Shape Shopfitters reveals key trends in QSR shop design
Director shares what big-name clients are demanding now.
As competition heats up among quick service restaurants (QSRs), Shape Shopfitters finds itself in hot demand. Brands are tapping the esteemed 15-year-old shopfitting specialist to give their shops a makeover – from new cabinetry to fresh signage to comfy furniture.
“We have become partners with many of our clients and work with them to shape their design and brand to a budget that will resonate with their customers," said Wayne Billings, Shape Shopfitting Director.
“QSR brands are requesting increasingly faster and customized fit outs. They are also becoming bolder in their material choices, willing to spend extra to give their shop premises that extra egde, hopefully to impress diners and keep them coming back," added Billings.
Each retail food client faces extremely specific needs and challenges, said Billings, which has required Shape Shopfitters to become nimbler than ever.
“Sometimes it’s access and having to install grease traps and extraction systems after hours in multi-level shopping center’s with strict site procedures to adhere to,” said Billings on the range of requests Shape Shopfitters receives these days.
“One day it can be dealing with councils and getting approvals through in a time efficient manner to meet the store's opening schedule. Other days it can be sourcing specific materials that are hard to find like reclaimed bridge timbers or similar.”
QSRs also have less room for error now when it comes to financial estimates. They are often working on strictly defined budgets, forcing Shape Shopfitters to meticulously calculate costs so that no big variations pop up.
Billings said his team now provides up front pricing that will help clients calculate the most accurate project value even before the fitout begins.
Builders as partners
With client demands becoming more creative and specific, Shape Shopfitters adapted by stepping up their role from a mere builder that takes orders without questions to a partner that provides sound input.
“We're more than builders, our expertise means we've become partners who work with clients to shape their business and brand at a customer experience level in store,” said Billings.
Billings stressed that collaboration is now imperative for a successful fit out, and that means his TEAM has had to understand how their clients’ businesses work. It then uses this knowledge to propose fit out ideas. Ultimately, some of these suggestions are used by the retail food brand for their new shop design.
Billings said their input “includes brand identity, through colors, materials and finishes, creating the in store customer experience. As well as understanding operational requirements so the store is efficient and functional from a staff perspective.”
“We partner with clients to learn from each build and evolve the system into the most efficient and cost effective model, from a fit out point of view,” he added.
Expansion plans
With more QSRs looking to grow nationally, Shape Shopfitters is also looking to expand its client base and to continue to operate all around Australia.
Shape is currently building a new facility in Melbourne that will expand its manufacturing capabilities. The facility will also enable the implementation of new machinery and software, and further advance the services available to its clients, as well as increase efficiencies in production. A new office and manufacturing arm is also being planned for Brisbane.
"We work with over 16 brands (see website for client list) and are often the preferred supplier as we have a 15 year reputation for being on time on budget, a one stop Shopfitter who can Shape our clients vision anywhere around Australia.
"We have built QSR’s in every Major and regional town in every State and Territory, you don’t survive and grow for 15 years in this game if you don’t have the knowledge and resource to back up your brand promise,“ said Billings.
