PIGGLY WIGGLY PROTOTYPE STORE TO OPEN AUG. 9

STEPHANIE FAGNANI

SHEBOYGAN, Wis. -- A new 60,000-square-foot Piggly Wiggly prototype store, slated to open Aug. 9 here, will feature an "easy-to-entertain" frozen section featuring hors d' oeuvres and party-sized frozen items.

According to Michael Houser, vice chairman and executive vice president/chief marketing officer of Fresh Brands/Piggly Wiggly, the idea for the new store's circular design was developed after company executives visited overseas supermarkets and department stores. The store, which spans 70 feet across its center, will also contain several skylights to allow for energy-saving natural lighting.

Also featured is a pet destination section, the eighth or ninth such center to be installed into a Piggly Wiggly unit, Houser said.

The store also offers a floor-to-ceiling, library-style wine department showcasing international wines and wines from California. Imported and domestic beers are included in this area, as is a walk-in cooler for cold beer and a chilled section of champagne and wine. Customers will also find rankings on wines in this section, which is accented by cherry wood paneling.

Houser said this prototype is replacing a recently closed Piggly Wiggly unit across the street from the new location.

"It's quite flexible; it can expand and contract. It contains elements that we feel will be incorporated into many new stores," Houser said. "This is our first new prototype since 1988. We're looking forward to our customers' reactions."