Engagement Retail makes its debut in Manhattan with the opening of the first Daily Shop by Whole Foods Market, a global leader in organic food sales and part of Amazon’s Worldwide Grocery Stores. Located in the heart of the Upper East Side, in Lenox Hill, this new concept store, born from the synergistic collaboration between Imoon and Schweitzer, is more than a retail venue – it’s an immersive environment where lighting and design combine to create a unique customer experience, aimed at enhancing consumer engagement.
Image Courtesy of: Imoon & Schweitzer
This groundbreaking project in the food retail sector was born from the collaboration between Imoon, a leader in the design and production of entirely Made in Italy lighting solutions, and Schweitzer – We think Retail – a specialist in retail design and store construction. Together, they have combined their expertise to create an innovative and one-of-a-kind retail format that is set to become a new benchmark for U.S. convenience stores in dense, metropolitan areas.
The concept store was designed with a flexible layout, allowing it to adapt to evolving consumer trends and the seasonal changes in products offerings, which remain the central focus of the space.
“The intense competition in the industry is driving a growing interest in an integrated approach to interior design. Planning the customer journey, furnishings – including refrigerated units – and lighting ensure a flexible, easily managed retail format,” explains Pierluigi Gusmani, International Sales Director at Imoon, who continues “In this regard, the synergy between Imoon and Schweitzer enables us to create ‘eclectic shopping worlds’ that enhance product presentation, increase profitability, and deliver a rapid return on investment.”
LIGHTING UP EMOTIONS WITH COLOR: EMBRACING FUTURE-PROOF SPECIALIST ILLUMINATION
Imoon’s customized lighting design features high-definition LEDs and special optics that bring out the natural colors and quality of fresh products – a hallmark of Whole Foods Market’s offerings. In this cutting-edge format, lighting plays an active role in the store’s visual communication, drawing consumers’ attention to specific products and highlighting different areas of the store.
From the fresh produce sections to aisles and checkout counters, Imoon’s advanced solutions stand out for their precision in beam angle, power, and color temperature, ensuring a lighting design with excellent performance both in terms of functionality and aesthetics. An emblematic example is the fresh produce section of the Daily Shop, strategically located at the entrance of the store, where Full Color LEDs have been installed to ensure accurate color rendering, delivering a “wow” factor that creates a memorable first impression.
Image Courtesy of: Imoon & Schweitzer
Among the various models installed, the VenThe project also included the installation of custom-made display cases and counters by Schweitzer, developed in close collaboration with Whole Foods Market and manufactured in Italy. These cutting-edge solutions ensure maximum efficiency, modularity, and easy space management, thanks to standalone units that are simple to connect. Lastly, in line with sustainability and energyere PRO and Krios Compact stand out: the Venere PRO is a next-generation projector, in the black version, offering a tilt range of up to 130° and 360° rotation, along with filters and accessories that diffuse light and minimize the glare effect, increasing visual comfort. Meanwhile, the Krios Compact, in the white version, boasts a minimal footprint and maximum efficiency, providing targeted accent lighting with exceptional brightness and vibrant colors.
ADAPTIVE, IMMERSIVE, UNFORGETTABLE: THE FUTURE OF RETAIL DESIGN IS NOW
Schweitzer, with the support of its sister agency Interstore, spearheaded the development and execution of the new store’s design concept, aiming to boost sales performance through a strategic use of materials and space configuration, all while preserving the existing architectural identity. Specifically, Schweitzer retained original structural elements, such as the brick walls and wooden details, which give the space an authentic and welcoming character, while enhancing its aesthetic appeal. The color palette was carefully selected to reflect the Retailer’s corporate colors, green and white, with custom-designed wall graphics that create an immersive and engaging atmosphere.
The project also included the installation of custom-made display cases and counters by Schweitzer, developed in close collaboration with Whole Foods Market and manufactured in Italy. These cutting-edge solutions ensure maximum efficiency, modularity, and easy space management, thanks to standalone units that are simple to connect. Lastly, in line with sustainability and energy optimization goals, 90% of the refrigerated units are compatible with the Waterloop system, helping to reduce the environmental impact across all refrigerated foods departments in the Daily Shop.
Image Courtesy of: Imoon & Schweitzer
FROM ITALY WITH LOVE: IMOON AND SCHWEITZER AMONG THE STARS OF NGA SHOW
Imoon and Schweitzer will showcase their expertise at the stand hosted by the Italy-America Chamber of Commerce, at the upcoming edition of the NGA Show, the premier event for the U.S. grocery sector, scheduled from February 23 to 25, 2025. Specifically, Schweitzer will design the entire space dedicated to Italian innovation, featuring an advanced refrigerated display counter, while Imoon will take care of the lighting, and will recreate the unique atmosphere of the Whole Foods Market Daily Shop. The booth will offer a fully immersive experience, blending design and technology to highlight the emotional power of modern retail environments.
Imoon – www.imoon.it
Established in 2010, Imoon is a leading player in the design and production of fully Italian-made lighting solutions in the Food & Fashion Retail sectors. The company is based in Milan and is positioned on the market as a Partner capable of providing its customers with a full-ranging service, following every stage of design: from the preliminary study to lighting simulations and energy performance models, installation and, finally, project fine-tuning and after-sales support. It is also able to develop customized solutions thanks to its brand Makris, born out of the company’s desire to give shape to new lighting concepts combined with the best cutting-edge technology. Imoon is a solid international enterprise with subsidiaries in the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Turkey, South Africa, Finland, and commercial partners throughout the EMEA region and the Americas. Imoon solutions can be found in more than 60 countries around the world. About 600 stores are created every year, partnering with the most important Food Retail brands: WHOLE FOODS, FOODLAND Hawaii, SOBEYS, REWE, SPAR, Carrefour, EDEKA, Coop, Conad, Auchan, E. Leclerc, Iper, Migros, Silpo, Globu
Interstore – https://interstore.ch/about/
Founded in 1987 as an innovation platform for the retail sector, Interstore has grown into a successful, independent, and internationally recognized retail agency headquartered in Zurich. With multiple offices across Europe, an extensive network of global partners, and numerous award-winning projects, the company has established itself as a leader in retail design and strategy. Interstore’s team of more than 30 permanent experts brings together diverse competencies, including store design, visual marketing, graphic design, and retail intelligence consulting. The company seamlessly integrates design, functionality, visual merchandising, and communication, ensuring each project is grounded in deep retail expertise and a strong commitment to meeting customer needs.
Schweitzer – www.schweitzergroup.com
With over 800 employees, Schweitzer is a global leader in store design and outfitting, specializing in the development and implementation of high-performing retail spaces, furniture, and shop-in-shop solutions. The company manages both custom, one-off projects and large-scale rollouts of standardized product lines for international clients. Founded in 1927, Schweitzer’s core competencies include project management, in-house production facilities for wood, metal, and refrigerated furniture, as well as logistics hubs with a worldwide presence. At its Development and Technology Center in Naturno, South Tyrol, a diverse team of specialists works daily to turn clients’ visions into reality.
Featured Image Courtesy of: Imoon & Schweitzer
