Specifically, this store has what I've dubbed "Modern Deluxe", a fancier version of the ubiquitous Modern package that seems to be primarily used in the Norcal and Denver divisions, primarily distinguished by department signs that use black faux-tile with woodgrain columns on either side rather than the plain black paint or flat woodgrain backgrounds that normal Modern decor uses. This store doesn't seem to have gotten a particularly fancy version of the Modern Deluxe remodel, retaining its Lifestyle flooring and fixtures... but thankfully, they didn't decide to go with a concrete floor in this 64-year-old store!
Putting in a concrete floor in a 64-year old building sounds like something Kroger would do if they have any stores that old! I'm not sure if you saw this month's The Year of Kroger post since you were probably on vacation when it went live, but that shows what a 44-year old Kroger looks like with a concrete floor and, ick, it is so Krotesque! Link: https://houstonhistoricretail.com/2023/05/03/4000-polk-houstons-90-year-old-henke-pillot-kroger-location/
ReplyDeleteI've seen a Tom Thumb with the shiny black tiles on the Modern decor, but it doesn't use the light green paint like we see here. At least I don't think it does, maybe the light green is only around the perishables. Would you also classify this Tom Thumb as having Modern Deluxe? Link: https://goo.gl/maps/rLPu8Z9iqE6uudF69
As such, I actually prefer the decor in the Marina store to what is at the Tom Thumb. Having an actual floor helps, lol, but the light green, which may only be in this corner of the store, adds some color to Modern and I also like that organic sign with the Safeway logo on the wall! Modern needs more wall decor to avoid looking boring and a nice version of the Safeway logo does help.
It's not just Kroger -- I visited a few other vintage Safeways (50+-year-old) on this trip with absolutely terrible concrete floors too!
DeleteYeah, that's Modern Deluxe for sure! It seems every division does something slightly different with the wall colors for Modern, but the green color is generally reserved for produce and sometimes floral. It looks like that Tom Thumb has a floating produce department, so maybe that's why it didn't get any green. That sign in the background (which we'll be getting a better view of today) seems to be a NorCal-specific addition.