Lenard’s, the Australian franchise chicken retail chain, is changing the look of its stores and staff uniforms nationwide to complement the launch of its new brand campaign ‘Let’s Make Something Special’.

A new retro fit-out solution has been created for existing stores to showcase Lenard’s new branding in a simple and de-cluttered manner.

The store renovations had to be both cost effective and achievable in the current economic climate.

Chris Searles, general manager of creative agency IdeaWorks responsible for the new design, said “With Lenard’s operating almost 200 stores nationally, we needed to implement a contemporary fit-out that was realistic and attainable for the franchise owners. Simple in-store changes that are easy to implement, such as the featured wall graphic of the new brand strapline, are examples of the little things that we could do that would make a big difference.

“The ongoing price war between supermarket chains has posed some significant challenges in the current retail environment. Lenard’s has recognised the value of their customers and needed to successfully implement simple changes to their stores that reflected the demands of their customers in order to stay competitive and relevant.

“We drew design inspiration from global trends and networks that have been successful and had proven to be appealing to consumers. We didn’t want to change Lenard’s image so that it was unrecognisable to its customers, we wanted to purely evolve and freshen it up.”

Renovations have begun on existing stores and will continue to roll out in 2013.

The new store design and uniforms are one key project in a Program of Innovation which is being rolled-out across the Lenard’s business. The program also includes a new fresh chicken supply methodology and a commitment to continuously providing exclusive, cutting edge product lines to its customers, demonstrated recently through the launch of the unique Lenard’s ‘Barbie Bags’ product concept.

• Lenard’s was rewarded for its innovation program by being recently named Retail Innovator of the Year 2012 at the ARA Australian Retail Awards.
• More about the Let’s Make Something Special campaign