How much does a store fit-out cost in 2026?
In short
In 2026, a complete store fit-out generally costs between €150 and €800 excl. VAT per m² of sales floor. Standard equipment with metal gondolas ranges from €150 to €300 excl. VAT/m²; a bespoke fit-out with custom furniture, lighting and design office work can exceed €600 excl. VAT/m².
Price ranges by fit-out level
The cost of a fit-out depends first and foremost on the level of service chosen. A simple re-equipment with standard metal shelving requires neither an in-depth design office nor custom furniture, whereas a complete point-of-sale concept incorporates layout plans, specific furniture, signage and site coordination.
The ranges below correspond to prices observed on the French market for professional spaces (DIY, food retail, pharmacy, trade merchants), excluding structural work, flooring and electrical work.
| Fit-out level | Indicative price excl. VAT / m² | What is included |
|---|---|---|
| Standard equipment | €150 – 300 | Metal gondolas, shelves, display accessories, assembly |
| Intermediate fit-out | €300 – 500 | Layout plan, mixed standard furniture + specific elements, checkout areas |
| Bespoke fit-out | €500 – 800 and more | Design office, custom furniture, lighting, signage, site coordination |
Budget examples by store type
For a DIY store or a 1,000 m² building-materials merchant, equipping the space with gondolas and medium-duty racking most often represents a budget of €150,000 to €350,000 excl. VAT. Linear density is high there, but the furniture remains largely standard.
For a 120 m² pharmacy, where the share of custom furniture (counters, back-office, display cabinets) is significant, observed budgets range from €60,000 to more than €150,000 excl. VAT, often well above €500 excl. VAT/m².
For a 300 m² neighbourhood food store, a fit-out with gondolas, fruit and vegetable displays and a checkout area generally sits between €90,000 and €180,000 excl. VAT, excluding refrigeration.
The 6 factors that make the price vary
- Floor area: the cost per m² decreases with size thanks to economies of scale on furniture and assembly.
- The share of custom work: furniture manufactured to plan costs 2 to 4 times more than the equivalent standard catalogue item.
- Layout density: a DIY store often has 25 to 35 linear metres of display per 100 m² of sales floor, a concept store far fewer.
- Storage height: tall gondolas or medium-duty racking accessible to the public require reinforced structures and specific inspections.
- Design services: on-site surveys, layout plans and 3D visuals generally account for 3 to 8% of the total budget.
- Site conditions: working in an occupied site, phasing without closing the store, or short deadlines increase installation costs.
What is included (and what is not) in a fit-out quote
A professional fit-out quote usually includes: the layout study, the supply of furniture and shelving, delivery, assembly and levelling of the equipment. Some providers also include signage and display accessories (prongs, dividers, label holders).
On the other hand, the following are almost never included: finishing works (flooring, painting, electrical work, general lighting), food refrigeration, checkout IT and administrative authorisations. These items must be budgeted separately to build a reliable overall budget.
How to reduce the cost without degrading the result
- Reuse part of the existing furniture where its condition and compliance allow, after a diagnostic assessment.
- Limit custom work to high-value areas (entrance, checkout, display windows) and keep standard products on the everyday displays.
- Phase the project: address priority commercial areas first, then expand.
- Have a layout plan drawn up beforehand: an optimised layout avoids buying unnecessary furniture.
- Compare quotes on an identical scope (supply + installation + design), not isolated prices per m².
Frequently asked questions
What is the average price of a store fit-out per m² in 2026?
Between €150 and €800 excl. VAT per m² of sales floor depending on the level of service: around €150 to €300 excl. VAT/m² for standard gondola equipment, €300 to €500 excl. VAT/m² for an intermediate fit-out, and more than €500 excl. VAT/m² for a bespoke fit-out with design office work.
Is the layout plan charged as an extra?
It depends on the provider. Many fit-out specialists include the layout study in the overall quote once the furniture order is confirmed; as a standalone service, a layout study generally represents 3 to 8% of the total project budget.
How long does a store fit-out project take?
For a store of 300 to 1,000 m², allow 1 to 4 weeks of assembly depending on the share of custom work, after a design and manufacturing lead time of 4 to 10 weeks. Working in an occupied site (open store) lengthens the schedule but avoids the loss of turnover.
Is standard or custom furniture the better choice?
Standard furniture covers 70 to 90% of the needs of a typical store at a cost 2 to 4 times lower than custom. Custom furniture is justified for strategic areas: counters, store entrance, display windows and specific architectural constraints.
Have fit-out prices risen in recent years?
Yes. The rises in the price of steel and energy since 2021 have driven up the cost of metal furniture, with cumulative increases often exceeding 15% on gondolas and shelving between 2021 and 2024, before a relative stabilisation since 2025.
Can a store fit-out be financed through leasing?
Yes, fit-out furniture is eligible for equipment leasing and financial rental. These solutions make it possible to spread the expense over 3 to 5 years and preserve cash flow, at an additional financing cost.
Sources & references
- INSEE: Production price indices for French industry (metallurgy and metal products)
- Banque de France: Retail trade business conditions
- Kollirama market observations: fit-out quotes carried out in France (2023–2026)
Related guides
Store gondolas: dimensions, layout and prices
Heights of 1.20 to 2.40 m, modules of 665 to 1,330 mm, shelves of 30 to 100 kg: the standard dimensions of a store gondola and 2026 prices per metre.
Store fit-out: 10 mistakes to avoid
Aisles too narrow, cold zones ignored, furniture unsuited to the flow: 10 fit-out mistakes observed in the field, and how to avoid them.
How much does warehouse racking cost in 2026?
Allow €80 to €150 excl. VAT per pallet location for conventional racking installed in 2026. Ranges by type, budget examples and price factors.