Chestnut Market’s “The Hutch” store design pairs high-tech amenities with historic charm.
CStore Decisions is recognizing Chestnut Market for its revamped location at North Street and Hutchinson River Parkway in New York, known as “The Hutch,” which debuted a clean and spacious upscale design in February 2024.
The new design wows with a glass-front exterior, high ceilings and an emphasis on convenience and accessibility.
The c-store’s historic charm combined with a tech-forward modern experience further stands out in today’s c-store landscape.
“We initially operated this store from 2011 to 2022, building a strong connection with the community and a loyal customer base,” noted Matt Hagquist, chief financial officer, Chestnut Market, which operates 75 stores in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
“When the lease for the location came up for bid with the New York Department of Transportation, we saw an opportunity to continue serving our valued customers.
We submitted a proposal, and we were thrilled to win the bid.”
The Hutch is distinctive due to its prime location along the Hutchinson River Parkway, a major gateway to New York State for commuters traveling from Connecticut.
Setting it apart even further is its unique positioning in the center of the highway, unlike most rest areas, which are typically located at the roadside.
Given its location, The Hutch acts as the first stop for travelers heading north from New York City and the last stop for those heading south into the city, Hagquist explained.
As a result, the convenience store sees a significant amount of daily traffic — more than 100,000 commuters and travelers use the route every day, offering a steady stream of potential customers.
Historic Charm Meets Modern Convenience
Chestnut partnered with Mercury Project Design to redesign the store to provide an elevated experience for customers and blend “modern convenience with historic charm,” noted Hagquist.
The remodeled store stands out with an elegant appearance, featuring a glass-front exterior — a unique feature to this location — designed to optimize natural light throughout the location.
The site also repurposed elements from the original location, particularly stones from the back half of the building, to “maintain its unique character, preserving the historic walls that add a sense of heritage and continuity,” Hagquist noted.
Stones from the original building were also used to create a patio wall at the store’s entrance.
“A standout feature is the spinning squirrel cupula, which adds a touch of whimsy and serves as a nod to the location’s history,” Hagquist added.
“This thoughtful combination of new and old creates a welcoming and distinctive atmosphere that enhances the overall shopping experience.”
The forecourt was also redesigned to maximize convenience and accessibility for shoppers.
Entrances on both sides of the building can accommodate travelers from either direction on the parkway. Both sides of the store offer gas dispensers and parking areas adjacent to the entrances.
The store also features an expanded parking lot with 50 parking spots.
The forecourt includes the nation’s first installation of an Exxon MID Wave digital signage, which enhances the overall customer experience with cutting-edge digital solutions.
Inside, the store offers a clean, modern environment with high-vaulted ceilings that add to the site’s expansive look and feel.
Abundant natural light flowing in from the glass-front exterior combined with LED lighting and warm wood tones adds to the clean and spacious ambiance of the store.
Clear and large department headers direct customers to the various areas of the store, while curving “ribbon” LED lighting sweeps outward into the space highlighting signage for coffee, cashier and self-checkout sections.
The Hutch boasts six Mashgin self-checkout lanes — three on each side of the store — to help customers get in and out of the store quickly.
“Our new store is designed to offer a high-tech, modern experience for our customers,” Hagquist said.
The store also highlights a food-forward presence.
Instead of a traditional tobacco backbar, the store’s kitchen, which offers freshly prepared food, is situated directly behind the registers.
“Our foodservice options are extensive, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences,” Hagquist added.
Schaerer bean-to-cup coffee machines offer freshly brewed coffee on demand.
Even the large, clean restrooms feature the latest technology, including touchless sinks with Dyson hand dryers and soap dispensers built in and automatic seat liners in the women’s restroom.
“The door to both restrooms will open if you wave your hand in front of a pad next to the door,” Hagquist said.
With high-tech convenience, historic charm and an elegant design, Chestnut Market’s new store offers a winning combination for shoppers.
View article source here.
Subscribe to our free mailing list and always be the first to receive the latest news and updates.