NYC Groceries Branding RFP: Designers Vie for Civic Identity Project

In late May, the Economic Development Corporation of New York City (NYCEDC) released a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking a branding consultant for NYC Groceries, a network of five grocery stores supported by the city, which is part of Mayor Zohran Mamdani's initiative to enhance affordability over the next two and a half years. The chosen consultant will oversee branding aspects and work alongside architects. The RFP garnered interest from 637 registrants representing 481 organizations, including notable firms such as Pentagram and Wieden+Kennedy. The contract, which could reach up to $1 million from mid-2026 to the end of 2029, requires that 30% of the funds be allocated to certified Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs), providing designers an opportunity for exposure without compromising ethical standards.