Back in May we reported on the news of a new small store format called Marketside that Wal-Mart is considering rolling out across the US. Now, the Financial Times points us to this image of the first store and says that the design aesthetic relies on PSFK’s favorite color, purple!
Wal-Mart is testing the 15,000 sq ft store concept in Phoenix. This one is in the city of Mesa, southeast of Phoenix. The Financial Times reports:
The design includes a natural wood finish around the entrance, and deep-purple awnings – the same colour that will be used on the aprons of the staff, and on its website, www.marketplace.com. The Marketside name appears in lower case green lettering, with no reference to its parent company.
The first four stores have been built in former drugstore sites. Wal-Mart has indicated that the pilot will involve up to ten stores. It has acquired at least two other sites in the Phoenix area where it is planning to build new stores from scratch.
The new Wal-Mart stores will be competing directly with Tesco’s new Fresh & Easy small format stores. Tesco has opened 20 stores in the Phoenix area in less than a year, with another 16 sites announced so far.
Both retailers say their formats are aimed at providing fresh and prepared foods in a convenient neighbourhood location.
FT.com / Companies / Retailing & leisure – Wal-Mart goes purple with Marketside
Marketside
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