Having a fantastic-looking shop is essential to enticing customers in and encouraging them to buy your products. The design and layout of a shop can affect sales, customer satisfaction, and overall brand image, so you need to get it right.

But how much does shop fitting cost? In this guide, we’ll go through the average shop fitting costs, what affects the cost of fitting out a shop, and how to make the most of your budget.

Average shop fitting costs

Shop fitting costs can vary depending on several factors, including the size of the shop, the materials used, and the complexity of the design.

The average cost of fitting out a small shop of 500 square feet is around £30,000 to £70,000. This price includes the design, materials, and installation costs.

Job / item	Average cost
Low-spec shop fitting	£60 per sq. ft
Mid-range shop fitting	£90 per sq. ft
High-end shop fitting	£140 per sq. ft
Carpenter/joiner hourly rate	£16-£40

It is important to note that these are average costs, taken from around the entire UK. Shop fitting costs will vary depending on where your business is located – carpenters and joiners will charge more if your shop is based in London or major towns or cities, but less if your premises is in quieter, more rural areas.

Take a look at our table below to see how much you can expect shop fitting to cost in your area.

What affects the cost of fitting out a shop?

Several factors can affect the cost of fitting out a shop. Understanding these factors can help you plan and budget for your shop fitting project.

Shop size

The size of your shop is one of the most significant factors that can affect the cost of fitting it out. The larger the shop, the more materials and labour will be required, which can increase the overall cost.

Design complexity

The design and layout of your shop can also affect the cost of shop fitting. A more complex design will take longer to implement, and if you need higher-quality materials, this will all increase your shop fitting cost.

Materials

Your choice of materials can also affect the cost of shop fitting. High-end materials such as marble, granite, and glass can be more expensive than other materials like wood, plywood or laminate. Therefore, the materials you choose can significantly impact the overall cost of your shop fitting project.

Electrical and plumbing requirements

If your shop requires electrical or plumbing work, this can also add to the cost of shop fitting. You may need new plug sockets, LED lighting or new water pipes.

The average hourly rate of an electrician is £37, while it’s £41 for a plumber.

Location

The location of your shop will also affect the cost of fitting it out. Shops in London, major cities and well-known shopping centres will cost more to fit out, while premises in smaller towns and rural areas will cost less.

Fitting out a shop video

Shopfitting on a budget

Shopfitting can be a significant expense for a retail business, especially for small businesses with limited budgets. However, there are several steps you can take to make sure you keep your shop fitting costs to a minimum without compromising on the quality of your shop design or functionality.

Here are some steps to shopfitting on a budget:

1. Set a budget

Obviously, the first step to shopfitting on a budget is to determine how much you can afford to spend. Be realistic about your budget and consider all the expenses involved in shopfitting, including materials, labour, and any additional costs like permits or licenses that you’ll need to be legally allowed to trade.

2. Plan your design carefully

Careful planning is essential to shopfitting on a budget. Consider using a simple design and layout that requires fewer materials and less labour.

For example, instead of a complex custom-built display, consider using off-the-shelf fixtures that are more affordable and a joiner can put together quickly.

3. Choose cost-effective materials

Using cost-effective materials can help you save money on your shopfitting project. Consider using materials like wood or laminate instead of high-end materials like marble or granite. You can also look for recycled or repurposed materials to save money.

4. Shop around for quotes

It’s essential to get quotes from several shopfitters, carpenters and joiners to ensure you’re getting a fair price. Be sure to compare quotes carefully to ensure you are getting the best value for your money. Look for a shopfitter who can work within your budget and has experience working with small businesses.

5. Prioritise essential elements

When shopfitting on a budget, it is important to prioritise essential elements that are critical to the functionality and safety of your shop. For example, ensure that electrical and plumbing systems are up to standard and that safety features like fire exits are in place.

Shopfitting on a budget requires careful planning, consideration of cost-effective materials and prioritising essential elements. With these steps, you can create a functional and attractive shop design that meets your business's needs while staying within your budget.

FAQs

What does a shop fitter do?

A shop fitter is a professional who specialises in designing, planning, and fitting out commercial spaces like retail stores, restaurants, and offices. Shop fitters work closely with business owners to understand their specific needs and requirements, and then create a design plan that maximises the use of space, enhances customer experience, and meets all relevant safety standards.

Shop fitters may be carpenters or joiners by profession. But they’re also often responsible for coordinating or completing a wide range of tasks, including installing fixtures, lighting, and flooring, as well as painting, plumbing and electrical work. They may also work with other professionals, such as architects or interior designers, to ensure that the finished space meets your expectations.

Is shopfitting hard?

It’s not easy! There are lots of different aspects to being a shop fitter and that’s why they often have many years of experience in carpentry and joinery, project management and design.

We wouldn’t recommend trying to fit out your shop yourself. It’s always best to pay for a professional shop fitter to help you so you don’t make any costly mistakes.

Now you know the average shop fitting costs, post your job on HaMuch. We’ll put you in touch with reliable shop fitters in your area that can help bring your dream into reality.

Estimates for common carpenter & joiner jobs;

Rates for other trades