Not flat or white – how Costa Coffee used cultural analysis to inform the rollout of its new store design

In rolling out a new global design concept, Costa Coffee used cultural analysis to better understand coffee culture in different markets, and to make modifications that proved popular with consumers.

Coffee culture is far from a Western import to many of Costa Coffee’s markets. There exists a rich history of coffee (and tea in some countries) being at the heart of social activity.

So when Costa – a UK-based chain dating back to 1971 – began rolling out its new ‘uplift’ design for global stores, it wanted to check it had found the right balance of consistency and local relevance and that its new look reflected the role its stores played in each market.

The new concept was rooted in a lighter, brighter modern palette, featuring coral tones and wood....

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