The Facts
Customer: M&S Sale
Result: Successfully completed on time and on budget as part of a bold retail store fit out programme.
Budget: £1.3M
Timeframe: 4 & ½ weeks
Constraints: Tight deadline to reduce closure time and support a fast track fit out delivery window
Completion: February 2025
The Challenge
The Sigma Projects and M&E teams were contracted to work alongside M&S to complete this trial PAI plus Scheme, with the store closing for only four and a half weeks in total, requiring a retail store fit out approach that worked to exceptionally tight deadlines.
This timeline included de-merchandising, the full fit-out scheme as well as re-merchandising. To complete the works within the given timeframe, double shifts were implemented, working both days and nights and included the weekends.
To maintain programme certainty, Sigma coordinated multiple workstreams typically seen in both retail refurbishment and commercial fit out contractors’ projects.
The Solution
As the store would only be closed for four and a half weeks, the Sigma teams condensed the works to complete all elements of the retail store fit out project within just three weeks.
Work included:
- Complete floor covering replacement
- Demolition and rebuilding of internal walls to the new store configuration
- Full refrigeration replacement
- Lighting installation and reconfigurations
- Full internal and external decoration including back of house areas
- Internal and external signage packages
- Installation of new checkouts
The in-store bakery was also relocated and a new coffee offering installed, aligning with wider objectives typical of a retail refurbishment scheme.
Variations were requested by M&S during delivery and were completed before launch, showcasing Sigma’s flexibility as experienced commercial fit out contractors.
The Result
The trial, delivered as a fast track fit out, was completed on time and within budget, demonstrating Sigma’s capability in high pressure retail store fit out environments.
This successful PAI Plus scheme has since supported further store refurbishment rollouts across M&S locations.
Testimonial
“I just wanted to take a moment to thank your team on the Sale project. They’ve worked incredibly hard to deliver this job, and I must say, it looks fantastic at today’s launch. The minimal snagging required is a testament to their dedication and attention to detail. So, from me—well done! Keep up the great work, and I look forward to the next scheme at Warrington Outlet.”
Steve Merrick
Construction Project Manager at M&S – 12th February 2025