Services · Retail shop fit-out
Retail shop fit-out, built for opening day
A shop earns nothing until it opens, so a retail fit-out is planned backwards from opening day. We have designed cafés and food outlets, including Jimmy Monkey and Yaowarat Thai Kway Chap, and we plan the counter, seating and storage around how the shop runs, not just how it looks.
What a shop fit-out involves
- Layout for customer flow, counters, display, seating and storage.
- Shopfront, signage and lighting that work for passers-by.
- For food businesses: kitchen layout, exhaust, grease traps and finishes that are easy to clean.
- Electrical load, water points and air-conditioning sized to the business.
- Fixtures and furniture, delivered and installed before stock arrives.
Rules and approvals
- The landlord's fit-out guidelines set the contractors, working hours, deposits, signage and drawing submissions. Malls and HDB shops each have their own.
- HDB shops in neighbourhood centres follow HDB's tenancy terms as landlord, so check what needs HDB's approval before work starts.
- Food businesses need the right SFA licence, and the layout should be planned with its requirements in mind from the start.
- Fire safety changes need a qualified person and SCDF's approval, and structural changes need BCA's approval.
A realistic timeline
- 01
Design and quotation 2 to 4 weeks
Layout, 3D views, materials and an itemised quotation.
- 02
Landlord approval 1 to 4 weeks
Drawing submission, plus licences for food businesses.
- 03
Build 3 to 6 weeks
Shopfront, M&E, flooring, counters and fixtures.
- 04
Fit and open 1 week
Signage, final checks, stock and opening.
Most small shop fit-outs take about 6 to 12 weeks from design to opening. F&B units usually take longer than retail because of kitchens and licensing.
New launches with guides
Good to know
Questions owners ask
How long does a shop fit-out take?
About 6 to 12 weeks from design to opening for a small unit. F&B outlets usually need more time for kitchen works and licensing.
Have you fitted out cafés before?
Yes. Our portfolio includes Jimmy Monkey at One-North and Paya Lebar Quarter, and Yaowarat Thai Kway Chap.
Who approves my HDB shop renovation?
HDB is the landlord for HDB shops, so its tenancy terms apply. Check what needs its approval before work starts.
Do I need a licence for my food shop?
Food businesses need the right licence from SFA. We plan the kitchen layout with this in mind from the start.
Talk to Maison
Ready to plan?
WhatsApp Maison
Send your floor plan and your key or handover date. Roland and the team will reply with first ideas, a realistic timeline and an itemised quote.