Modern Convenience Store Exterior Design Considerations and 7 Examples

What makes a convenience store exterior design stand out from the competition? Often it’s a heightened focus on making the colors, textures, lighting and other details stand out and fostering a welcoming ambiance. This goes way beyond the basics of matching branding. Today, customers look for fresh facades that spark confidence and trust.

Building designers can break down the exterior convenience store style and craft it to meet a more modern aesthetic that appeals to a wider audience. How do they do it? Read on for the details of seven exquisite examples of modern convenience store exterior design at work.

Key Design Details for a Modern Convenience Store Exterior

Forget the balloons and oversized blow-ups — today’s customers want sincerity and confidence instead of cheap gimmicks. This can be seen in modern convenience store exterior design trends that prioritize fresh exteriors and classic aesthetics.

Strong, mature colors such as brown, slate gray and beige are making the mark much better than the outdated color trends of just a decade or two ago. Likewise, established textures like classic wood grain and brick facades are much more successful choices for modern convenience store exterior designs than other siding styles — though these are best applied as accent features to highlight the geometric layout of the exterior design.

Other features like clear signage, contrast and modern lighting, will also play a role in creating a convenience store exterior that attracts customers and builds trust. Symmetry is another component seen in some of the most successful exterior convenience store designs.

7 Modern Convenience Store Exteriors That Make the Grade

There are a lot of factors to consider. It’s best to take a look at some examples to get a better idea of how to create harmony throughout the convenience store exterior.

1. Wraparound Design

Standalone buildings are often approached by customers at every angle because parking lots can be expansive. This building uses a wraparound design to lead customers from one side of the building toward the entrance. Notice how the wood-style siding brings an accent to the neutral gray facade while also providing rich color contrast. Modern lighting and black trim anchor the rustic, yet sophisticated color palette.

2. The Impression of Vastness

Wood-style lap brings charm, character and color contrast to the exterior of this Circle K, making it look modern and welcoming. A symmetrical layout is emphasized by the red awning, which also creates the impression of vastness — giving customers the impression that they can find anything they need (and more) inside.

3. Consistency Through the Sides and Rear

Street-facing design is extremely important, but the other sides of the building shouldn’t be neglected. Creating consistency throughout the convenience store exterior imparts a feeling of professionalism and safety. 

Notice how this 7-Eleven expresses a fresh take on brick by including two different tones — something that is easily achieved when using modern building materials like fiber cement. Not only does this two-tone approach feel unique, but the red brick facade near the foundation also serves as a visual callback to the bright tones in the 7-Eleven signage.

4. A Safe Oasis

A very tall entryway with an elevated overhang creates a feeling of refuge for visitors to this Wawa store. Light brown tones and beige trim provide a mature look that still feels comforting and relaxed, ready to draw in more customers. The beige architectural panels also provide an excellent visual frame and backdrop for the 3D signage to pop.

5. Color Design That Demands Attention

Color design is a key element in many modern convenience store exterior designs, as seen in this energetic and bright Stripes. The various patterns and vibrant colors across the facade were the perfect choices for this modern design — they instantly grab customers’ attention to create a memorable experience. 

6. Familiar Facade

Red brick never goes out of style — even for modern convenience store exteriors. The red tones found in the Speedy Cafe sign and trim create color harmony with the warm brick. Traditional brick can be difficult to maintain, so choosing a low-maintenance material like brick-style fiber cement can make it easier for the siding to stay fresh without all of the extra work.

7. Simplicity at Its Finest

One of the perks of stopping in a convenience store is that it’s quick. That concept is expressed flawlessly in the exterior design of this Speedway, which features clean and simple lines with neutral tones.

Commercial Trends Delivered

Inspiration for your next commercial building project is just a click away. Our look book is filled with commercial exterior solutions to get your wheels turning. 

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Elevate Modern Convenience Stores With Nichiha

Modern convenience store exteriors can benefit from better building materials that are easy to maintain, built to last and designed to please everyone who encounters them.

Contact Nichiha today to explore a range of siding styles that are ideal for modern exteriors.