A variety of signs and graphics decorate the walls of the first Meiga Supermarket in Port Moody, B.C. Photos courtesy Century Signs
By Marika Gabriel
The latest addition to Metro Vancouver’s collection of Asian supermarkets, Meiga Supermarket, has opened in Port Moody, B.C. Transitioning from an Independent Grocers Alliance (IGA) store, the client partnered with Century Signs to develop a comprehensive signage solution for its debut location in the region. The result of a long-standing partnership between Century Signs and Meiga’s owners, Georgia Main Food Group, the collaboration aimed to integrate interior and exterior signage to create a cohesive narrative, reflecting the store’s identity.
The department signs were computer numerical control (CNC) routed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and painted to match their designated colours.
The polycarbonate sign bands were fabricated using translucent green vinyl.
The journey began with an exploration of the project’s scope. While the design blueprint was provided by Meiga, the evolution of the signage package was a joint effort to ensure compatibility with Century Signs’ production processes. From conceptual adjustments to material selection, each dimension of the project underwent meticulous scrutiny. Century Signs also made shop drawings and secured city permits as part of their signage services.
The exterior facade of the supermarket was created with a 6-m (20-ft) LED channel letter sign, complemented by 32 m (105 ft) of illuminated canopy sign bands encircling the store’s perimeter, along with multiple window graphics. The storefront sign comprised 76.2-mm (3-in.) channel letters and a 6-m aluminum composite panel (ACP) backer box mounted on a custom-fit aluminum frame. The sign bands and three pylon sign faces were made from polycarbonate, with green and orange translucent vinyl to align with the store’s colour scheme.
Double-sided hanging signs were printed on textured wallpaper.
Stepping inside, a variety of signs and graphics decorate the walls. Custom-painted dimensional letters label each department. Multi-element hanging signs bearing the names of the products delineate the seven aisles of the store. Additionally, a large bulkhead wall mural spanning 78 m (256 ft) wraps around the store, created as a defining element of the interior landscape. Other bulkhead signs printed on galvanized metal are placed in the hot food section and at the store’s exit, along with hanging signs with menus printed on them. Numerous smaller signs are also dotted around the store, including distinctive double-sided banners with textured burlap backgrounds. These interior signage solutions required the use of diverse materials, to properly bring the client’s vision to life. The department signs were computer numerical control (CNC) routed from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and painted to match the store’s designated colours. The massive murals were printed on vinyl and applied to pre-cut, 6.3-mm (0.2-in.) foamboard panels, which were then installed on the bulkhead.
The installation of the signage package included the use of ladders, baker scaffolding, and scissor lifts. The exterior signs needed electrical work for illumination, while the interior signs were mostly attached to walls or hung from the ceiling using aircraft cables—following a standard approach.
Amid the journey, challenges with the indoor signage emerged as opportunities for innovation. For instance, the installation of the bulkhead mural necessitated a strategic pivot, leading to foamboards being used instead of ACP sheets, to ensure safety of all customers without compromising esthetic integrity. This decision was made due to the angled walls of the store, along with the bulkhead’s location—positioned above the customers—and its size. In keeping with the times, the exterior sign bands were retrofitted with LEDs to replace outdated fluorescent lights.
The unveiling of Port Moody’s first Meiga Supermarket was an opportunity for Century Signs to demonstrate its range of products and services. From creating shop drawings to obtaining sign and electrical permits, as well as spearheading the printing, fabrication, and installation processes, the client’s vision was thoughtfully brought to life.
The exterior facade of the supermarket was created with a 6-m (20-ft) LED channel letter sign, complemented by 32 m (105 ft) of illuminated canopy sign bands encircling the perimeter, along with multiple window graphics.
PVC signs were installed along the seven aisles of the store.
