Client Background: Lotte Plaza Market
Lotte Plaza Market, established in 1976 with its roots in Maryland, has expanded to become a prominent chain of grocery stores specializing in Asian cuisine and products. With a growing footprint across the United States, Lotte Plaza Market is known for their diverse offerings and commitment to quality.
When Lotte Plaza’s 16th location was planned to debut in Richmond, Virginia, they turned to Strategic Factory, a leading signage company renowned for its innovative solutions, to create a cohesive and functional signage system that enhances customer experience, facilitates wayfinding, ensures ADA compliance, and reinforces the brand identity.
The Challenge: Intuitive Signage for Mega Grocery
The new Richmond location presented unique challenges. The area has one of the fastest-growing Asian populations, so Lotte Plaza Market aimed to construct 50,000 square feet of unique offerings to meet the growing demand within the region. Due to the large size, layout, and breadth of offerings, clear and intuitive signage solutions were a must. So was maintaining the Lotte Plaza brand integrity across all signage elements while adapting to the specific needs of this location.
Those leading the Lotte Plaza Market expansion trusted Strategic Factory to get the job done from initial consultation to final installation because of their proven history of quality signage solutions and customer service. The collaboration would be the second time Lotte Plaza Market has tapped Strategic Factory to execute a comprehensive signage system for the opening of a new location, with the first collaboration being located in Sterling, Virginia, and the upcoming collaboration being located in Jacksonville, Florida.
The Process & Solution: Comprehensive Signage System by Strategic Factory
Strategic Factory approached the project with a focus on creating signage solutions that blend functionality with aesthetic appeal that would be intuitive for patrons to navigate. The following solutions were implemented:
- Wayfinding Signage:
Clear and prominent directional signs were strategically placed throughout the store to guide customers to different sections such as produce, meat, seafood, and food stalls as well as bathrooms, entrances, exits, and more. - ADA Compliance:
Implementation of ADA-compliant signage including braille and tactile elements where required by law, ensuring accessibility for all customers. - Graphics and Branding:
Custom-designed Wall Graphics, Window Graphics, and Door Graphics reflect Lotte Plaza’s brand colors, typography, and imagery, creating a cohesive visual identity throughout the store. - Exterior Signage:
Eye-catching exterior signage featuring Lotte Plaza’s entrance on a Monument Sign and LED outdoor entrance sign enhancing visibility and attracting foot traffic. - Multilingual Signage:
Signage featuring multilingual information to cater to the diverse linguistic backgrounds of customers, including English and Korean. - Temporary Signage:
Magnetic Posters, Floor Stickers, Wobblers, and Shelf Talkers, highlight seasonal offerings and are easily updated throughout the year.
The project commenced with thorough site surveys and consultations with Lotte Plaza’s management team to understand their specific requirements and preferences. Strategic Factory’s design team then developed comprehensive signage solutions, incorporating feedback to ensure alignment with Lotte Plaza’s brand guidelines and operational needs.
Production involved state-of-the-art printing technologies and high-quality materials to achieve durable and visually appealing signage. Installation was meticulously coordinated to meet deadlines and ensure timely completion before the grand opening.
The Results: Customer-Centric Retail Environment
Through innovative design, precise execution, and a commitment to excellence, Strategic Factory successfully enhanced Lotte Plaza Market’s newest location with a tailored and comprehensive signage system. This partnership underscores Strategic Factory’s capability to deliver impactful signage solutions that meet the unique needs of retail environments, contributing to enhanced customer experiences and brand loyalty.
“Our new store design protocol sets importance on the customer’s pleasant shopping environment. [Strategic Factory’s] excellent production and installation helped better the [Lotte Plaza Market] new store design protocol. Kristie managed the project status in a timely [manner] and David showed improved performance. He didn’t hesitate to come up with suggestions to improve quality.”
By leveraging signage as a strategic asset, Lotte Plaza Market continues to solidify its position as a leader in the grocery industry, setting a benchmark for customer-centric retail environments. See what local Richmond residents are saying already about Lotte Plaza’s newest location here.
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