Fact check: Is Cloud 9 from Superstore a real supermart?

Superstore has captivated audiences with its portrayal of Cloud 9, a bustling supermarket that feels incredibly real. Despite seeming lifelike, Cloud 9 does not exist in reality.

Cloud 9 is a discount hypermarket where much of the show's action takes place. America Ferrera and Ben Feldman lead the cast, and the store provides a setting for their humorous exchanges and office shenanigans. The characters, ranging from summer hires to managers, maneuver their responsibilities through quirky clients and antiquated training sessions.

The show's creators tried to make Cloud 9 believable. High ceilings, harsh fluorescent lighting, and a blue-on-white color scheme resemble Walmart. The store's authentic sense is enhanced by vest uniforms and a dedicated intercom operator. However, these design elements are part of the show's set, constructed on a Universal Studios lot in California.

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Cloud 9 from Superstore isn't a real supermart

Superstore's Cloud 9 may look like a real supermart, but it is purely fictional. The makers of the show got ideas from real-life big-box stores, especially Walmart. The uniforms, store design, and intercom systems are all nods to these real-world counterparts. Walmart's recognizable vests, high ceilings, and bright lighting are mirrored in Cloud 9's aesthetic.

The interior set spans 20,000 to 22,000 square feet, significantly smaller than actual supermarkets, which can exceed 100,000 square feet. The production team puts mirrors all around the set to make it look like the room is bigger than it really is. This clever trick makes the store look bigger on TV than it really is.

Real store elements also contribute to Cloud 9's authenticity such as the checkouts with working scanners from defunct stores and refrigeration units from Fresh & Easy were repurposed for the set.

The products displayed in Cloud 9 are real, thanks to over 3,000 clearance agreements with companies such as LaCroix and Pepsi. This assortment of items is strategically placed to ensure a varied and realistic product array.

Cloud 9 has been in other NBCUniversal shows, including Good Girls, The Mindy Project, and I Feel Bad.

Despite the realistic portrayal, Superstore is filmed on a carefully designed set. The show is shot on a three-story set at Universal Studios, with various tricks employed to create the impression of a bustling superstore. Mirrors and strategically placed set pieces help convey the store's vastness.

The series' attention to detail, from the uniforms to the store layout, contributes to the illusion of a real retail environment.

Despite being a product of TV magic, Cloud 9's influence from real big-box stores like Walmart is evident. The fictional hypermarket serves as a testament to the show's dedication to authenticity, even within a comedic setting.