Store Builds and Remodels Can Enhance Shopper Experience and Drive Growth

March 23, 2025           5 minute read

It all starts with a vision. 

Retailers know their brand, their shoppers, and their community. They know the shopping experience they want to provide. They know the right store design is key to delivering an exceptional in-store experience.  

UNFI’s Store Design & Equipment team partners with retailers to bring their vision to life with store designs that enhance traffic and drive growth. Our award-winning team includes store planners, interior designers, refrigeration design specialists, and project managers with a proven track record creating targeted shopping experiences.   

In fact, UNFI Store Design & Equipment remodels can deliver an average sales lift of 8-20%.  

Combine that with opportunities for efficiency and cost savings, and it’s clear that remodels can be a significant driver of growth – when done right.  

Not all store remodels are alike. Every dollar and detail counts. UNFI’s approach centers on enhancing pre-existing strengths and differentiators to further distinguish retailers with their target customers.  

UNFI’s process starts with getting a full picture of a retailer’s goals, vision, scope, and timing. From there, the collaboration begins. The team starts pulling inspiration for the look and feel, building out design ideas, concepting floor plans, identifying equipment needs, and mapping the new layout. Once an approved plan is in place, the team gets to work.  

Here’s how Sherry Meyers of Just Food Co-op in Northfield, Minn., described their experience working with UNFI. 

“UNFI was very easy to work with. During a remodel project, UNFI was able to provide what we needed at a fair price, with support to help us from planning to installation. It was a great experience!” 

UNFI worked with Turnip Truck on a new store design project. The natural and organic grocer’s new location serving Vanderbilt University students and other Nashville shoppers used a wide range of UNFI Store Design & Equipment services.  

John Dyke, Founder & CEO at Turnip Truck Natural Market, said: “Our biggest challenge was getting the project into budget without compromising our vision or the quality of the store. As an independent grocer, we had to make every dollar count—and we were determined not to cut corners where it mattered most.  

UNFI’s Professional Services team stepped up in a big way. They helped us prioritize, problem-solve, and streamline where needed—while keeping our standards high. From layout refinements to equipment recommendations and merchandising strategies, they brought practical solutions that respected both our values and our budget. Thanks to their support, we were able to build a store we’re proud of—without losing sight of who we are.” 

 The new location features an expanded kitchen and service line, allowing Turnip Truck to provide even greater variety for students and others seeking healthy options.  

Dyke said the new store reflects the company in significant ways. 

“At Turnip Truck, our vision has always been rooted in serving our community with clean, local, natural foods—and doing it in a way that feels welcoming, honest, and real. When we set out to open our Midtown location, we knew it needed to reflect not only our commitment to health and sustainability but also the vibrant, diverse energy of the neighborhood.  

We didn’t want to open just another grocery store—we wanted to create a gathering place. A space where customers feel seen, supported, and inspired to live well.  

UNFI Professional Services helped us bring that vision to life. They didn’t push a cookie-cutter model; they listened. They helped us design a store that’s uniquely Turnip Truck: efficient, customer-friendly, and aligned with our core values. Their expertise allowed us to stay true to who we are while expanding our presence in the heart of Nashville.” 

UNFI also recently partnered with Hollywood Markets for a remodel project. Andy Welch, Buyer at Hollywood Markets, said: 

“Our target customer is younger families who are building their lives with their children. It can be hard to capture this group. They’re on the move, they’re taking the kids to sports practices and activities, but they’re still making an effort to eat together at home. Listening to these customers is key for us, and making sure we meet their needs by offering new, fresh, exciting products as well as grab-and-go or more convenient options.” 

UNFI helped Hollywood Markets enhance its store design to better meet the needs of these customers while also improving customer service support for existing customers. The result is a better shopping experience that helps forge long-term relations with customers.  

Learn more about UNFI Professional Services Store Design & Equipment solutions.