ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Convenience stores in many markets are morphing into upscale destinations for food, drinks, fuel and supplies, and the newest MAPCO Express sites in Tennessee and Alabama bear that out.
MAPCO partnered with retail design firm Chute Gerdeman on an all-new look for its newest markets in Sevierville, Tennessee and Hoover, Alabama.
“Welcome to a better break” is the MAPCO brand tagline. The new concept is designed for on-the-go guests to have “moments of discovery” as they move throughout the modern space.
The Hoover, Alabama, location opened in March. The 5,000+ square-foot c-store is MAPCO’s largest location and the first to unveil MAPCO’s new interior design and fuel canopy. The location offers better-for-you hot and cold grab-n-go items, a smoothie machine, four different coffee machines (espresso, brewed, bean to cup, nitro), a beer cave stocked with craft and import options, wine, health essentials, automotive products, indoor/outdoor seating, free Wi-Fi, 20 fuel positions and more.
Inside the store, destinations are brought to life through visual communications and key brand colors that help them stand tall, Chute Gerdeman shared. Communicating the new branding and identity, the space gives visitors a sense of energy and fresh air.
“We wanted to disrupt the expected c-store offer with an open, welcoming atmosphere that invites guests to turn a routine stop into a Better Break,” said Laura Back, senior designer, environments, at Chute Gerdeman, which is based in Columbus, Ohio.
The new MAPCO experience is fueled through consistency throughout the design to deliver a store that is unique, yet scalable, the design firm said. Though developed with the guest at the forefront, the new store design also operates seamlessly for its staff who keep MAPCO moving every day.
“When we kicked off the project, our endgame vision was to develop a best-in-class concept that pushes the convenience industry forward,” noted Wendy Johnson, executive vice president, Chute Gerdeman.
Indoor and outdoor spaces are open and inviting, with custom murals, greenery and natural materials. There’s guest seating indoors and out, giving shoppers free rein to use MAPCO’s space as needed.
“MAPCO strives to deliver ‘Convenience You Can Trust®’. We look forward to becoming a part of the local community’s daily lives, and invite guests to experience our brand new, bright and welcoming store and the outstanding customer service our team members deliver,” said Frederic Chaveyriat, CEO, MAPCO.
MAPCO Express was featured in the 2015 Ideas 2 Go series.
MAPCO is a subsidiary of COPEC, a leading South America-based retail company. MAPCO has more than 340 store locations throughout the Southeastern United States and more than 3,200 employees. MAPCO and its subsidiaries also operate a fuel logistics business that includes more than 100 tankers and a fuel wholesale and fleet group.
In August, NACS Magazine delved into new trends in convenience store designs in “Strategy-Based Design” with insights from Mike Lawshe, president of Paragon Solutions, and Christopher Studach, creative director at King Retail Solutions in Eugene, Oregon—and more.
Register to attend the 2021 NACS Show October 5-8, at McCormick Place in Chicago and take advantage of the education sessions on foodservice, including these sessions developed by retailers for retailers: