Renovating a store without closing: is that possible?

For many retailers store renovation is a nightmare: weeks closed, staff to keep paying, customers going to competition. But most projects can now be executed mostly during opening hours.

The key is phasing. Divide your store into zones — for example A/B/C — and renovate them one by one. While zone A is renovated, the rest stays open. This requires tight planning but saves you weeks of lost revenue.

Night work is a second option. Our installation teams are used to working outside opening hours. Especially for supermarkets with short closing times this is common — 22:00 to 07:00 is a normal installation window.

Prefab works great for this approach. Components are pre-made in our European factories and delivered assembly-ready. On site it's pure installation — no sawing or welding.

Communication with customers is essential. Clear signs ('New fit-out — pardon the temporary inconvenience'), information on social media and perhaps a small gift for loyal customers keeps the mood positive.

Example from our practice: a supermarket was fully refitted in 6 weeks, with the store open all 6 weeks. Total revenue loss: less than 5% versus 3-4 weeks of full closure with a traditional approach.