Bahlsen Cologne

completed in October 2026. The 637m² store reinterprets the traditional outlet as a contemporary retail space in the heart of the city. Taupe vinyl flooring, dark ceiling surfaces and light-coloured walls create a calm architectural backdrop for the colourful product displays.

 

The store design incorporates the history of Bahlsen through historical dates, texts and photographs, guiding customers through the company’s heritage. A sculptural ceiling installation made of suspended wooden rolling pins establishes a direct connection to the brand’s baking tradition.

 

Another defining feature is the semi-transparent string curtain, which visually screens the centrally located staircase. Its design references the curtain motif featured in the large-scale heritage graphic behind the checkout counters, creating a visual link between the architecture and the brand’s history.

Wall-mounted shelving and freestanding gondolas organise the retail space into clearly defined product areas and ensure an intuitive customer flow. The generously proportioned checkout area, combined with the historical brand display, forms a distinctive focal point and spatial conclusion to the store.

 

Beyond the variety of products and the journey through Bahlsen’s corporate history, the Cologne store introduces a new element to the brand’s outlet concept: a takeaway beverage area with seating opposite. This feature, unique within the Bahlsen outlet network, expands the traditional shopping experience by offering customers a place to pause and enjoy a drink.

copyright © gül koc GmbH

LP 1-9
Credits sven vüllers fotografie
Year 2026