Peet’s Coffee & Tea (Westfield Plaza Bonita)

The integration of green walls into retail spaces is gaining traction as businesses recognize the aesthetic and functional benefits they offer. A prime example of this trend is the Peet’s Coffee & Tea outlet located in the Westfield Plaza Bonita Mall in National City, California. This particular store, completed in February 2016, showcases a LiveWall® Green Wall System that significantly enhances its interior environment. Designed by REM Architects, Inc., the green wall serves as a central feature within the 1,700-square-foot coffee shop. Upon entering the store from the parking lot, customers are greeted by this unexpected and pleasant surprise. The living wall is strategically placed to establish a visual and environmental buffer between the bustling service counter and the more serene seating areas. The installation comprises two distinct sections: a larger one measuring 12 feet wide by 5.5 feet high, and a smaller one at 6.5 feet wide by 5.5 feet high. The plant selection for the green wall was carefully curated to offer a diverse and visually appealing display. Tropical plants were chosen for their varied variegation, different shades of green, inclusion of yellow and red tones, unique textures, and interesting shapes. This thoughtful selection creates a dynamic and living piece of art that complements the store's interior design, as noted by Steve Mora, president of MCS Consolidated Group, Inc., a licensed Peet’s partner. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, planted green walls, especially in indoor settings, provide a multitude of benefits. They contribute to improved indoor air quality by purifying the air and reducing airborne dust and particulates. Their ability to absorb sound helps in mitigating indoor noise levels, creating a more tranquil atmosphere for customers. Furthermore, through the process of evapotranspiration, the plants release water vapor, which can naturally cool indoor air during warmer months and add essential moisture to dry, heated environments in winter. These environmental advantages are complemented by social benefits, as the presence of natural vegetation can evoke feelings of tranquility, offer a sense of respite, and inspire visitors. The adoption of green walls also has a demonstrable impact on retail success. Horticulturalist Dave MacKenzie, the inventor of LiveWall, highlights that the unique presence of natural vegetation has been shown to attract shoppers and encourage spending. Research from environmental consulting firm Terrapin Bright Green, LLC, supports this, indicating that consumers tend to purchase more in retail environments that thoughtfully incorporate vegetation. This project at Peet’s Coffee & Tea therefore stands as a testament to how retailers are increasingly leveraging green architecture to create more inviting, comfortable, and ultimately more profitable spaces. #GreenWall #LiveWallSystem #RetailDesign #InteriorDesign #SustainableArchitecture #BiophilicDesign #CommercialProjects #PeetsCoffee #IndoorPlants #GreenWall #LiveWallSystem #RetailDesign #InteriorDesign #SustainableArchitecture #BiophilicDesign #CommercialProjects #PeetsCoffee #IndoorPlants