There are many shopfitting companies in London to choose from, so it can be difficult to decide which would be the best for your business. Clients need to consider various different factors to narrow down the options, so that they can have confidence in their choice of shop fitters.
Here are some key points to consider when choosing experts to carry out shopfitting projects for companies in the London area. The most important thing is to be sure that the shop fitters you have chosen understand and share your everyday priorities, and will work with you as a team.
Working – and Sticking – to Budget
One factor to consider when choosing fitout contractors is their ability to work to an agreed budget, so that you will not face escalating costs. Fitting out or refurbishing shop interiors is one of the biggest investments any business owner will make, so it is important to be able to predict costs.
This means it is essential that the whole project is costed properly at the outset, and that the budget is kept in mind from the initial shop design right through to delivery, when the shopfitting is completed. Whether you are planning a retail interior design for a completely new business, or a shop renovation, Thames can help you choose designs and materials that will keep you within your desired budget. As specialist shop fitters working in the London area, we have a track record of delivering on budget, so, when you choose us, you can have confidence the costs will be as expected.
Fast Turnaround
When it comes to a shop refit, sticking to the agreed timetable is just as important as sticking to the agreed budget. If an overrunning shopfitting project leads to a shop being closed longer than planned, the delay means loss of valuable business and so pushes up the cost of the whole shop renovation. Also, even if it is possible to keep a business open while work is carried out, the disruption to retail operations may still lead to loss of trade.
At Thames, our record shows that work can be scheduled and completed in a matter of weeks. We understand that a single unplanned day of closure means money lost, and are proud of our reputation for completing work on time.
Communicating With You
Communication is vital during every stage of a retail shop design project. Clients need to understand clearly what is included in the project before building work starts, so a supplier must take the time to present all the design options clearly.
At Thames, we will arrange a site visit before drawing up a written brief to document discussions with clients, and we will also create 3D visualisations of the shop interior design proposals, so that you can see just how the finished work will look.
Clients also need to be able to ask for modifications and adjustments to proposals if needed, and for their supplier to be responsive to this. We give plenty of opportunity to incorporate any changes to a project, as we carry out thorough discussions with you when presenting our detailed quotation for the work.
Single Contractor
A number of different trades are involved in the work of carrying out a shop refit, including electricians and plumbers. Arranging for all these different experts to be on hand at the right time is a complicated logistical operation, and precious time can all too easily be lost if there is a delay waiting for a particular trade.
When choosing between fitout contractors, it is therefore important to ensure that they are able to project manage the whole installation, arranging for various professionals to be on-site at the right time. We organise all the necessary trades, so you have a single point of contact for the whole project.
Creativity and Flair
One of the qualities needed to make shop fitters stand out from the crowd is the ability to come up with exciting designs for retail interiors. As design innovators, we are constantly ahead of the pack when it comes to new and distinctive looks. This is one of the reasons we have been chosen to work on so many high-end shopfitting projects with leading retail companies in London, including designer clothes and shoes retailers.
Understanding Your Brand
Every shop design needs to be tailored to the needs of the particular store. For instance, the chosen layout and colour scheme will depend on whether it is selling traditional or more modern products. We have the ability to tune into what materials, layouts, and shades will best reflect your type of shop or brand, and we can also work to existing brand guidelines if these are available.
Latest in Design
Knowledge of the latest materials, design options and trends is essential when fitting out a shop, in order to strike the right note with shoppers. Our expertise will enable you to target cutting-edge trends as appropriate, while avoiding any looks not in keeping with your brand.
Experience and Track Record
One of the most important considerations in choosing between shopfitting companies is their experience. London retailers know they can rely on Thames because of our 25 years of experience. We have carried out a large portfolio of work for a range of different shop types, and have a host of satisfied customers.