Revolutionizing Retail: The KitKat Chocolatory

Justin Vinet's Innovative Design Approach to Nestle's First Permanent North American Location

Justin Vinet's design for the KitKat Chocolatory is a testament to innovation and functionality. The design is tailored specifically for the Canadian market and Yorkdale clientele, and is based on the experience of a previous pop-up and international locations. The aim was to create an ultra-functional store that could handle high traffic in a programmatically complicated space.

The design's unique features are its representation of the new concept and overall brand. The store's design resonates with the brand, creating subliminal and intriguing psychological associations for customers. This was achieved through the execution of floor tiles, inlayed messaging, and custom lighting. The design also had to adhere to the mall's design guidelines, adding another layer of complexity to the project.

The store offers several interactive experiences for customers. They can customize a 'Create Your Break' KitKat bar by choosing a chocolate base, various inclusions, and a personalized message for the packaging. There's also a Chef's Table concept in the open kitchen section of the retail experience, and a standard retail experience where customers can purchase pre-made KitKat bars and associated merchandise.

The project faced several challenges, including appealing to multiple demographics, adhering to a tight timeline, and working within a small space. However, the design team, which included experts in branding, architecture, and lighting, among others, was able to overcome these hurdles to create a successful retail space.

The design's success is evident in its award-winning status. The KitKat Chocolatory was awarded the Golden A' Interior Space, Retail and Exhibition Design Award in 2020. This prestigious award is granted to outstanding creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, advance art, science, design, and technology, and significantly impact the world with their desirable characteristics.