We support the development and optimization of retail chains by equipping, constructing, and modernizing stores, as well as installing heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), and electrical systems. For over 15 years, we’ve specialized in renovating retail and service spaces. As part of comprehensive technical building management (TBM), we often execute multiple projects for a single client simultaneously, constantly and professionally evaluating our activities.
Initial Situation: Closure of 4 Stores & Opening of a Pop-Up Store in 9 Weeks
One of our recent projects involved a global American clothing and footwear company operating in Germany. They needed to close four stores, one of which required relocation and the opening of a new pop-up store. This project spanned four cities in just nine weeks. We immediately began coordinating details with the client and planning the work for our team.
Technical Building Management for “Shell & Core” & “Strip-Out”
Store closures fall under our technical building management services, which primarily aim to optimize the store network rather than address retail issues. Decisions to close a store are always preceded by a thorough financial analysis regarding profitability, influenced by sales, lease terms, and market conditions. Less profitable stores are closed, and new ones are opened in better locations.
The project managers from the Lightweight Construction Team regularly assist clients in this area. There are two main levels of tasks. The first is “shell & core,” which involves restoring the shell state by removing all movable elements in the store area, as well as walls, floors, ceilings, and installations. The second, “strip out,” is a lighter demolition that includes removing movable elements and any traces of the company logo.
Removing Logos and Equipment from Stores
For the aforementioned client, we handled the full “shell & core” scope in four stores: two on main streets in Heidelberg and Cologne, and two in a shopping center and retail park in Berlin and Wolfsburg, respectively.
We removed and disposed of interior and exterior logos as well as all store fixtures. The walls were repainted, and all damage was repaired. Per the client’s request, we left fitting rooms, partitions, restrooms, back-of-house (BOH) areas, electrical and mechanical floor systems, and lighting intact. Nevertheless, we secured virtual facility (VF) systems, antennas, CCTV, network systems, and BOH shelving for the new store, followed by a general cleaning.
Store Relocation and Opening a New Pop-Up Store
Relocating a store offers an opportunity for optimization. It requires the client to review operational efficiency, monitor local industry trends, and stay market-aware.
In this case, we closed a store in a Berlin shopping center in just two weeks, covering 180 m² of retail space, 55 m² of office space, and 31 m² of storage. The store’s furniture and equipment were relocated to a slightly smaller space in a Wolfsburg shopping center, where we opened a new pop-up store.
The new store required reinstallation of furniture, lightboxes, and signage in the retail area. Due to the new layout, we carried out minor electrical work and IT installations for POS systems, shelving, APs, and more. We also installed company signage, checked chipboard reinforcements, and secured the VF, antennas, and CCTV systems from the previous store. Finally, we reinstalled power and data sockets and performed a thorough cleanup.
Challenges in Store Relocation
The biggest challenge was completing all projects consecutively within the scheduled nine weeks. Store closures typically take 10-12 days, and opening a new pop-up store takes about 21 days.
Another challenge was coordinating with store managers and adapting to their preferences. This led to downtime, increasing hotel and staffing costs.
Additional workload required ordering a shelving and bar system from a German supplier, whose delivery delays forced us to improvise with available resources to prepare the stockroom for the store opening.
Professional Project Management = Satisfied Clients
Piotr Franus, Senior Project Manager, remarked:
“Being entrusted with such a comprehensive project within a short timeframe entails significant responsibility and management processes, showcasing Sescom as a professional partner for such projects.”
“I’m pleased we managed to efficiently execute combined projects across various locations in Germany, addressing the client’s actual needs and ensuring the satisfaction of their staff and store managers.”
He concluded:
“Personally, it was an intense period, culminating in a successful handover and positive client feedback. I look forward to similar implementations in this or other countries, leveraging my extensive experience, ready teams, and the ability to make impactful changes and design choices for the respective brands.”
Conclusion: Professional Building Management Partner Across Europe
Ultimately, this complex project was completed within nine weeks, from late July to the end of September 2024, thanks to the involvement of our Sescom team of engineers, installers, and project managers.
Our extensive industry knowledge and professional teams across Europe enable us to manage multiple projects simultaneously in various locations, adhering to local requirements and regulations. The positive reception of this project in Germany motivates us to pursue further endeavors, opening the door to large-scale contracts.
