I didn't see it at first, but, like you, after looking at the pictures I agree - Jewel Interior updated to a 2024 sensibility.ClownLoach wrote: ↑May 8th, 2024, 1:47 pm Studied this some more and it is absolutely a modern take on the "Jewel" decor from the early to mid 2000s....
The original Jewel interior debuted in 1997 at the very large Evanston Jewel, located on Howard Street near the apex of Evanston, Chicago, and Skokie. It was ASC's showplace. Funny thing is that store was only three years old when it was remodeled. Much like this one, which you said had been remodeled recently.ClownLoach wrote: ↑May 8th, 2024, 1:47 pm... The symbols printed on the walls as if they are Tiffany glass are just like that Jewel decor. As much as I think that decor is timeless and very high quality, this does ring familiar and might have been designed to retrofit those stores......
I checked a handful of Jewels that typically get remodeled first as well as ones that got a slap-dash Alberstons interior and they either haven't been remodeled into this decor package or they have and the pics on Google Maps haven't been updated. Although not a fan of Albertsons' "Grocery Palace" decor, until this one it was the one of the last chain-store decor that was as nicely and consistently executed. The Jewel interior, the Albertsons "awning" interior, and "Industrial Marketplace" (or is it "showplace?" Maybe "fantasy?") are others that, to me, were well-executed.
This is worth me making a weekend trip to Southern California.ClownLoach wrote: ↑May 8th, 2024, 1:47 pm... Look at the cow to the left of the meat sign, the rose by floral, etc. It is just like those hanging metal frames in the Jewel decor.
I give them a lot of credit as this is much more creative than anything I've seen them do in the last decade plus. Even Colorful Lifestyle was really just different colors and fonts from original lifestyle and PFH. This is the first one that is all new but pays homage to their best designs. I'll have to go see it in person.
There's a new Safeway being built somewhere in suburban Phoenix. (Might be in Surprise or Peoria - I don't remember) Given their new AZ stores are huge and laid out like a cross between a Jewel and an Albertsons I wonder if this interior will make its debut here.