WHAT MAJOR RETAILERS TEACH US ABOUT STAYING OPEN DURING REMODELS

Back in 2018, we published our guide on Staying Open During a Store Renovation, advice that recently caught the attention of the Globe and Mail in their feature Why Some Businesses Remain Open During A Building Renovation.

As evergreen as our 2018 advice is, retail continues to evolve, and so has our Playbook for store renovations. As major retailers like Walmart, 7-Eleven, and Starbucks demonstrate, staying open during a remodel isn’t just possible — it’s a strategic advantage.

In this article, we’ll update and expand on our 2018 guide, sharing:

Ways to Prevent Theft During Your Remodel:

• 3 Signs It’s Time for a Store Refresh
• Valuable Lessons from Recent Walmart, 7-Eleven, and Starbucks Remodels
• Why It’s Smart to Keep Your Doors Open During a Store Remodel
• How to Minimize Disruptions and Boost Sales
• Ways to Prevent Theft During Your Remodel

3 Signs It’s Time for a Store Refresh

Before planning your next renovation, it’s important to recognize if your store needs an update. Here are three telltale signs:

1. Your Design Screams “Blast from the Past”

If your store feels outdated – it is. Retail design moves fast, and an outdated aesthetic tells customers your brand isn’t keeping up with the times. Modern shoppers expect current, Instagram-worthy environments – if your store isn’t delivering, you might lose sales without realizing it.

2. Wear and Tear Are Visible to Everyone

Unless you’re a discount retailer, scuffed floors, chipped fixtures, and worn-out displays don’t just look bad – they send a message that your business is either cutting corners or struggling. First impressions matter; if customers see a run-down store, they might walk right back out the door.

3. Your Brand Has an Identity Crisis

If your store looks like a mishmash of different designs from years of small updates, it’s time for a cohesive refresh. This kind of visual chaos confuses customers and weakens your brand. A remodel can help you create a unified look that strengthens your identity and enhances the shopping experience.

Dig Deeper: 12 Signs Your Store Is Overdue For A Retail Renovation

Valuable Lessons from Recent Walmart, 7-Eleven, and Starbucks Remodels

Walmart’s Strategic Remodeling Program

Walmart is going big with their remodelling program, targeting 650 store refreshes in 2025’s fiscal year. That follows nearly 700 remodels completed the previous year.

Here’s what they’re doing right:

• Widening aisles and improving signage for better customer flow
• Putting their grocery game front and center
• Adding modern touches while keeping their signature look
• Getting smart about security with features like automatic entrance gates

Dig Deeper: Inside the store: How a reimagined Walmart supercenter is elevating grocery shopping

7-Eleven’s Evolution Stores

7-Eleven is using “Evolution Stores” as real-world testing grounds for new ideas. Smart move. They’re:

• Putting customer experience first in every design decision
• Trying out new food concepts like Laredo Taco Company and Raise the Roost to expand their offerings and attract new customers
• Using flexible fixtures like adjustable shelves and pull-out gondolas to improve restocking efficiency so they can adjust based on what works

Dig Deeper: The Reimaging of 7-Eleven

Starbucks’ Open Store Remodels

Starbucks has mastered the art of the open-store remodel, getting major updates done in just 26 days while keeping the coffee flowing. Their approach includes:

• Breaking renovations into phases to minimize disruption
• Updating everything from bathrooms to drive-thrus
• Timing construction carefully to keep serving customers

Dig Deeper: Complete interior remodel completed in 26 days

Why It’s Smart to Keep Your Doors Open During a Store Remodel

Keeping your doors open while remodelling is about more than just maintaining cash flow. It’s also a chance to:

• Turn your renovation into a marketing opportunity – create “behind the scenes” social media content showing the transformation
• Show customers you’re investing in their experience – it shows commitment to your location and community
• Build buzz about what’s coming next – create anticipation for new features or departments
• Keep your loyal customers from trying out competitors – closing completely during renovation risks breaking customer shopping habits

How to Minimize Disruptions and Boost Sales

Getting Creative with Your Space During Renovation

When you’re remodelling your store, space becomes a limited resource. Here’s how to make the most of it:

• Set up temporary shelving, display units, or even small sections within your store
• Use shipping containers or mobile units outside your store for additional space
• Set up mobile checkout stations using portable point-of-sale (POS) systems on tablets or smartphones
• Set up temporary, movable checkout counters
• Create obvious paths to help customers navigate the construction by using floor decals, hanging signs, and temporary walls
• Train staff to guide customers and answer questions about store navigation

Each of these tips can boost sales by:

• Creating a novel shopping experience that may attract customers
• Speeding up the checkout process, improving customer experience
• Maintaining a sense of order despite the chaos of construction
• Guiding customers past promotional areas or key products, potentially increasing sales

Make Your Inventory Work for You

Reducing your SKUs and inventory levels is beneficial when planning for a store refresh or remodel. So start preparing 2-3 months before your refresh:

• Gradually reduce your stock, focusing on what really sells
• Use smart pricing to move out items you won’t carry after the remodel
• Think carefully about what to keep and what to phase out

Keep Theft at Bay During the Chaos

Renovations can create security blind spots. Here’s how to stay on top of it:

• Keep sight lines clear, even with construction going on
• Add temporary security measures where needed
• Make sure your team knows the special security procedures during the remodel

Put the New Playbook into Action

As the retail landscape changes from year to year, so do the challenges facing store owners. Sooner or later, every retailer faces the daunting task of renovating their store. It’s a balancing act that raises important questions: Will the process go smoothly? Could it be managed more effectively? The answers often come down to experience.

By learning from industry leaders and applying innovative approaches to inventory, customer engagement, and project management, you can transform your renovation from a potential disruption into an opportunity for growth.

CBSF is Here To Help

Our team of retail renovation experts can help you plan and execute a remodel that minimizes headaches and maximizes impact. Let’s talk about your project today.