Retail fitouts
We build retail spaces that attract customers, drive sales and strengthen your brand.
High-performingRetail fitouts.
A retail fitout is more than shelves and signage – it’s about creating an experience that drives sales day after day. From design details that showcase your brand, to behind-the-scenes operations that keep stock moving and staff working efficiently, we deliver spaces that perform.
From flagship stores to national rollouts, we’ve delivered retail fitouts for brands including Sabo, Uniqlo, Ralph Lauren, Misha and many more. With more than 5000 projects over the past 20+ years, we’ll help you create a space that drives sales.
Built better together.
Collaboration is the foundation of every great store. We work with clients, designers and contractors to keep every moving part in sync. It’s about open conversations, fast problem-solving and decisions made with your brand and customer experience in mind.
Sabo Miranda.
Sabo’s Westfield Miranda store builds on the brand’s refined Mediterranean-inspired aesthetic while introducing fresh layers of texture and materiality.
why our retail fitout clients choose us.
- Built better together – We are true collaborators, working closely with retail clients, designers and contractors to bring our clients’ vision to life without compromise.
- National reach – We’ve delivered retail fitouts across Australia and have offices in every major capital, making us a genuinely national business.
- Onshore manufacturing – We have a joinery manufacturing facility right here in Australia, giving us complete control over project timelines and delivery.
- Global procurement – We tap into our network of international suppliers to source specialist materials, fixtures and finishes, giving our retail clients access to proven, world-class products.
- Client satisfaction – Our teams are incentivised to deliver every project on time, on budget and defect-free, because client satisfaction is how we measure success.
Boutique shops
Flagship stores
Local businesses
Global brands
Department stores
Pop-up stores
Shopping centres
Unita are a very special operation, driven and delivered by a very special team. They hustle hard to get the outcomes required, quality, time and cost.
Stacey ChristieOperations Manager, Harli and Harpa
Explore our latest retail fitouts:
Zara’s Burnside flagship has reopened with a space that reflects their latest couture/atelier design concept.
Eva Surry Hills immerses the visitor in the comfort of a lived-in home with lofty ceilings and warm timber floors that…
Unita partnered with Status Anxiety to deliver a retail store that feels as effortless and stylish as the brand itself.
Australia’s largest Polo Ralph Lauren outlet demanded precision at scale, and Unita delivered.
Retail fitout faqs
What is a retail fitout?
A retail fitout is the process of transforming an empty tenancy into a fully functional, customer-ready store. It includes everything from construction and joinery to lighting, signage and finishes — all designed to bring your brand experience to life. Whether it’s a boutique flagship or a large-format rollout, we deliver retail spaces that perform as well as they look.
How much does it cost to fit out a retail shop? Including per square metre?
Retail fitout costs vary depending on the size, design complexity, location and level of finish. As a guide, most retail fitouts range from $1,500 to $4,000 per square metre, with luxury or highly customised environments sitting above that range. We can provide a detailed cost plan early in the process so you can budget with confidence.
How long does it take to fit out a shop?
Most retail fitouts take six to ten weeks once design and approvals are finalised. Smaller tenancies can be completed faster, while flagship or large-format stores may take longer. Early involvement and clear coordination between design, procurement and construction help keep your project on schedule.
Does Unita offer design services? What if I don’t have a designer?
We work flexibly with clients who already have a designer, and we can also recommend one from our trusted network if you don’t. Our design partners specialise in retail environments, ensuring your store layout, finishes and lighting work as hard as your brand does and help you kit your sales targets from day one.
Will Unita fix any issues after the fitout is complete?
Absolutely. Our aftercare and maintenance program ensures projects are delivered defect-free, but if an issue does happen to arise, we’ll handle it quickly. We stand by our work, and won’t rest until our clients are happy.
What’s included in a retail fitout if I work with Unita?
We manage every stage of the process, from concept and cost planning through to construction, joinery manufacturing and aftercare. Our services include:
- Site assessment and feasibility
- Cost planning and value engineering
- Approvals and compliance
- In-house manufacturing and installation
- Procurement and logistics
- Aftercare and maintenance
We can also connect you with experienced retail designers if you don’t already have one.
What are the steps in a retail fitout?
Every project is different, but the typical retail fitout process includes:
- Briefing and site assessment – understanding your goals, site conditions and brand requirements.
- Design and documentation – collaborating with your designer (or one we recommend) to create buildable plans.
- Cost planning and approvals – developing detailed budgets, timelines and coordinating authority approvals.
- Manufacturing and procurement – producing custom joinery and sourcing materials.
- Construction and delivery – managing on-site works to program and budget.
- Aftercare – ongoing maintenance and support once your doors open.
What needs to be organised before construction starts, and can Unita help?
Yes, we can help with pre-construction including lease reviews, site surveys, CAT 1 coordination, authority approvals and service connections. Engaging us early means we can review documentation, identify potential issues and work with landlords or centre management to keep the process moving efficiently.
What permits or council approvals do I need for a shop fitout?
Most retail fitouts require building approval or certification, and in some cases, planning or signage approvals depending on your tenancy and location. We can manage all council and landlord approvals on your behalf to ensure compliance and prevent costly delays.
What information do you need to prepare a proposal?
To prepare a detailed proposal, we’ll need your project brief, site details, concept plans (if available), and any landlord or centre documentation. The more information you provide upfront – like budget, timing and fitout requirements – the faster we can develop accurate pricing and delivery timelines.