Upcycle your next store refresh
By Tommy Brown

Find ways to upcycle with your next store renovation.

Every destination retailer needs to renovate their retail space from time to time to provide customers with a fresh look. Sometimes retailers will hire big design firms for an upgrade, or they might add state-of-the-art fixtures for their new look. But a store refresh doesn’t always require expensive new fixtures.

Destination retailers can refresh their stores simply by upcycling fixtures, which is better for the environment and often more affordable in the long run. When planning a store renovation, finding ways to incorporate upcycled fixtures and materials could help save both natural resources and money in the process.



Out with the old

Take stock of your store’s current fixtures. If you plan on replacing any of them, consider selling or donating any that are in decent shape. Remember to remove your branding from the fixtures before selling or donating them.


"Destination retailers can refresh their stores simply by upcycling fixtures, which is better for the environment and often more affordable in the long run."


Try to avoid taking them to the landfill if possible. If fixtures are damaged beyond repair, break them down into their recyclable components and take them to the appropriate recycler. You may even make money off the metal or electrical components by recycling these materials.



Try pre-owned fixtures

One way to reimagine your location is to reverse design it. In this case, you would buy pre-owned fixtures first and plan your location around your fixture purchases. Measure all fixtures before buying them to ensure they will fit comfortably.


Be sure to shop at your local thrift stores for new propping packages, risers and window display items.


Then decide if you like the fixtures as they are or if you want to modify them. Think of the color palette you want in your store as well as how these fixtures could be altered to match that vision.



From floors to walls

Wall space is your next line of design. Consider whether your store’s walls can be repaired and painted to change the store’s look or whether you need a new wall system for merchandising.


The most important part of wall merchandising is having the right system in place for your shop. Even if this costs you a little more money, investing in the proper wall merchandising system is well worth it. Be sure to work your walls into the overall store design to complement your fixtures.


When trying to do an upcycled renovation, there will still be some expenses with lighting, flooring, sound systems and hardware. But by upcycling and recycling more than half of the remodel, you could significantly reduce costs. Elevate your store by making upcycled design a part of your retail culture and experience.



Tommy Brown has over 30 years’ experience in retail management. He’s held positions for Dillard’s, Sears, and Six Flags Inc. and is a past ZAG vice president. He currently guides retail at the Saint Louis Zoo. Reach him at tbrown@stlzoo.org.