City Market in Mexico City wanted to attract a new type of shopper to its repertoire: the gourmet foodie. So its operator, Controladora Comercial Mexicana, which operates one of the largest retail companies in the region, teamed up with Pavlik Design Team (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) to design a space that would entice the senses and emphasize the store’s new international gourmet products.
Its location on a basement parking level in a shopping mall created a visual challenge. To enable better visibility into the store, designers accentuated the entrance with an open glass façade framed with black granite and stainless steel. Recessed lighting draws shoppers inside, where individual shops defined by bright colors, graphics and contemporary stainless-steel signage give the space that gourmet market feel.
In the seafood shop, ocean tones, wavy textures and seascape patterns enhance the daily selection of imported fish. A brick-red meat shop features signage with fresh cuts of beef, while the bright, avocado-colored fruit and vegetable shop features cart-like display fixtures in a warm wood with hanging overhead light shades.
Sounds, aromas and tastes come into play through City Market’s emphasis on interactivity – the wine cellar offers tastings and demonstrations, a stage area provides daily cooking classes and a colorful juice bar provides fresh-squeezed exotic fruit beverages.
Client: Comercial Mexicana, Mexico City
Design: Pavlik Design Team, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Architect: Ht Arquitectos, S.A. de C.V. Mexico City
General Contractor/Flooring/Wallcoverings/Materials: Grupo VYG, Mexico City
Ceilings: Decoraciones Nueva Era, S.A. de C.V., Mexico City
Furniture: Grupo STOR, Mexico City, Mexico
Lighting: Electroproyectos y construccion, S.A. de C.V., Mexico City
Signage/Graphics: Formacryl De Mexico, Mexico City
Dana Hoff Photography, Jupiter, Florida