Planning kicked off in 2019, with the full renovation and redesign of the Zurheide food market completed in March 2021 – a collaborative effort involving more than 70 companies. At the heart of this transformation was a commitment to sustainability. "We replaced the old, climate-damaging refrigerant in our refrigerated display system with a sophisticated CO₂ solution that includes heat recovery," explains owner Heinz Zurheide. He goes on to note that the next phase will involve installing a large-scale photovoltaic system on the supermarket's roof to further reduce electricity consumption and carbon emissions.

Working night shifts and weekend hours, the team compressed the planned five-week overhaul into just three weeks – a remarkable achievement. The renovation touched virtually every surface: flooring, wall tiles, technical systems, and lighting all received complete updates. For Zurheide, the redesign also presented an opportunity to introduce new product categories, which meant strategically resizing departments. The fruit section, for instance, expanded significantly – a move that serves customers well, especially in challenging times. The standout features of this reimagined market include the expanded fruit department and an exceptional cheese room. The wine department and its integrated gourmet restaurant also underwent substantial redesign – except for the kitchen block – with thoughtfully positioned partitions ensuring guests have their own defined dining spaces. "This was a necessary adjustment to current regulations, but it's a change we're keeping permanently, even as we move beyond the pandemic," notes Zurheide. The spirits, wine, and champagne selections have been substantially expanded with additional shelving. The coffee lounge, featuring an in-house roastery, has evolved as well, now complete with comfortable seating areas.

Given Reisholz's industrial heritage, the shop's design language draws inspiration from its surroundings. Steel, concrete, and exposed brick – handled thoughtfully throughout – create an industrial aesthetic that feels authentic to the location. "We wanted to echo the character that defines Reisholz while maintaining a warm, inviting shopping experience," Zurheide explains, capturing the philosophy behind the design.

www.zurheide-feine-kost.de

Photography Credits:

Sylvia Wendland
www.ruhrmedien.de

(Published in CUBE Düsseldorf 02|21)