Fitting Out A Shop: The Process Explained

Fitting out a shop refers to the service of fitting out retail and services stores with equipment, fixtures and fittings to enable the business to function. A shop fit out company implements project planning, designs the store layout and installs equipment and services. The company is responsible for the entire process, from the initial planning and design stages, to the manufacturing of equipment, to the shop fit out itself.

Fitting out a shop is all about providing the client with manufacturing and design expertise to ensure that their vision becomes a reality. The company can also provide bespoke design and custom manufacturing services, ranging from furniture to store signage, in addition to supplying a range of shop equipment to enhance your store.

Design

When it comes to fitting out a shop, it’s astonishing how often the fundamentals are overlooked. Things such as keeping your store bright, spacious and warm have a considerable impact on customer behaviour and satisfaction.

The design process

Customers feel at ease entering a vibrant store with eye-catching displays and plenty of space to allow them to browse at their leisure. On the flip side, a dim and dreary store without a coherent flow will miss out on an array of conversion opportunities. Too much muddle and people will simply head for the exit.

As part of the design process, the shopfitters will evaluate the space available. An external interior designer or even the client themselves can do this instead if they wish. This stage of the process is crucially important, as efficient planning ensures that the project progresses according to the allocated time, effort and costs.

Where do you want customers to engage with your personnel? What kind of atmosphere do you want to create? There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to fitting out a shop, but having a clear vision of what it is you want to achieve makes the process so much easier and allows the shopfitting company to tailor the design so this vision is achieved.

A.P.C. Store by Laurent Deroo, Sapporo – Japan. Image credit: retaildesignblog.net

Timescale, budgeting and communication

When will the work commence? When is it due to be completed? What are the various milestones in between? Failure to agree on a timescale can result in profound problems for the different parties involved. It’s crucial to know the specifics well in advance so you can provide customers and clients with an opening date.

The cost of fitting out a shop should always be budgeted in line with what can realistically be afforded. Unnecessary expenditure on over-the-top items might well be pleasing on the eye, but not everything is worth tearing up your budget for. Some companies and clients run into a bit of bother on budgetary issues because of a tendency to get carried away with this. Be methodical with your ideas and stick to your budget – this is the best way to go about it.

Regular meetings allow you to maintain a healthy level of contact with your provider and give you an awareness of the progress of the project. There’s no harm in visiting the premises if you need peace of mind. Building a strong relationship with your provider is vital to limiting the bumps and hurdles.

Manufacturing

Now that the store design has been finalised, the company can proceed to getting all the essential equipment built. In a turnkey design service, they will build almost everything themselves. They will create a timeline for the remaining equipment that needs to be built or acquired. When everything is ready, it is time to begin the installation.

Installation

The installation process of fitting out a shop takes inspiration from the design stage as well as the builds from the manufacturing stage. The majority of the physical work is involved in the installation process. At this stage all the I’s should be dotted and the t’s crossed so that the final stage of the process can be completely as efficiently as possible.

Conclusion

The retail industry is as competitive as ever, therefore it’s crucial that your store adapts to the demands of its customers, provides a unique brand experience and ensures repeat custom. This is why it is so important to enlist the help of an expert who can bring your design vision to life.

Need help with your project? You’re in safe hands with Ireland’s leading shopfitters. Simply contact us to discuss your requirements.