Instant
01 · Ask
Retail, restaurant or office?
Different specs, different regs. Describe the unit and intended use, the AI tells you scope.
Fit out a retail shop.
Shopfront, fittings, lighting, EPOS and stock displays — turnkey retail fit-out.
✓ Updated May 2026✓ Free quotes✓ Vetted pros
20,000+UK homeowners
50,000Quotes sent
Keep going
Hire a shop fitter. Leased, regulated, phased.
Read the brief on lease terms, building control and milestone payments — then let Three local shop fitters quote.
Free
02 · Read the brief
Walk in informed
Lease reinstatement clauses, Building Regs (commercial), Equality Act 2010, fire safety risk assessment. Know the rules.
60 seconds
03 · Compare
Compare 3 fitter quotes
Three local fitters quote on the same drawing — strip-out, fit-out, M&E — so you compare cleanly.
✦
Get shop fitter quotes Ready when you are
Enter your postcode and get free quotes from local pros.
Top tips
Hiring a shop fitting, without the regret.
Four moves that separate a smooth job from a nightmare.
Lease terms before fit-out spec.
Reinstatement clauses in the lease determine what you can install. Read your lease (or get a solicitor to) before designing the fit-out.
Building Control for any structural.
Knocking through, mezzanine, change of use — Building Control sign-off is mandatory. Skip it and you can't open.
Fire safety + Equality Act.
Commercial fit-outs must comply with the Equality Act 2010 (accessibility) and Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. Penalties for non-compliance are heavy.
Phased payments tied to milestones.
Never pay more than 25% upfront. Milestone payments (strip-out, first-fix, snags) keep both sides honest.
Costs & timeline
Know what it costs. Know when it ends.
Indicative UK ranges and what affects price.
Cost range
By job type
Inc. VAT · 2026
Source: NMT quotes
Source: NMT quotes
Basic shopfit (per m²)
£600–£1.5k/m²
Mid-range fit-out (per m²)
£1.5k–£2.5k/m²
Premium fit-out (per m²)
£2.5k–£5k/m²
Small shop (50m² basic)
£30k–£75k
Restaurant kitchen install
£50k–£250k
Strip-out + reinstatement
£8k–£35k
!
Quote spread is typically ± 18% — always get 3 quotes.
At a glance
Infographic · VideoThe Shop Fitting briefing.
Infographic
Shop Fitting quick-view
Video guide
Shop Fitting explained
Retail shop fitting — fixtures, lighting, flooring, branding. New shopfit or refurbishment. Expect to pay £15,000–£150,000+ for UK retail shop fitting.
What Does the Work Involve?
Shop fitting contractor manages full project. Designer plans layout. Strip-out existing. New flooring, lighting, fixtures (display units, counters). Branding signage. Air conditioning if needed. EPOS install. Commissioning.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low (£) | High (£) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost per m² fit-out (basic) | 500 | 1,500 | Small retail |
| Cost per m² mid-spec | 1,000 | 2,500 | Standard retail |
| Cost per m² premium | 2,000 | 5,000 | Luxury retail |
| Small shop full fit-out (50m²) | 15,000 | 50,000 | Café/boutique |
| Medium retail (100-200m²) | 40,000 | 150,000 | Mainstream |
| Large flagship | 150,000 | 500,000+ | High street |
| Refurbishment only | 10,000 | 50,000 | Updates |
UK Regulations
Building Regs Part B (fire), Part M (accessibility), Part L (thermal). DDA 2010. Planning permission for change of use. Listed buildings consent. Landlord licence to alter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does fit-out take?
Small: 4-8 weeks. Medium: 8-16 weeks. Large: 16-30+ weeks.
Designer essential?
For brand-led: yes. Function-only: optional.
Landlord approval?
Yes — licence to alter required. Schedule of Conditions essential.
Best UK shop fit specialists?
HMY, Umdasch, MPD Group. Regional independents for smaller.
Cost per m² industry standard?
£500-£5,000/m² depending on spec. Average mid-spec £1,500/m².
Combined design + build?
Yes — D&B contractor common. Single contract, single accountability.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
NEWAI Trade Assistant
Got more questions
about shop fitting?
Ask follow-ups in plain English. The AI explains options, sequencing and what to ask the shop fitting — so you walk in informed.
I'm planning a job. Should I be looking for a shop fitting?
Sounds like a job for shop fitting. Tell me what you're trying to do — I'll walk you through costs, timeline and what to ask before they start.
FREE QUOTES60 SECONDS
Keep reading
VIEW ALL SHOP FITTING GUIDES →More shop fitting guides.
Guide
Point Of Sale (PoS) Maintenance Guide
For UK small business owners and those running retail or hospitality ventures from home, a reliable Point of Sale (PoS) system is the heartbeat of the operation...
READ GUIDE →GuideRetail Technology Fit-Out Guide
Modern retail is no longer just about shelves and stock. To compete in the current UK market, a physical store must provide a seamless, tech-driven experience t...
READ GUIDE →GuideEPOS Installation Cost & Work Guide
For UK small business owners and retailers, an Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) system is the heartbeat of the operation. Far more than a simple cash register, a...
READ GUIDE →GuideDigital Register Integration Guide
For UK independent retailers and boutique owners, the transition from a traditional till to an integrated digital register is a pivotal step in modernising a bu...
READ GUIDE →GuideShop Fitting EPOS System Guide
Integrating a modern Electronic Point of Sale (EPOS) system is a critical step in any retail or hospitality shop-fitting project. Beyond just a cash register, a...
READ GUIDE →GuideRestaurant & Café Fit-Out — UK Cost & Process Guide
Restaurant fit-out cost. UK pricing.
READ GUIDE →