PG Store Design Spotlight: Ray & Reese’s IGA

Honorable Mention, Best Store Remodel (Under $3 Million)

Ray & Reese’s IGA

Owner: Reese and Ray O'Laughlin

Neighborhood: Hardin, Mont.

Designer: SDS Supervalu Design Services

PG’s Favorite Design Element: The primary goal of Reese & Ray’s IGA’s remodel was to transform a tired 1970’s store into a contemporary but comfortable environment, placing renewed emphasis on healthy food choices and high-value quality selections.

The 35,000-square-foot store – slightly expanded from its original 31,000 – features a new front exterior façade where shoppers are greeted by a prominent produce department which highlights its fresh and healthy offerings.

Most Progressive Features

The store’s new floral department -- tended by a full-time staff, complete with designer – has the added capability to serve large events, weddings and funerals, filling a longtime community vacancy in which customer’s otherwise traveled upwards of 45 miles to the nearest floral store.

An extensive upgrade of bakery, meat and deli departments include new production equipment, deli service and self-serve case line-ups, while an exceptional beer and wine department, paired with a 12-foot specialty cheese island and bulk deli meat captures shoppers’ attention.

The store has doubled its offering with its featured four “Walls of Value” and several additional large pallet drop locations. New center store shelving has allowed better merchandizing capability and given a fresh and consistent customer facing look throughout.

Existing nonfunctional bulkheads, dropped arches, selected ceiling spaces and hard wall partitions were eliminated to provide an open store layout with enhanced sight lines and convenient paths for either quick stops or larger shopping trips.

A fresh décor upgrade, relevant departmental signage, new check lanes, aisle directories and new case-top fit-outs are offset by historic black-and-white murals and graphics lining the perimeter of the store.

Hot Trends

LED lighting systems are used in overhead tracks, pendants and refrigerated cases, and Zero Zone “Crystal” energy-efficient doors, walk-in coolers and freezers improve operational flow.