Where Tradition Meets Modernity
On April 3, 2025, Tegut opened a new store in Weimar in a truly unique setting—developed by Interstore and brought to life by Schweitzer.
The goal of this project was to preserve the distinctive atmosphere of the historic, listed hall while merging it with the modern requirements of a neighborhood grocery store. The original building, a repurposed 19th-century slaughterhouse, was carefully restored, with much of its exterior façade remaining intact. The character of the space is accentuated by carefully thought-out design elements that respect its historical significance without overshadowing it.
With a sales area of 1,200 m², the space has been efficiently utilized to integrate both modern refrigeration units and traditional design features. The fresh food departments are particularly striking, where stainless steel furnishings are used—not only for their functionality but also for their flexibility, allowing quick reconfiguration when needed. The conscious decision to use stainless steel adds a sleek, modern touch. The lighting further emphasizes the building’s historic features, such as the old French columns that adorn the hall.
The architecture reflects a successful fusion of tradition and modernity. The wooden beam ceiling and suspended ring mesh ceilings—reminiscent of the gloves and aprons once worn by butchers in the former slaughterhouse—create a unique and decorative effect. This blend of historical charm and contemporary design is especially visible in the bakery area, where a futuristic copper-look column canopy adds a striking focal point.
The wine section evokes the feel of an old, vaulted cellar, with rough walls that lend a rustic atmosphere. The floor, a highlight of the store design, features tiles with various patterns, which not only serve as a functional guide for customer flow but also visually define different zones within the store.
Materials such as bleached white ash and metal contribute to a modern yet timelessly elegant interior. The seating area in the bakery is decorated with historical photos of the old slaughterhouse, creating a strong connection to the building’s past while offering a unique and atmospheric customer experience.
The color palette promotes a warm and harmonious ambiance. Special attention was paid to signage and wayfinding throughout the store to ensure a clear and intuitive shopping experience for customers.
Manifestos featuring classic Tegut slogans, developed by Interstore, have been placed throughout the space. These are displayed in sets of four wooden frames, with care taken not to obscure the historic masonry but rather to incorporate it as part of the design narrative.
The result of this close collaboration between Tegut and Interstore is a place where tradition and modernity come together in impressive harmony—offering customers a truly distinctive and memorable shopping experience.
You can download your copy of our booklet here.
