DDi - April/May 2012 - (Page 22)

22 | Design Snapshot Oil canvas Premium olive oils coupled with a modern, tranquil space create a haven for gastronomes By Sarah Goddard, Managing Editor Product cards displayed in front of each item help customers navigate the shop as they browse, and the use of natural materials—such as stone mosaic flooring, wood detailing and solid marble countertops—reflects the freshness and authenticity of the products being sold. The end result is a design that emphasizes purity of form and material, and balances the product offering beautifully. www.ddionline.com | April/May 2012 Photos: Ben Rahn, A Frame Inc. O live oil, a ubiquitous ingredient with countless varietals and applications, has found a new home in Toronto. The most recent TA-ZE store location opened in late-October 2011, offering a unique retail experience for gourmet chefs and food enthusiasts alike. Measuring a modest 800 sq. ft., the shop features an assortment of premium olive oils and complementary products. When contemplating the new store design concept, Toronto-based interior design firm Burdifilek set out to create a clean, modern and tranquil environment that evokes the history of the brand and the purity of the product. “[The goal] was to showcase the premium specialty product with a sense of focus and confidence, while simultaneously creating an environment that allows customers to shop independently,” says Diego Burdi, creative partner for Burdifilek. Established in 1915 by the Union of Taris Olive and Olive Oil Cooperatives, the brand represents more than 28,000 olive producers and is the first of its kind to carry fair-trade products exclusively. Inside the store, light-green walls are subtly layered with a custom-created olive branch vinyl deco, and on the foreground, matte-black powdercoated frames float effortlessly, showcasing olive oils, olives and vinegars. Clear glass cabinets stocked with premium olive oils double as storage space, as well as a feature wall strategically located at the back of the store to draw customers through the space. Two marble countertops serve as a display area and tasting bar, allowing customers to experience the brand fully, while sales consultants detail the product quality and unique characteristics. “The careful design of the store ensures that the product is constantly on display, no matter what feature it is showcased on,” Burdi says. “The customer is free to wander the store, while being educated on the uniqueness and pricing of each piece.” http://www.ddionline.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of DDi - April/May 2012

DDi - April/May 2012
Table of Contents
From the Editor
From the Show Director
Newsworthy
Shopper Insights
Greentailing
Editor’s Choice
Design Snapshot
Loblaws
The new food retail
Channel Focus: Jewelry
What’s next for digital retail?
Mobile wallets
Product Spotlight: Technology
Right Light
Post-Show Coverage
Calendar
Advertisers
Classifieds
Think Tank

DDi - April/May 2012