A Forte For Design

This year's CSNews Store Design Contest specialty winners each excel in their own way

Sometimes, it only takes one thing to catch a consumer's eye and make a lasting impression. That's why the Convenience Store News Store Design Contest often honors a small group of specialty winners in addition to the main award categories that focus more on overall store design (see September issue).

From a striking foodservice presentation to an attractive checkout, this year's four specialty winners each have an "it factor" that caught the judges' eyes and made an award-worthy impression.

The award for Best International Store Design goes to Auto Posto Aflex, a new gas station in the south of Brazil that pays special attention to female shoppers by combining curved architecture, graphic design and distinct colors to portray sensibility and dynamism.

In the area of foodservice, Duane Reade's 40 Wall Street store in Manhattan takes the prize for Best Foodservice Presentation. Its "up market" section features fresh sandwiches and salads in open-air cases, while the "juice station" offers made-to-order smoothies and juices.

When it comes to beverages, Jam Mart in Fort Smith, Ark., has a fountain section that really "pops," earning it the award for Best Fountain Presentation. Colorful signage offset by metal accents invites the store's customers to playfully "Pop in for a Drink."

Finally, when it does come time to pay for purchases, Valley Marathon in West Baden, Ind., the winner of Best Checkout, ensures its shoppers have a positive experience on the way out. The checkout is large, uncluttered and shows off the store's tobacco products and prices.

The CSNews design awards, now in their seventh year, honor convenience retailers who have created the most exciting, innovative and shopper-friendly looks for their stores. Entries are judged on innovation, creativity and the positive impact of the overall design on the business.

The winners of Best Original Store Design, Best Interior Design, Best Sky's the Limit Remodel and Best Mid-Budget Remodel were featured in the September issue of CSNews.

And the Winners Are…

BEST INTERNATIONAL STORE DESIGN

Auto Posto Aflex

Indaial, Santa Catarina, Brazil

Owner: Auto Posto Dos Estados Ltda.

Designer: Arquiteta Gabriela Cervi and GGe Design

BEST FOODSERVICE PRESENTATION

Duane Reade 40 Wall Street

New York, N.Y.

Owner: Duane Reade Inc.

Designer: CBX

BEST FOUNTAIN PRESENTATION

Jam Mart

Fort Smith, Ark.

Owner: Littlefield Oil Co.

Designer: Paragon Solutions Inc.

BEST CHECKOUT

Valley Marathon

West Baden, Ind.

Owner: Jones Oil Co.

Designer: Paragon Solutions Inc.