Setting Up Shop In A Centre? Here's What You Need To Know About A Shopping Centre Fitout

Before you rush out and start designing your shop front and interior design, read this! There is more to know than you think.

The perfect shop space has just become available and you want to make it yours. A bricks and mortar store for your business has unlimited benefits, but there are crucial responsibilities you need to know before you begin your shopping centre fitout.

What are the lessee responsibilities?

There are several responsibilities that must be fulfilled by the lessee prior to the agreed trading commencement date and many of these are easily overlooked if you’re a first timer.

#1 Gain approval for your designer – The lessee must appoint an experienced retail designer and have them approved by the lessor. It is up to the discretion of the lessor to approve your designer request.

#2 Drawings – You must submit your drawings for approval and wait for formal support before proceeding with your plans. If any revisions are necessary, complete them and then resubmit your plans.

#3 Immediately start - Works are generally required to commence immediately once lessor has approved the design, fitout and retail designer.

#4 Follow guidelines - Your shopping centre fitout must be fabricated in accordance with all retail and lessor guidelines. This includes complying with all relevant safety standards and legislation, as well as architectural, engineering and building standards.

#5 Authority approvals - It is essential that the lessee obtains all compulsory Authority Approvals, including the certificate of classification from the Building Certifier before commencing trade.

#6 Lease – You may not be able to commence fitout until the lease is signed and implemented.

#7 Shop front and fitout - It is the responsibility of the lessee to pay for and coordinate all works relating to the shop fitout. These costs can incorporate: floor coverings (this could be concrete, tiles, carpet, stone or wooden floors; and building finishes (this can mean cabinets, carpentry, fixtures and fittings, internal plumbing and drainage, all electrical wiring including those for lighting and fittings within your leased space).

Ceiling linings and internal wall cladding are not included in most leased shops and must be erected by your contractor. All exit and emergency lights in addition to internal cabling, telephone connections, TV and radio aerial antennae and connections are the sole responsibility of the lessee. Any decorating, paintings or signage must be inside the leased retail store and are to be paid for by you.

It comes as a surprise to many but the lessor isn’t responsible for internal doors (unless they are fire or passage doors), shop front or signage. The shop front must be constructed as per the original approved drawings in your tenancy agreement.

Planning your shop fitout

You want your shop to appeal to customers and create maximum impact. There are several tricks you can use that will achieve this desired look for your store.

#1 Use the space – Make the most of every square meter of space you have. If you are lucky enough to lease a corner retail spot, if possible, set the door on the corner so it encourages customers to enter from each direction.

#2 Emphasise - Emphasise focal points with an eye catching detail or a bold statement. Adding this intrigue will have consumers wanting to see more. As a business owner this is the answer to getting them into your store.

#3 Features – By incorporating a three dimensional element to your design you will create a long lasting impression for your brand. Ideally this focal point is set behind the sales counter because it makes them want to migrate in that direction. Stores that can encourage customers to make a purchase by making the counter and sales area fascinating have a higher rate of success than their counterparts.

#4 Conceal doors – Many shopping centres do not allow certain external doors so ensure you check up on this prior to ordering or fitting. This should be outlined in the centres guidelines. The best shop fitouts integrate their roller, sliding, bi-fold or stacker doors into their design. This allows practicality while still maintaining an attractive appearance.

#5 Creative signage – Customers want to know where they are shopping and a creative sign will get them through the door. Depending what your store is focused on, a different style of signage will be appropriate. The most common are: 3D lettering, edge lit acrylic, internally illuminated letters and back lit metal signs.

Each shopping centre can be different with what they require for a Tenant’s fitout and what they provide to the Tenant. It is important to fully understand the Landlord’s fitout requirements in order to best negotiate your lease.

Get your shopping centre fitout right the first time and avoid unnecessary back and forth between you and the lessor. For more essential information on retail leasing in Queensland, click the link.

With the right designer on your team, the style of your fitout will display what your business is all about. If you follow the tips mentioned above, you will have customers filling your store in no time!

If you are in need of professional and reliable builders for your shopping centre fitout, give the team at Murchie Constructions a call today!