What was the deciding factor for DeCicco & Sons to choose Schweitzer and Interstore as partners for a Design + Build project?
Simply put, at DeCicco & Sons we partner only with the best of the best. When exploring design options, our top priority was finding collaborators who shared our values and our commitment to staying ahead of industry trends.

We sought out a team driven by sustainability, dedicated to strengthening community connections, and unwavering in their pursuit of an exceptional customer experience. Schweitzer and Interstore stood out not only for their expertise, but for their alignment with these principles — making them the clear choice for our Design + Build vision.

In the comprehensive remodeling of your stores, you worked intensively with Interstore on the store layout. To what extent did this process represent something new for you, and what specific aspects were particularly noteworthy?
My family and I have always been deeply hands-on when it comes to the construction, vision, and design of each DeCicco & Sons location. Partnering with a company like Schweitzer was a new step for us, but one that we embraced wholeheartedly, knowing that every fresh perspective, skill set, and area of expertise we bring in only makes our vision stronger.

What stood out most was that, even with this new collaboration, we were able to remain just as involved as ever. We kept the process rooted in our family’s touch while welcoming innovative ideas, fresh concepts, and elevated design elements that enhanced our brand. In the end, we sacrificed nothing — instead, we unlocked new possibilities and an even greater potential for what DeCicco & Sons can become.

Schweitzer also provided the refrigeration cases in your projects, how satisfied are you with their quality?
At DeCicco & Sons, one of our highest priorities is implementing the most advanced sustainability practices in every facet of our operations. Schweitzer truly understood this commitment and delivered refrigeration solutions that reflect it perfectly.

The new systems they provided are not only technologically advanced and beautifully integrated into our store design, but they also align with our mission to minimize environmental impact. We’re thrilled to debut these elevated refrigeration cases in our newest locations — and, most importantly, we’re proud to take another significant step toward reducing our carbon footprint.

Without revealing too many specifics, what innovative elements or concepts can our readers expect in the forthcoming DeCicco & Sons stores that will redefine the shopping experience?
There has never been a more exciting moment in the evolution of the grocery industry — and especially to be part of DeCicco & Sons. While we can’t reveal all the details just yet, it’s no secret that our newest stores will be some of our most innovative to date.

Guests can expect a shopping experience that is more seamless, interactive, and immersive than ever before, while still staying true to everything that defines DeCicco & Sons. These new locations represent an even deeper commitment to our community — prioritizing customer experience, thoughtfully integrating local needs into our store design, and elevating every touchpoint. We can’t wait for our customers to step inside and see what we’ve been working so passionately on!

Schweitzer and Interstore are renowned globally for their expertise in shopfitting and retail design. What is your approach when it comes to developing a customized and successful store concept for a partner like DeCicco & Sons?
Matthäus Streitberger (Head of Operations North America, Schweitzer):
DeCicco & Sons is a leader in this field and a perfect example of how an excellent product presentation contributes to a high-quality shopping experience. When engaging with John Jr. and his team, it was fundamental to learn everything about his customer base and the demographics of the area. Understanding his Italian heritage and the unique brand identity was key to come up with a successful store concept that brings these characteristics to the forefront. We combine Interstore's worldwide design expertise with Schweitzer's high-quality shopfitting capabilities to create an environment that is not only beautiful and functional, but also a true reflection of their high-end, family-focused values.

What does the Design + Build approach imply?
Our Design + Build approach signifies a seamless, integrated process where design conceptualization and construction execution are unified under one roof. This ensures efficiency and reduces complexity as Interstore & Schweitzer handles the whole process in house, thereby reducing overall costs and giving a holistic approach from initial idea to final realization.

In what ways does Interstore's approach to retail design specifically address the evolving needs and desires of today's grocery shoppers, particularly in a high-end market segment like DeCicco & Sons'?
Interstore's design approach directly addresses the modern grocery shopper by creating an experience, not just a store. For a high-end market like DeCicco & Sons, this means elevating the fresh food departments through storytelling and an immersive "market hall" feel. We focus on flexible design and self-service options, allowing customers to easily navigate and discover products. By integrating elements like high-quality materials, inviting lighting, and a clear, logical layout, we create a comfortable, inspiring, and efficient shopping journey that appeals to today's discerning consumer.

Looking ahead, what are some of the key trends you anticipate will shape the future of supermarket design in the next 5-10 years, and how are you already incorporating these into projects like those with DeCicco & Sons?

• Sustainability & Technology: Stores will be increasingly eco-friendly, using energy-efficient systems and reclaimed materials. We are already incorporating this with DeCicco & Sons by using advanced refrigeration and heat recovery technology.
• Flexibility & Adaptability: Retail spaces must be able to change quickly to accommodate new products, seasonal offerings, and evolving customer behavior. Our modular "Flexstore" concept is built for this, allowing for rapid layout changes.
• Long-term Construction Cost Reduction: through the self-contained "Flexstore" concept, future layout changes or increasing refrigeration linear footage can be done in a more cost-effective way. No heavy construction works, i.e. concrete saw cutting, refrigeration pipe welding are necessary, as cases can be added through either a self-contained Waterloop or air-cooled version.
• Community Hubs: Supermarkets will evolve beyond just shopping, becoming social and communal spaces. Our designs for DeCicco & Sons include elements like high-end cafes and food courts that encourage customers to linger and connect, making the store a central part of their daily life.

Beyond the functional aspects, how do you believe these new DeCicco & Sons stores, developed with Schweitzer/Interstore, will impact the local communities they serve?
The new DeCicco & Sons stores are designed to be much more than just a place to buy groceries; they are intended to be a vital part of the local community. By creating welcoming, beautifully designed spaces with a focus on fresh, high-quality products and prepared foods, the stores become a destination for gathering and connection. This fosters local pride, serves as a phub for community events, and provides a sustainable, high-quality retail experience that enriches the neighborhood it serves.