A retail general contractor spearheads the construction, renovation, repair, decoration, and improvement process of new or existing retail buildings. In the retail industry, the whims and expectations of consumers constantly change with time. Surviving and thriving in today’s technologically progressed market scene is nothing short of a challenge for brick-and-mortar retailers.
That being said, retail store owners who are looking forward to constructing or renovating their commercial space need a distinct combination of thoughtful planning and innovative ideas to stay relevant amid frequent shape-shifting. This is where the expertise of a retail general contractor comes in handy. They are specialty contractors who specialize in offering a wide range of retail construction services as a comprehensive solution to meet their clients’ construction or renovation needs.
Why Hire A Retail General Contractor?
In the United States, the retail market is expected to grow at a CAGR of more than 3% from 2021 to 2026. Some of the top offline retail distribution channels in the country are hypermarkets, supermarkets and hard discounters, drug stores, health and beauty stores, discount and variety stores, general merchandise, and other specialist retailers. (Global Data Market Analysis Report)
To remain competitive and drive sales among big players, small and medium-sized business owners have to consider several factors. These can be ambiance, product display, demographics, accessibility, message delivery, costs, and overall space presentation. Partnering with a retail building company can help owners navigate the complexities of retail design and construction while achieving their business objectives.
Let’s discover the six major reasons why as a retailer you should hire a retail general contractor for completing your ambitious project.
Reason No. 1 – Expertise in Retail Construction
Commercial retail contractors have specialized expertise in delivering solutions for customer engagement, value engineering, and code compliance.
Retail general contractors have extensive experience and expertise in undertaking a broad variety of retail projects, from standalone stores to franchise locations. They understand the complex specifications and unique challenges of building a retail store including zoning laws, building codes, logistical issues, and branding expectations. They are knowledgeable about the latest trends in retail design and construction, which allows them to create innovative and appealing spaces that attract customers and drive sales.
The expertise of a retail contractor can help shop owners reap maximum profits from a reasonable investment. For example, retail contractors can plan and design a store layout to maximize customer flow and optimize sales. They can recommend the installation of interactive displays or digital signage to engage customers and offer them a personalized shopping experience. Or else, contractors can help store owners implement sustainable building practices by adding smart lighting and temperature control systems that reduce energy consumption and utility costs.
Reason No. 2 – Access to Resources and Materials
A retail general contractor’s contacts with manufacturers and suppliers help provide clients with a more customized and cost-effective project.
Top retail construction companies have well-established relationships with all types of subcontractors and suppliers. As a business owner, you can rest assured that your hired contractor will pick the most polished subcontractors to execute the job. Typically, general contractors working in the retail industry have access to the following quality resources and materials:
- Design resources (architects, interior designers, and lighting designers)
- Millwork and cabinetry for specialized store fixtures and displays
- Storage solutions (high-density shelving or automated inventory systems)
- Eco-friendly construction materials (glazed glass, bamboo, cork, stainless steel)
- Security and surveillance systems (cameras and alarms)
- Interactive audio and video solutions (sound systems and digital signage)
- Decorative branding elements (textured or patterned wall coverings, murals, artwork, and logos)
- Specialty flooring (slip-resistant or high-performance materials)
- Energy-efficient HVAC systems and lighting fixtures
- Advanced plumbing fixtures (touchless faucets or low-flow toilets)
- Construction equipment (scaffolding, lifts, and cranes)
Usually, retail store builders order large volumes of materials from their trusted suppliers and often receive discounts on material purchases. These savings incurred by general contractors benefit clients and they end up saving money on both labor and materials.
Reason No. 3 – Ensures Safety and Compliance
By ensuring the project building is code-compliant, retail contractors help business owners avoid potential legal liabilities and fines for non-compliance.
A retail construction or renovation contractor who is well-versed in applicable building codes and standards including electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and fire safety codes favors shopkeepers in myriad ways. As suggested by Permit Advisors, retailers must consider three key elements while applying for permits: accessibility (Americans with Disabilities Act), egress (International Fire Code), and racking requirements (for seismic areas such as California and Oregon). Moreover, retail general contractors must integrate Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles into overall retail store design to protect people, data, and property.
General contractors will also double-check if all project workers are professionally trained and have the necessary certifications to perform their duties safely. Every retail contractor will have worker’s compensation and insurance. This means any liability related to injury or damage will be transferred from your company to the general contractor.
The reason why you should hire a local retail general contractor is that local builders have experience with local zoning and legal regulations, environmental restrictions, and building code requirements. They may also work with local officials and inspectors to ensure that the project meets all standards and passes inspections. For instance, a store contractor may guide store owners on the correct placement of emergency exits or the installation of sprinkler systems to meet fire safety codes.
Obtaining required permits and making sure all inspections are completed on time to avoid delays in the construction process are also part of contractors’ job portfolios.
Reason No. 4 – Retail Construction Services
Retail general contractors offer specialized services that help store owners create safe, efficient, and attractive facilities while meeting their unique business needs.
Whether you are planning to build a retail store from the ground up, remodel an existing space, or retrofit your store for sustainability, retail construction contractors dispense the necessary services to make it happen. These specialty contractors work on many retail building projects, including shopping malls, chain stores, lifestyle centers, boutique storefronts, department stores, groceries, and factory outlets. Most likely, working with general contractors for retail store construction will give you an array of specialized services including:
- New Location Construction
- Build Outs
- Store-within-A-Store
- Flagships
- High Volume Roll-outs
- Fixture Installation Services
- Capital / Tenant Improvements
- Open & Closed Store Remodels
- Turn-Key Solutions
- White Box Work Rebranding
- Office Building
- Technology Deployment Services
- Value Engineering
- Design-Build
- General Contracting
- Construction Planning and Management
- Facilities Maintenance Services
Specialized retail construction companies have established processes and procedures that help them complete projects quickly and efficiently. They are committed to delivering work tailored to the client’s scope and meets or exceeds industry standards. With their expert guidance, business owners can make more informed decisions about building commercial retail spaces.
Reason No. 5 – Manages the Project for You
A retail project manager oversees all aspects of a project from pre-construction, construction, and post-construction, and ensures everything runs smoothly from start to finish.
A retail general contractor can act as a project manager for the construction or renovation of a retail facility. This saves the client from the hassle of hiring a separate construction project manager (CPM) on their behalf to handle the project. Retail construction management involves a project manager performing vital duties such as:
- Acquire, interpret, review, and track all construction permits and documents.
- Create a budget and schedule, implement value engineering, and ensure the project remains under budget and on schedule.
- Oversights the design process with an architect or engineer to resolve arising issues.
- Define key performance indicators (KPIs) for team workers.
- Inform stakeholders about site progress, deliver weekly reports, and communicate the owner’s feedback to the team and vice versa.
- Allocate resources and materials responsively and submit reports as per agreed-upon procedures.
- Oversee construction work, installation processes, and other on-site activities. If needed, train and select subcontractors, consultants, installers, and vendors.
- Perform risk management duties like monitoring change orders, resolving disputes, and mitigating unexpected issues with project teams.
- Facilitate final inspection and manage project closeout stage.
Many retail project managers use construction software like BIM (Building Information Modeling) and project management tools to level up their efficiency and organization. Therefore, hiring a retail contractor provides you with a single-source solution to manage your building project.
Reason No. 6 – Saves You Time and Money
By shouldering multiple responsibilities involved in a retail construction project, a general contractor saves clients time and money.
Besides construction management, a retail general contractor saves your time and money using their industry expertise. By leveraging their relationships with suppliers and subcontractors, they are able to negotiate favorable prices and ensure timely delivery of resources and materials. Key processes like obtaining permits and approvals, and complying with building codes and regulations are done quickly and effectively by store contractors. They also provide you with value engineering services to help identify cost-saving opportunities without undermining quality or safety.
Retail contractors can facilitate communication and collaboration by serving as a single point of contact for all stakeholders involved (designers, architects, engineers, subcontractors, etc.) in a construction project. This streamlined approach to project management helps avoid project delays and disruptions. It also reduces the risk of costly mistakes that can result from miscommunication or lack of coordination.
Case Study – Furnish & Co., San Francisco, California.
Furnish & Co. is a renowned furniture retail store located in San Francisco, California. They wanted to expand their business and open a new store in city’s prime location. The furniture company hired a local retail general contractor to design and construct the entire store.
Challenge – The challenge was to build a retail store that would stand out and attract customers among well-established competitors in the area.
Solution – After assessing the space, the general contractor came up with a minimalist, modern design that will complement the furniture and accessories. They used a combination of materials like wood, glass, and metal to create a modern and sleek look.
The project team worked with the store owner to develop a floor plan that included zones for different furniture styles such as modern, contemporary, and traditional. The architect took into account factors like foot traffic, display space, and storage requirements. The team installed shelving units, display cases, and racks to display light-weighted furniture pieces in a way that was easy to see and access. Using a combination of natural and artificial lighting, it was ensured that the lighting enhanced the furniture display and created a welcoming ambiance.
To give customers a more immersive shopping experience, the retail contractor introduced a virtual reality (VR) experience for customers to visualize how the furniture would look in their homes. The VR experience was made available in a designated area of the store where customers can simply view their chosen furniture using a VR headset. The contractor also provided training in VR system for store employees to assist customers in the future.
Result – The general contractor’s attention to detail and experience in retail construction ensured that the furniture store was not only visually attractive but also functional. The integration of VR technology was successful in setting the furniture store apart from its competitors. Overall, the owner of Furnish & Co. was pleased with the end result and noted that the new store design had resulted in increased foot traffic and sales.
Conclusion
No matter the size and complexity of a project, the expertise of a commercial retail contractor provides invaluable guidance to retailers. It ensures that retailers get the most out of their commercial space. Retail contractors’ access to a wide range of resources and materials, as well as their knowledge of safety and compliance regulations, help shop owners create a personalized and safe shopping environment.
By hiring a retail contractor, you receive specialized retail construction services, management of every aspect of the project from start to finish, and ultimately savings on time and money. So if you are looking to construct or renovate your retail space, hire a retail construction company and watch your project execute flawlessly.
Constructive Solutions, Inc. has decades of experience and an impressive track record of completing retail construction and management projects throughout the San Francisco and San Jose regions of the United States.
To submit a request for a quote, contact us today.
FAQs
What is the difference between a retail general contractor and a commercial general contractor?
While both handle construction projects, a retail contractor specializes in retail construction and has experience managing the unique challenges of retail projects.
What qualifications should a retail general contractor have?
Qualifications should include necessary licenses, insurance, certifications, and experience in retail construction to finish a successful project.
What is the cost of a retail store build-out project?
Typically, it will cost between $50 – $200 per square foot to build out a retail store.
Relevant Resources:
- Retail Store Construction: 7 Dos and Don’ts to Keep in Mind
- Tenant Improvements: How to Make Your Space More Retailer Friendly
Constructive Solutions, Inc. is a full-service commercial construction company serving San Francisco and Bay Area.
Whatever your vision, we have the resources, experience, and insight to make your concept a reality, and a space where your business can flourish.
Call Us Now for Estimate
