Mr. Bucket Chocolaterie
Designed by JYYJ Associates
This project turned a difficult, tight corner site into a destination in its own right — not just a kiosk shoppers pass on the way to somewhere else. Positioned beside a loud anchor tenant, the store needed to hold its own without competing for attention, so we leaned into raw, tactile materials — oriented strand board and stained plywood in alternating tones — to create a sense of warmth and craft that felt distinct from its glossier neighbours. Inside, we wanted the experience to feel more generous than the floor plate allowed, so a mirror-finished island counter at the centre of the store visually doubles the space and keeps circulation easy even when it's busy. We also wanted the first impression to do more than announce the brand — playful bon bon-shaped light fixtures overhead set a sense of delight before a single chocolate is seen. From there, we designed the layout to unfold intuitively: bars and dragées arranged for quick browsing, gifting sets framed within custom niches for travellers shopping on impulse, and a chilled counter at the rear for anyone wanting something in the moment. The result is a store that feels like a proper destination, built for a five-minute visit that still feels considered from entry to exit.
