creating new stores ON TIME, ON BUDGET

Spaceworks are New Zealand’s trusted design/build/procure retail roll-out professionals

Whether you’re an established retail or hospitality franchise, or a new brand ready to go nationwide, Spaceworks are the experts to partner with to ensure a smooth, trouble-free outcome.

Spaceworks has been designing interior spaces that make a real difference for more than 23 years, building a reputation as New Zealand’s leading retail designer. With offices nationwide, Spaceworks collaborates with franchise companies in developing their retail strategy, store development, construction and procurement, giving clients one point of contact and accountability.

Their clients have included Caci Clinic, Joe’s Garage, House of Travel, Spark, Cookie Time and 2degrees – to name just a few. Scale is no problem either, from one outlet to many. The latest upgrade for 2degrees involved full turn-key solutions for over 60 outlets of the brand’s retail network around New Zealand.

And with the current cost of construction going through the roof, the design/build model that Spaceworks offers is proving to be an extremely popular option with franchises. ‘Not only does it make life easier for busy franchisors by reducing the number of people they have to deal with – by doing a design/build/procure, we are able to guarantee both costings and time-frames,’ says Bradley Keys, Spaceworks’ commercial director.

‘Because both parties agree and work to a set, competitive price, we deliver within budget, the franchisee knows the costs and their outlet is able to open on the specified date.’

It’s all about ROI

Delivering a strong Return on Investment through good design is what a Spaceworks partnership is all about. This is because good design can actually increase revenue, says Bradley.

‘A design should pay for itself within the first two years of operation. It’s about getting the most out of the design for the spend, and understanding how the business and customer flow works in order to maximise that return. One client with a strong retail presence who took our advice to reposition and increase point-of-sale facilities subsequently reaped the sort of significant increase in sales that would make a franchisee very happy indeed!’

Design, build, procure and maintain

Spaceworks doesn’t stop at just design/build/procure – for them it’s about design, build, and maintain, providing a total one-stop solution and peace of mind for the client.

‘One of the big advantages of our design/build/procure model is that we hold all the commercial warranties,’ explains Bradley. ‘So, for example, should a light fitting stop working or a chair become faulty, then the client just has to let us know and we’ll fix it. We call this “one-solve accountability” and it means the client never has to deal with any maintenance issues.’

Carbon-conscious and inclusive

With environmental awareness and sustainability becoming increasingly important to all consumer brands, climate-conscious franchises will be pleased to learn that Spaceworks developed New Zealand’s first internal Carbon Calculator.

‘We formulate a reduction strategy prior to design and construction in order to reduce the carbon footprint of every project,’ says Bradley.

‘When we’re creating a fit-out, we calculate everything that goes into the making of the final product in conjunction with Toitu, a New Zealandbased accredited carbon offset company. That helps businesses realise efficiencies, reduce their carbon footprint, and contribute to the world’s sustainable future. It reassures franchisees and customers, and can make for an interesting angle for promotion, too.

‘Clients and partners of Spaceworks who are conscious of the impact of embodied carbon on the environment can also offset their carbon emissions and choose where the carbon credits go.’

Spaceworks’ accolades include winning the Supreme title at the 2021 Rainbow Excellence Awards, reflecting its commitment to diversity and inclusion in design, and its application in a retail setting – for example, where gender-specific areas, such as changing rooms, have traditionally been a feature of store layouts.

Easier and more profitable

Bradley says that New Zealand has traditionally been a poor performer when it comes to retail design, because many people often only regard it as an extra cost. ‘It’s time we changed people’s perceptions. Design is not a huge cost but an investment – if you get it right, it will actually pay for itself and directly increase your revenue.

‘There’s no question that the one-stop design/build model is the best solution for franchise companies looking to establish or refresh their retail stores. It delivers certainty, while bringing in a level of expertise that can help franchises transform profitability.

‘At a time when margins are under pressure from all sides, Spaceworks can make a real difference. Franchisors, contact us today to discuss how we could make your brand refresh or roll-out easier and more profitable.’

As one client put it when asked for a testimonial, ‘We couldn’t be happier with the outcome. We’ve engaged Spaceworks for two more projects since completion – isn’t that reference enough?’

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