lettering. On the outside, Suncor refaced each location with stucco for a unified look and added bright colors near the door. Suncor undoubtedly hopes that these aesthetic improvements will increase profits, just as they have done for Maine-based C.N. Brown Company, operators of 94 Big Apple Food Stores, which saw a 3 to 4 percent increase in store sales from the recent interior redesign and renovations at its stores.
Posted by franchiselawblog at May 24, 2005 04:59 PM