Choosing Shop Fitters

Shop fitters are responsible for constructing, manufacturing and installing shop fixtures. These include counters, cupboards and shelving for retail spaces. They also supply and install commercial kitchen equipment for cafes and restaurants.

On the first meet, make sure to ask plenty of questions. You should be able to gauge their professionalism, skill and service levels.

Qualifications

Choosing the right shop fitter can be daunting, but with a little careful research it can be relatively painless. Ask friends and colleagues for recommendations, check out the shopfitters’ website, ask for references and phone them – these can provide a good insight into their professionalism.

It is also a good idea to find out who will be managing the job site – this will often be the site foreman and can help keep projects on track. Shopfitters should be able to accurately estimate costs and if changes occur, be able to communicate these to the client.

In addition to these skills, a shopfitter should be able to understand the specific requirements of each retail space. This may include any limitations on construction, such as size or placement of signage. They should be able to work with retailers to ensure their vision is realised, and be capable of working within tight deadlines. They should also be able to handle unforeseen issues that arise during the project.

Experience

A professional shop fitter has years of experience and will know how to do a job correctly. They can take measurements and plan out the space to ensure that everything fits properly. They also have access to better quality materials and fittings, which means that they can give their clients a higher-quality finish.

Before work begins, your shopfitter should produce a construction contract that details project timelines and payment terms. This will protect both parties. They should also attend pre-start meetings with shopping centre management to discuss construction plans and safety/emergency procedures. They should also meet structural requirements outlined in the New Zealand Building Code and any council or building regulations that apply to your location. They should also submit their work for review by an independent building certifier. Finally, they should be able to offer you a 3D render of your store-to-be so that you can make any adjustments or note any variations before the job starts.

Design skills

Unlike house builders who work on relatively sequential sites and can afford to be a little late without causing much of a fuss, retail fit-outs often involve many trades working at once on confined spaces with fixed dates bounded by the tenancy handover and the store opening. This makes the foreman on a project critical to success.

Shopfitters have experience designing a layout that can maximize space and create a cohesive look that can attract foot traffic. They also know how to place products so that they can be seen by customers. This helps increase sales and create a positive shopping experience for customers.

In addition, they can help you find sustainable materials that are not only cost-effective but also durable. They can also suggest ways to reduce waste and improve efficiency in the workplace. Junk Run has worked with Dimension Shopfitters on a number of projects. This included supplying wheelie bins to their sites so that construction waste can be separated on-site and not sent to landfill.

Pricing

Businesses large and small use shop fitters Auckland to create aesthetically pleasing store fixtures and equipment that draw in more customers. Some of these businesses may also want to make changes to the existing floor space and architecture.

Shopfitting contractors will often organise all the trades involved in the job, from glaziers and plasterers to plumbers and electricians. They will also be able to provide advice about the cost and timeframe of the job. Before commencing work, it is best to have a clear construction contract with all details outlined and agreed. This will protect both parties from any misunderstandings about costs or timelines.

For example, a cafe fitout may include a new counter, tables and chairs, refrigerators and bain-maries. Alternatively, a budget-friendly way to save money is to repurpose existing fittings and fixtures. For instance, Tomboy Café in Melbourne used the original wall and floor style to create an aesthetically appealing space that fit within its budget.