This store-wide renovation was no small undertaking, requiring collaboration between multiple trades. Photos courtesy Sleek Signs
By Jason Trudeau and Andrew Glubrecht
The client
Community Natural Foods is a well-established part of Calgary’s grocery landscape, known for promoting natural and organic products. The Crowfoot location, a key store in the Calgary area, was due for a comprehensive renovation to enhance both its appearance and functionality while maintaining the brand’s commitment to customer experience. Sleek Signs was tasked with overseeing the entire signage component for the renovation.
The contract
The foundation for this project was laid with a prior renovation for Community Natural Foods’ Edmonton location in 2023. That project, which was executed smoothly and met all the client’s expectations, helped solidify our relationship with Calgary CO-OP, the parent company of Community Natural Foods. Calgary CO-OP, a longstanding client, had already trusted us with various signage needs for other retail outlets, so when the opportunity arose to renovate the Crowfoot store, we were brought on board to handle the signage updates. Our proven track record with similar projects and familiarity with Community Natural Foods’ brand made us the natural choice to take the reins on this renovation.
The chronology
Large-scale renovations of operational retail spaces require precise planning and co-ordination. In this case, our work began at the end of May 2024 with preliminary site checks and scope discussions. This early stage involved thoroughly reviewing the existing space and assessing the walls and surfaces to ensure everything was prepared according to the specifications. Most of the work was completed by early July, with smaller additions and finishing touches over the following weeks. The project was completed in just under 50 days, ensuring minimal disruption to the store’s operation.
The context
This store-wide renovation was no small undertaking, requiring collaboration between multiple trades. Renovating a space of this size meant co-ordinating closely with the construction company and hardware manufacturers to ensure every element aligned perfectly.
Each element was essential to the overall esthetic and functionality of the store.
Our role was to manage all the signage and visual elements across the store, which included a mix of exterior and interior applications.
In total, we provided:
- Approximately 76.2 m (250 linear ft) of decal coverage along the perimeter of the store
- Dimensional lettering for key areas such as aisles and departments
- Tactile signage, including till signs and aisle markers
- Entrance graphics to create a welcoming first impression for customers
- Café graphics to enhance the store’s dining space
- An exterior pylon face update to reflect the refreshed look of the store
Each of these elements was essential to the overall esthetic and functionality of the store, helping create a cohesive and visually appealing shopping experience for customers.
The creatives
Community Natural Foods has an in-house design team that provides core branding and graphic elements for its stores. For this project, much of the groundwork had already been laid during the Edmonton renovation in 2023. At that time, we had converted several loosely supplied design files into formats ready for printing, making it easier to adapt them for the Crowfoot location.
This preparation allowed us to streamline the design phase of the current project. Instead of starting from scratch, we could rework the existing graphics and tailor them to the unique specifications of the Crowfoot store. We also integrated new artwork supplied by the client, ensuring that the signage felt fresh and relevant for the updated space.
The construction
For the decal coverage, we used 3M 180C, a high-performance vinyl film, paired with a matte laminate finish to achieve a sleek, modern look. All decals were printed using our Latex 800W printer, which offers vibrant colour reproduction and durability. After printing, the decals were laminated and cut to the required shapes and sizes using our Colex cutting machine.
For the dimensional lettering and signage, including aisle markers and till signs, we used 12.7- mm (0.5-in.) Sintra—a rigid plastic substrate. These pieces were printed on our Digitech Flatbed printer and routed to precise dimensions on the cutting machine. The aisle signs also required J-Trim for added support and featured .030 styrene inserts to indicate what product goes down which aisle.
The exterior pylon sign was fabricated using an Aluminum Composite Panel (ACP). These were mounted over the existing framework.
The challenges
One of the biggest challenges with this project, as with many retail renovations, was keeping the store operational during construction. This meant all installations had to be done overnight, requiring careful co-ordination between our team and other contractors to ensure smooth transitions between different phases of work.
Sleek Signs’ track record with similar projects and its familiarity with the brand made it the natural choice to take the reins on this renovation.
Another challenge was the inevitable issues that arise during large-scale projects, such as unanticipated surface conditions or last-minute design changes. To manage this, we implemented a phased installation process, allowing us to address issues as they arose without delaying the overall progress. If an installer encountered a problem they couldn’t fix immediately, they could move on to the next phase and revisit the issue the following business day. Our experience with projects of this kind helped us greatly in tackling obstacles during the installation.
We also scheduled printing to occur overnight, ensuring no downtime in production. This allowed us to keep up with the project’s high demands without impacting other jobs running through our shop.
The configuration
The final installation phase required a variety of tools and techniques. Substrates were applied to different surfaces, including drywall, painted cinderblock, and glass. Special textured vinyl was used on the cinderblock walls, and heat was applied during installation to adhere to the brick’s complex contours.
For higher areas, such as the perimeter decals, a scissor lift was used to reach the top of the walls. The till and aisle signs were handed to the hardware manufacturer for final installation. Dimensional lettering was installed using strong double-sided tape and an installation pattern to get the spacing right.
Through careful planning and precise execution, the Community Natural Foods Crowfoot renovation was a success. The client was satisfied, and the store now looks better than ever.
Jason Trudeau is the general manager and Andrew Glubrecht is the project manager at Sleek Signs Calgary. Sleek Signs extends its thanks to the Calgary CO-OP.
