Shop fit-outs, refurbishments, store openings and closures
At Optima Retail we manage shop fit-outs, retail refurbishments, store openings and closures to timelines that fit your trading calendar. We handle the whole process, from design and delivery to planning consents and permits, so every retail space is ready to trade on time and without issues that could jeopardise the opening.
Guaranteed response within 24 hours
Our technical solutions
Everything included in our retail fit-out, store opening and closure service
Physical store optimisation and maintenance
Ongoing maintenance and refurbishment of retail stores keeps layouts and spaces in optimum condition, ensuring a smooth and appealing customer experience.
Planning consents and building permits
Advice on and management of all the permits needed to comply with local regulations.
Full shop refurbishments
Complete upgrade or renovation of existing retail premises to adapt them to new needs.
Shopfitting and equipment installation
Installation of retail fixtures and furniture tailored to your brand and the way the space works.
Signage and shop signs
Installation of interior and exterior signage that reinforces your brand identity.
Store opening and closure planning
Management of every stage of the process, so each opening or closure runs efficiently and without setbacks.
Retail fit-outs with national and international coverage
Retail refurbishments have different demands from any other type of building work: opening dates are non-negotiable, the brand image has to be translated precisely into the physical space and day-to-day store operations must work from day one.
At Optima Retail we specialise in the retail sector, which means we anticipate every technical and regulatory requirement from the outset. We know the construction standards and use that knowledge to cut lead times, control costs and deliver results in every store, in Spain, the UK and anywhere else in the world.
Benefits of our shop fit-out, store opening and closure service
We manage every project from start to finish, with full control over timelines, costs and handover.
- Guaranteed timelines that work back from your opening date.
- Bespoke design and delivery to maximise the functionality and appeal of your store.
- Full management of permits and consents, ensuring regulatory compliance.
- Strip-out of retail units and installation of fixtures, furniture and signage.
- Refurbishments for chains and franchises with international coverage and a single point of contact.
Related services
Our integrated maintenance services
We combine our refurbishment and store opening services with a complete maintenance strategy to keep all your stores running at their best.
Planned preventative maintenance
Scheduled visits to prevent breakdowns before they affect your trading.
Predictive maintenance
Data analysis and sensors to anticipate failures and extend the life of your equipment.
Reactive maintenance
Fault response and repairs of any kind, as quickly as possible.
Shop fit-outs, store openings and closures: frequently asked questions
Everything you need to know before choosing our fit-out and refurbishment service for your retail estate.
Any other questions?
Our experts will get back to you within 24 hours.
Which regulations apply when opening a retail unit in the UK?
Opening a retail unit in the UK typically involves planning permission or confirmation of the permitted use class, Building Regulations approval for the works, a fire risk assessment under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, accessibility requirements under the Equality Act 2010 and, depending on the products or activity, specific licences or environmental health requirements. Many shopping centres also have their own technical requirements for the units that trade in them.
At Optima Retail we review all of these requirements at the start of the project, so that no regulatory oversight delays the opening.
Do you work with retail chains and franchises nationally and internationally?
They are among our most common clients. Chains and franchises need every store to follow corporate brand standards, expansion timelines and budgets approved by head office. We coordinate all projects centrally from a single team, which makes oversight, consistency of results and communication with expansion teams much easier.
We deliver store openings across Spain and manage projects in any country, including the UK, through our international retail facilities management network.
Do you handle planning consents and building permits?
Yes. Managing planning consents and building permits is part of the service. We prepare the required technical documentation, submit it to the relevant authority and follow it up until approval. This includes planning applications, Building Regulations applications, installation certificates and any specific permits required by the local authority where the unit is located. We operate across Spain and handle the equivalent procedures on international projects.
What is a retail strip-out and when is it needed?
A retail strip-out means removing all existing fixtures, equipment, installations and building elements to leave the space as a shell, ready for refurbishment or handover. It is needed when a store closes, when a unit in a shopping centre changes tenant, or when a refurbishment involves a complete redesign of the layout. For commercial strip-outs we also manage the segregation and removal of waste in line with current environmental regulations.
Can you fit out a fashion store in line with the brand's design guidelines?
Yes. For fashion stores and any other retail business, we work with the brand’s technical design manual from the project stage to make sure layout, materials, lighting and signage meet corporate standards exactly.
If the brand has its own architecture team or a design firm that defines the project, we join as the main contractor. If not, we offer integrated design and build. Either way, the end result is a space that accurately reflects the chain’s identity.
Do you offer maintenance for the premises after opening?
Yes. Once the unit has been handed over, we can add it to our planned preventative and reactive maintenance programmes for retail. This is especially useful for chains that prefer a single supplier for store openings, refurbishments and ongoing maintenance. We have operational teams across Spain and international coverage, so we can respond quickly to any issue without you having to manage multiple local contracts.
