QFC - Mercer Island

Occupied Remodel Program

Abbott Construction has developed an occupied remodel program that is unique to the construction industry. We were introduced to the concept of protecting sales volume during occupied remodels of retail projects. We then created a program that integrated the customer’s expectations with the operator’s needs and the contractor’s activities.

This program was so dramatically successful that we expanded the program to include all customer-sensitive occupied remodels; including office buildings, research laboratories, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.

“Abbott’s ability to work as a team member with the Owner and Tenant to plan and phase projects and to execute complicated construction activities within critical and sensitive areas of a store has been a true asset to Associated Grocers and its store operators.”

Dale Chandler, Director
Supermarket Development Corporation

The Following Describes the Process as Applied to Retail Projects

The renovation of open, occupied retail stores presents a set of formidable challenges in the business world. A retail operator depends on customer foot traffic for his business success. These customers demand a safe shopping environment; convenience and easily accessible products; value-based pricing; and competent, pleasant service.

The process of renovating an open store is in direct conflict with what makes a store successful. Research reveals that sales losses occur ranging from 10% to 40%, with a common average of 20% during occupied remodels. When these percentages are applied to sales volumes the commensurate losses in gross margins are significant, and are more than enough to offset a modest investment in sales protection. Our program works to keep the store as shoppable as possible during a remodel. In addition, keeping the customer base intact during a remodel provides a firm foundation for the planned increase in sales upon completion of the project.

Abbott Construction has developed a service called Sales Protection, which comprehensively addresses the needs of customers, the functions of the operator, and the activities of the contractor during an open store remodel. Abbott Construction has executed this service on over 15 stores in three years - with tangible benefits to the operators.