Revamped Z Energy stores rolling out across New Zealand
Z Energy is performing a roll out of revamped sites, with improved layout and design, across 50 stores in the next three years.
Starting in Waiouru last year, Z is looking to create stores with easy, clear options for different consumer needs, hoping to avoid crowds and bottlenecked queues, and treat its customers to space, choice, and speed.
Z’s General Manager of Retail, Andy Baird, says customer behaviour and habits have changed meaning Z needed to adapt too.
“It comes down to doing things faster and easier but with better quality. We really do want Z to be for everyone,” said Baird.
The new-look Z stores now feature screens for promotions as opposed to posters as they are easier to update, and with an eye to the future the new store layouts have the possibility to easily integrate self-checkout systems.
Z Relationship Manager Design & Build, Anna Lowe, says when Z’s branding took over from Shell in 2011, the stores were redesigned. That was a big change, but since then, we’ve outgrown those designs.
The distinctive Z orange is staying and being matched with classic contemporary tones of dark charcoal and off white. Signage is now bilingual in Māori and English, with an icon highlighting different areas.
Wayne Kennerley, a Z retailer whose Waiuku store was one of the first to receive the fresh look, said staff and customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Food, and most especially coffee, is not just an add on. In fact, it’s like ‘Come and buy your food here, get your coffee, and by the way, we sell fuel.”
There is also a change in uniform, featuring an orange or white top with black pants.
“The test of a good uniform is when a staff member ends their shift, do they immediately change their top, or are they happy to head to the supermarket with their work gear on? If so, that’s a big tick,” said Baird.
