Kohler Reimagines the Grocery Store as a Luxury Community Hub

KOHLER, WI – July 01, 2026 – In an era where the lines between retail, dining, and community are rapidly dissolving, one of America’s most iconic brands is making a significant move. Kohler, a name synonymous with design and manufacturing, is about to unveil the reimagined Woodlake Market on July 17. On the surface, it’s the reopening of a 40-year-old village grocery store. But look closer, and you’ll see a meticulously crafted case study in the future of experiential retail, a strategic pivot where a global luxury hospitality brand is embedding itself into the very fabric of daily life.

This isn't just about selling organic kale and artisanal cheese. It's about engineering a destination, a system designed to nourish a community while simultaneously elevating a brand's reach from the special occasion of a resort stay to the rhythm of the everyday. The new Woodlake Market is a complex blend of food hall, premium grocer, and neighborhood hub, reflecting a deep understanding of how modern consumer behavior, economics, and a desire for connection are reshaping our commercial landscapes.

The Evolution of a Community Hub

For over four decades, Woodlake Market has been a fixture in the Village of Kohler. Its transformation from a functional grocer into a modern marketplace is a deliberate act of preservation and reinvention. "Woodlake Market has been a part of everyday life in Kohler for over 40 years," said Stephen Beaumont, President of Kohler Hospitality. "We're proud to honor the market's history while creating something that serves the community today."

This sentiment of bridging past and future is central to the project's identity. The market, described as "Built for the Village, shared by all," is not merely a commercial venture but a reinforcement of the company’s role as a community anchor. The two-day Grand Opening Celebration on July 17-18, featuring live music, tastings, and family activities, is designed to be a public embrace, inviting locals, resort guests, and associates to experience the renewed space together. This isn't just a ribbon-cutting; it's a carefully orchestrated re-introduction to a beloved institution, signaling that while the offerings are elevated, the core purpose as a community connector remains intact.

A Blueprint for Experiential Retail

Woodlake Market’s new form directly addresses a seismic shift in consumer preferences away from transactional shopping toward immersive experiences. The concept masterfully merges the best of a premium grocer, a specialty food hall, and a lifestyle destination. With approximately 80 percent of its grocery offerings sourced from organic products, it caters to a wellness-conscious consumer. Yet, it goes further by integrating a café, communal gathering spaces, and interactive programming like workshops and tastings.

This model places it firmly within the burgeoning food hall trend seen in cities across the country, from Milwaukee's 3rd Street Market Hall to La Crosse's LAX Food Hall. However, Woodlake's unique proposition is its integration within a world-class resort ecosystem. It leverages the high standards of a luxury brand and applies them to the daily errand. This strategic blurring of lines—where a resident grabbing dinner ingredients might mingle with a tourist discovering local flavors—creates a dynamic social environment that a standalone grocery store could never achieve. It’s a tangible manifestation of the idea that convenience and wellness can, and should, feel connected and communal.

Crafted with Purpose: Design Meets Sustainability

Every element of the market's physical space appears to be a deliberate choice, reflecting a deep commitment to craftsmanship and thoughtful design. The project, a collaboration between Kohler's in-house design team and the award-winning firm AvroKO, was guided by a simple but powerful idea. "Every decision was guided by a simple idea: create a place people genuinely want to spend time in," explained Nina Kohler, the company's Strategy & Design Leader.

The result is a LEED-certified space that feels both contemporary and deeply rooted in its environment. The design retains historic architectural elements like the original structural columns, weaving the building's legacy into its new, modern aesthetic. The interior palette draws from the surrounding Wisconsin landscape with layered greens, natural stone, and warm, tactile finishes. The extensive use of handcrafted Ann Sacks tile and custom millwork underscores the brand's long-standing dedication to quality craftsmanship. Crucially, accessibility was integrated from the project's inception, ensuring counters, seating, and circulation paths offer a welcoming experience for all guests. This focus on inclusive, sustainable design demonstrates a holistic approach that moves beyond aesthetics to consider environmental impact and human experience.

Cultivating Local Flavor and Identity

Perhaps most importantly, the reimagined market serves as a powerful platform for regional identity. It actively champions local makers, creating an ecosystem that supports the area's artisans and producers. The shelves feature a curated roster of Wisconsin talent, from Foundry Cat Coffee and Broadway Popcorn Co. to Drewry Farms maple syrup and J. Henry Bourbon. This commitment extends to a dedicated showcase of Wisconsin's rich cheesemaking heritage, with products from respected makers like Carr Valley Cheese Co. and Hook's Cheese Co., complemented by educational tasting experiences.

Within this local tapestry, the company has also woven in its own artisanal ventures. A new Kohler Chocolates boutique, born from Herbert Kohler Jr.'s personal quest to perfect the chocolate turtle, adds a touch of whimsical indulgence. This integration of a signature Kohler brand within the market is a savvy move, reinforcing the company's identity not just as a host but as a creator of fine products. It transforms a trip to the market into an opportunity for discovery, where customers can connect with the stories behind the food they buy.

More Than a Market: A Piece of a Broader Vision

Zooming out, the Woodlake Market project is not an isolated initiative. It is a key component of a massive, multi-year strategic investment by Kohler Hospitality to cement its status as a premier luxury lifestyle destination. The market's reopening coincides with a wave of other large-scale transformations across the resort, including a major expansion of the Inn on Woodlake, the development of a new 14-hole golf course, and the construction of a premier racquet sports facility.

Viewed in this context, the market is a strategic anchor. It provides an essential, high-quality amenity that enhances the value proposition for the entire resort destination while simultaneously serving the daily needs of the local community. It is a testament to a long-term vision that understands that modern luxury is not just about opulent suites and championship golf; it's about creating a holistic, high-quality environment that permeates every aspect of life, from a grand vacation to a simple weekday coffee. This investment signals a deep belief in the power of place and a commitment to shaping a community built on craftsmanship, hospitality, and connection.