Food Lion to Unveil Redesigned Prototype
SALISBURY, N.C. -- Delhaize USA unit Food Lion here will unveil a new store design in its home state next week, featuring a more shopper-friendly layout and a standalone organic and natural foods section grouped with wines.
"This is another case of Food Lion being innovative," spokesman Jeff Lowrance told Progressive Grocer yesterday. "We are completing work on the new prototype [with] interior and exterior design."
The first of the new prototype opens on Dec. 14 in Rutherfordton, N.C., a town in the southwestern part of the state. A pitched roof will give the unit a "unique and welcoming look," according to the company. Inside the store, which will feature an exposed ceiling, each department will be defined with different colors, textures, and graphics. The fresh departments will be given special emphasis along the right-hand side of the store, beginning with produce, leading to the deli-bakery, then to fresh meats.
Wine and natural and organic foods will be grouped together near the deli. Meanwhile, the grocery aisles will be a little wider and the shelves a little lower to "make shopping easier," the company noted.
Dairy products will be found in the back center of the store, with frozen foods along the left side of the store. An expanded beer selection will be featured in the front-left corner.
The new prototype will be rolled out in other areas next year, but the company isn't releasing specifics at this time, said Lowrance.
Lowrance also confirmed press reports that Food Lion is in the process of determining which of its banners -- Food Lion, Bloom, or Bottom Dollar -- will be best suited for specific store sites in Washington, D.C., which is the location for Food Lion's 2006 market renewal program.
-- Jenny McTaggart
"This is another case of Food Lion being innovative," spokesman Jeff Lowrance told Progressive Grocer yesterday. "We are completing work on the new prototype [with] interior and exterior design."
The first of the new prototype opens on Dec. 14 in Rutherfordton, N.C., a town in the southwestern part of the state. A pitched roof will give the unit a "unique and welcoming look," according to the company. Inside the store, which will feature an exposed ceiling, each department will be defined with different colors, textures, and graphics. The fresh departments will be given special emphasis along the right-hand side of the store, beginning with produce, leading to the deli-bakery, then to fresh meats.
Wine and natural and organic foods will be grouped together near the deli. Meanwhile, the grocery aisles will be a little wider and the shelves a little lower to "make shopping easier," the company noted.
Dairy products will be found in the back center of the store, with frozen foods along the left side of the store. An expanded beer selection will be featured in the front-left corner.
The new prototype will be rolled out in other areas next year, but the company isn't releasing specifics at this time, said Lowrance.
Lowrance also confirmed press reports that Food Lion is in the process of determining which of its banners -- Food Lion, Bloom, or Bottom Dollar -- will be best suited for specific store sites in Washington, D.C., which is the location for Food Lion's 2006 market renewal program.
-- Jenny McTaggart