Chicago-based fine spice retailer The Spice House has opened its newest location in Naperville, Ill., featuring in-store experiences including a “scent experience” and a Spice Bar.
With retail design and merchandising by Little Diversified Architectural Consulting, the Naperville store’s overall aesthetic blends warm and cool tones to create a calming, neutral environment open to the discovery of culinary possibilities. Aromas and color fill the store, and a mix of contemporary fixtures contrasted with locally sourced heritage pieces provides a backdrop to the colorful and richly textured spices. A central checkout anchors the store, welcoming customers and serving a dual purpose as a place for product demonstrations and recipe curation.
“The store’s design reflects an environment where spices are king, inspired by the great markets and apothecaries of the past,” said Michael Magee, Retail Studio Principal at Little in a statement. “The Spice House is a place to explore. The store invites home cooks and professionals alike to experience new flavors, cuisines and cultures, and buy the freshest, small-batch spices.”
The Naperville store also features the brand’s newest in-store experiences. The Spice Bar hosts a rotating assortment of four different spices for visitors to taste each month. Spice House team members guide customers through the origins of each spice, along with pairing suggestions and fun facts. And in the “scent experience,” a Spice House team member walks each customer through the smells and variances of 20 different spices and blends.
