A mediterranean shopping experience: Wanzl designs the unique EDEKA Pessios store (Germany)
A supermarket that combines Greek elegance with modernity - designed and built by Wanzl
Greek charm meets modern functionality
Inspired by the owner's Greek roots, the Wanzl team focused on authentically integrating Hellenic style elements into the supermarket. The shop design, created by Tino Pilharcz, Senior Director at Wanzl, and Bernd Kast, Head of Creative Design, is characterised by typical
Greek architectural elements such as Corinthian columns, light natural tones and blue-white contrasts, while the materials are dominated by rattan, natural stone look and wood. "The challenge was to transfer the theme coherently to the EDEKA store without becoming clichéd," explains Bernd Kast. "Our aim was to create a store that subtly but clearly expresses the culture of Greece." Modern functionality in the store is provided by Wanzl products, including the versatile wire tech 100 shelving system and, as a special highlight, the SlidingDoor in the self-checkout area. "EDEKA Pessios is one of the first stores to use our fully automatic, space-saving passage. Thanks to the customised design options, we were able to
integrate the SlidingDoor seamlessly into the space concept," says Bernd Kast. In the DesignColour+ option, the SlidingDoor and the six self-checkout tills shine in the white colour that is typical of the store. It is also equipped with a scanner for barcodes and QR codes for secure and fast self-checkout.
A love of detail – a shopping trip to the Aegean
When you enter EDEKA Pessios, you'll feel like you've been transported to Greece. Olive and lemon trees welcome visitors in the entrance area. A wooden board with a herringbone pattern and a playful font reminiscent of the Greek alphabet hangs above the empties collection area. This stylistic element can also be found in the rest of the store. In the adjoining fruit and vegetable department, framed by an antique-style archway, goods are displayed on white wooden tables and seasonal offers are displayed in baskets, while the shelving is tiled in white and blue. White canvas covers the generous fruit counters like shade in a Greek summer. Blue sculptures, busts and amphorae, as well as images of gods and ornaments on the walls, echo the theme of beauty and art throughout the departments, creating a connection with Greek aesthetics. The heart of the store is the large fresh food counter with regional and Greek specialities. Fish and seafood are presented in an eye-catching round glass counter. You can literally feel the fresh sea breeze. Customers can find the right wine next door in the wine and spirits department. The special sales table is particularly impressive. Selected wines are presented in wooden crates on three large terracotta jugs. A modern, elegant contrast to the otherwise dominant white is provided in the freezer area by wood-clad cabinets with black shelf supports. The EDEKA Pessios logo, in the style of an ancient coin, behind the checkouts, provides a striking finish to the shopping trip to the Aegean.
