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The Different Loblaws Store Decor Packages

Today’s post is part 2 to my series on Loblaws models and store decors. I’ll be going over the store decor packages that Loblaws uses. This will only be going over the ones that I can find and ones used for Loblaws and their other market banners because there is some over lap with the decors used.

80s neon (Loblaws only)

This decor package was used in the 80s and featured neon signage.

Market (90s-2008)

This decor package was introduced in the 90s and features real tile floors in the grand aisle as well as a painting of a streetscape in the grand aisle. Stores also have some local flair in the form of exterior signage that said “xx market” where xx is the plaza/neighborhood/cities’ name and a mural with local landmarks or skyline.

Deluxe version of Market

The deluxe version has the front end decorated like a street. The lane lights had fake lamps on them. The service departments are deluxe looking with more detailed elements.

Great Food (2008-2011)

Loblaws created a food focused format due to a a agreement with the union representing Loblaws’ stores. This decor is very cheap looking with stock photos and white sheif lettering. Some stores only got the stock photos and aisle markers and left the walls and other elements intact from their previous decor. The general merchandise section used whatever decor that was being used at Real Canadian Superstore. This was only used at Zehrs, Atlantic Superstore, Dominion, and Your Independent Grocer briefly.

Inspire (2011-present)

Loblaw Companies Limited - About Us
Image Credit: Loblaw Companies Limited

This marks a transition for the Loblaws/Povigo banners from conventional supermarkets into upscale supermarkets. This decor radically redesigns the stores with darker colours, orange flooring in deluxe remodels, white lettering on the walls, and urban accents such as wood and faux brick.
Note: The following decors were not used in Loblaws stores, but in their other market format banners.

Colourful market (2011-2016)

This is the first instance of major deviation in decor packages between the different divisions. This decor was rolled out the their “non-urban” stores and had colour coded departments with white lettering. The front end is orange, while the general merchandise section, in stores that have one, used whatever decor that was being used at Real Canadian Superstore. The aisle markers were the same as Great Food, but in orange.

Neighbour (2016-present)

Neighbour is Zehrs’ current prototype. This decor uses grey paint and wood accents with unique canopies for each service department. According to Loblaws, this decor package is supposed to be more “neighbourly” compared to the urban look of their name-sake stores. The checklane lights are retained from the previous decor package. Wall lettering is now in a wood grain look and the aisle markers are inline with the aisle with white with wood top and bottoms.

That concludes our series on Loblaws models and store decor packages.

Until next post, DZ

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