Hickey Construction Inc.

The cool glow of the custom exterior signage is a significant departure from the splashy red and white script of the Ralph’s logotype, signaling to customers a change not only in ownership, but also in the quality of the shopping experience that awaits.

Lighting is a key part of the visual packaging of any retail venue. For Cooke’s Market, Hickey Construction developed an open ceiling concept and used a retro structure for the lighting framework, eliminating much of the electrical pipe work and making the framework an element of design.

“Custom is not necessarily premium,” notes Bill Hickey. “We work to see how special we can make an element within the limits set. The light fixtures for Cooke’s creates a nice glow you don’t usually see in a supermarket. Even the flooring has pleasing forms and colors—it’s more than simply a utilitarian surface.”

After reviewing signage in a number of supermarkets, Fred and Bill Hickey noted that it was often nearly invisible among other visual messages that compete for space and attention. The custom signage for Cooke’s market is highly visible and legible, helping customers to easily navigate the store. The signage that adheres to the wall was fabricated on-site, a cost-effective solution, as well as a challenging process.

Hickey Construction extended the clean, modern aesthetic of the signage on the building exterior to signage inside the market, thereby projecting a consistent identity for this boutique venue.