Retail refurbishment in Australia typically costs $1,200–$3,000 per square metre, depending on store size, materials, design complexity and compliance needs. This guide breaks down refurbishment costs, timelines, planning steps and national regulations. You’ll also find a practical checklist to help you prepare for a smooth refurbishment across Australia, including Sydney’s retail precincts.
Retail Refurbishment in Australia: Full Cost Guide and Checklist
If you’re planning a retail refurbishment in Australia, you’re probably juggling a thousand thoughts—budget, design, downtime, permits, contractors, and of course, “How long will my shop be closed?”
Good news: this guide breaks everything down clearly, simply and in a friendly way. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect, what it costs, how to plan, and how to avoid common mistakes retailers make.
Whether your store is in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, or regional Australia, this guide applies to you.
What Is Retail Refurbishment?
A retail refurbishment is the process of upgrading, reconfiguring, or modernising an existing retail space. This may include:
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New flooring
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Shopfront upgrades
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Wall finishes & painting
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New counters, shelving & joinery
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Lighting upgrades
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Signage and branding
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POS installation
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Electrical & data
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Layout improvements
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Accessibility updates
Essentially, anything that improves customer experience, increases sales flow, or modernises your retail brand.
How Much Does Retail Refurbishment Cost in Australia?
Let’s get straight to the numbers.
Average Retail Refurbishment Costs (Australia 2025-26)
| Store Type | Cost Range (AUD per m²) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small boutique | $1,200 – $2,000/m² | Minimal joinery, simple design |
| Mid-size retail | $1,600 – $2,500/m² | More lighting, signage, shelves |
| Premium/flagship store | $2,500 – $4,000/m² | High-end finishes, custom fitouts |
| Quick refresh (paint, fixtures) | $300 – $800/m² | Basic cosmetic upgrade |
| Major refurbishment | $80,000 – $500,000+ total | Depends on size & customisation |
Typical Total Project Ranges
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Small shop (40–80m²): $50,000–$120,000
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Medium shop (80–150m²): $120,000–$250,000
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Large shop (150–500m²): $250,000–$800,000+
Sydney refurbishments tend to be 10–20% higher due to labour and compliance costs.
What Drives the Cost?
Several factors determine your final price:
✔ 1. Size & Layout
More square metres = more materials.
✔ 2. Materials
Premium tiles, feature lighting, custom joinery = higher cost.
✔ 3. Complexity
Reconfiguring walls, plumbing, ceilings or structural elements requires specialist trades.
✔ 4. Branding Requirements
National retail brands often need highly consistent finishes and precise signage.
✔ 5. Timeline (speed costs)
Urgent or overnight works cost more due to crew scheduling and night rates.
✔ 6. Compliance
Fire safety, disability access, ventilation and council approvals vary by state.
Step-by-Step Retail Refurbishment Process
Here’s what the journey looks like in Australia:
Step 1 — Initial Concept & Site Assessment
Your fitout partner inspects the site, reviews the existing structure and identifies constraints.
Step 2 — Design & Branding Alignment
Layouts, 3D renders, finishes, lighting and signage concepts are created.
Step 3 — Costing & Scope Development
You receive a detailed estimate with inclusions/exclusions.
Step 4 — Approvals, Permits & Compliance Check
Fire engineering, accessibility, council notifications, and centre management approvals.
Step 5 — Demolition & Strip Out
Removing flooring, ceilings, partitions and old joinery.
Step 6 — Build Phase
Electrical, plumbing, framing, joinery, and signage installation.
Step 7 — Finishing & Branding
Painting, lighting, feature walls, POS area, and merchandise display.
Step 8 — Final Inspection & Handover
Safety certification, cleaning, quality check and handover pack.
Retail Refurbishment Checklist
Here’s your quick, practical checklist you can use today:
Planning & Design
✔ Define your budget
✔ Identify your target customer
✔ Finalise your store layout
✔ Choose design style & materials
Regulations
✔ Fire safety compliance
✔ Disability access compliance
✔ Centre management approvals
✔ Engineering & certifications
Build
✔ Book your fitout contractor early
✔ Approve final costing & scope
✔ Confirm timeline & after-hours requirements
✔ Review joinery drawings
Finishing
✔ Approve signage/branding
✔ Choose fixtures & lighting
✔ Install POS tech
✔ Plan merchandising layout
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Choosing the cheapest contractor
❌ Last-minute design changes
❌ Not planning after-hours work in shopping centres
❌ Underestimating approval timeline
❌ Forgetting ongoing maintenance costs
❌ No national rollout plan for future stores
How long does a retail refurbishment take?
Typically 4–10 weeks, depending on complexity.
Do I need council approval?
You may need an occupation certificate, a fire compliance review, or a DA, depending on the changes.
Do shopping centres require extra approvals?
Yes — centres like Westfield, Stockland and Vicinity have strict design & build guidelines.
CONCLUSION
Retail refurbishment is one of the best investments you can make to increase sales, improve customer experience and modernise your brand. With the right partner, you can complete a refurbishment quickly, on budget, and with minimal downtime.
