Studio Carbon were tasked to help bring to life a new store concept from naming, logo, signage, menus, instore communication and digital design direction.

Their first step was to develop the name for the Romeo family’s brand new luxury European inspired grocer and restaurant in the heart of Sydney’s Central business district.

The Romeo family have been supplying and supporting the local communities of Australia for generations through their chain of IGA stores, so it seemed fitting to celebrate this community mindedness with their latest venture but with an Italian twist honouring their heritage. We brainstormed many names, but “Locali” which means “locals” in Italian, was the perfect choice.

The Locali vibe is brought to life with a wall mural of a Tuscan village as you enter and leave the store. The visual language is supported by a custom logo with a timeless signage solution that harmonises with the built environment. The result feels uncluttered and refined, evoking a sense of the European passion for quality. To really make you feel like you’re one of the ‘locali’, the signage is in Italian.

Locali is the pinnacle of decades of experience for the Romoe family in the food industry. Their love and passion has now been bought to life in this beautiful store and restaurant.