The increasing complexity of retail store transformations can compromise efficiencies. Dave Dignam, Group CEO at Sigma, examines the crucial role that end-to-end solutions providers, with dedicated in-house business units, can play in delivering successful projects.
In today’s grocery retail environment, store transformations are more complex than ever. From rolling out new fixtures and signage to installing energy-efficient HVAC and refrigeration systems, every transformation introduces variables. Working with a single end-to-end solutions provider simplifies everything: one team, one schedule, one accountable delivery. With every facet managed in unison, the bigger picture and finer details are both covered – meaning fewer surprises and more predictable outcomes.
Multiple contractors often lead to overlapping scope, misaligned timelines and duplicated procurement costs. A single partner delivers transparent pricing structures, coordinated procurement of materials and equipment, real savings through elimination of redundant cost-lines, culminating in a faster, smoother path to completion.
In-house compliance, safety & sustainability
Retail spaces must meet strict safety and environmental standards. A full-service partner brings its own compliance team, up-to-date on industry regulations and best practices, meaning your store works safely, legally and sustainably from day one.
But it goes further than ticking boxes: these partners can spot operational inefficiencies, recommend longer-life materials, lower-maintenance solutions and energy-saving systems, resulting in finished stores that are not just compliant – but future-proof.
Expert dedicated business units
Transformation isn’t simply a construction job. It requires multiple specialist disciplines working together under a skilled project manager to oversee the project from feasibility to completion.
Leading design, planning, budgeting, procurement, compliance, installation, and inspection, the Projects team must have direct access to experts across Building Services (structural, M&E, HVAC, refrigeration), Display (fixtures, signage, brand presentation) and Logistics (GNFR warehousing, transport, JIT delivery, recycling).
Having in-house business units can make all the difference: less coordination risk, tighter timelines and the agility to respond to change mid-project.
Integrated logistics drive efficiency
Retail store roll-out programmes often hinge on GNFR (Goods Not For Resale) in and outflow, bespoke fixtures, tight warehousing and transport operations. An end-to-end partner with embedded logistics capability can drive project efficiencies via just-in-time delivery into constrained urban sites, warehousing built from the ground up to cope with all shapes and sizes’ of GNFR and complete with a one-stop-solution for display fixture removal, recycling or reuse.
Transformation success
A recent retail transformation, which required a comprehensive solution, was for a well-known supermarket brand’s store in London. With significant space constraints (busy red-route frontage, no on-site storage, plant deck above the entrance), Sigma were appointed to refurbish the space. Works included a new bakery, upgraded HVAC & refrigeration, full fixture/fit-out, and welfare areas remodelled. Agile, adapting to live changes, the welfare area relocated three times to maintain CDM compliance and continuous colleague service. Despite this, the project was delivered on-time with a refreshed front-of-house, enlarged bakery footprint, and significantly lower CO? emissions and energy cost as well as an increase in footfall and sales for the client.
One trusted partner for optimal value
With inflationary pressures, energy cost volatility, labour shortages and the drive to Net Zero, transformation programmes must deliver more than just a new look. They must be efficient, compliant, resilient and sustainable. Working with one experienced partner gives clarity over budget, schedule and risk – optimising real value from the investment.
Whether it’s a one-store refresh or a national estate rollout, choosing a provider that lives and breathes the end-to-end solution will deliver the most value.
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