Archies Convenience Store

This convenience store sits in a small mountain town where charm and practicality both matter, but the space itself was only 550 sq ft with a heavily sloped ceiling that dropped to five feet on one side. The owners wanted a full convenience store along with a kitchen, a dedicated coffee bar, a secure tobacco section, and multiple fridges and freezers to handle seasonal demand. Fitting all of this into such a tight footprint required a redesign that was far more precise than a typical retail build.

To solve the spatial challenges, we created complete 3D layouts and walkthroughs before any construction began. Every fixture, cooler, counter, and machine was custom modeled inside SketchUp so we could understand real world scale, movement, and clearances. Many pieces of equipment did not exist in the SketchUp library, so we built them manually to ensure accurate sizing and workflow simulation. These models allowed the owners to see how customers would move through the store and how staff would operate the kitchen without collision points or bottlenecks.

The rustic aesthetic was important too. The store needed to feel warm and welcoming to hikers, weekenders, and locals who pass through town. We used wood textures, warm lighting, and a simple, natural palette to give the store a mountain lodge feel rather than the sterile look of a typical convenience shop. This helped the small footprint feel intentional and inviting rather than cramped.

Space planning was the core of the project. Coolers were placed along the highest walls to use every inch of vertical height. The kitchen and coffee areas were positioned near the main entrance and work zone to keep traffic moving smoothly. Tobacco was located behind the register for security and efficiency. Shelving depth, height, and spacing were all adjusted to maintain visibility and avoid claustrophobic aisles. Even small decisions, like the angle of the coffee machine or the placement of grab and go items, were tested in the 3D models to confirm they would work in real life.

The final design makes the most of each square foot. What used to be an awkward, uneven room is now a fully functional rustic convenience store with a wide product mix, a warm identity, and a layout that supports steady customer flow despite the tight constraints.

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