B&Q
Overview
RMS supported B&Q with the transformation of its Sydenham store, delivering a live store refurbishment programme combining specialist retail installation, merchandising and equipment coordination.
Working within a fully operational live store, our teams reconfigured virtually every aisle, relocated fixtures, installed new equipment and completed large scale merchandising activity to bring the store in line with B&Q’s latest retail standards.
The project formed part of B&Q’s wider programme to modernise existing stores, removing outdated layouts and creating a more consistent customer experience across its estate.
The Challenge
Unlike a new store fit out, the Sydenham project required a complete transformation while the store remained open to customers throughout.
Over six weeks, RMS managed both day and night shifts, coordinating installation and merchandising teams working simultaneously within an active retail environment.
One of the key elements of the project was removing an existing shop floor stockroom, allowing valuable retail space to be reconfigured for expanded product ranges and an improved customer journey.
Alongside the physical installation works, careful planning and equipment management were critical to maintaining programme timelines and ensuring every phase of the refurbishment could be completed safely and efficiently.
Our Solution
RMS delivered a fully integrated installation and retail transformation programme, providing:
- Complete project management and programme coordination
- Heavy duty racking and gondola installation and reconfiguration
- Removal and rebuilding of retail fixtures throughout the store
- Large scale merchandising and stock relocation
- Shop floor stockroom removal and retail space reconfiguration
- Day and night shift delivery within a live trading environment
- Dedicated equipment and logistics management
- Ongoing post-project store support
Throughout the programme, specialist installation and merchandising teams worked together to transform every bay within the store, ensuring fixtures, stock and product ranges were reset in line with the new layout.
Equipment & Logistics Management
A key element of the Sydenham project was RMS’ dedicated Equipment Manager, responsible for coordinating the significant volume of equipment arriving on site throughout the programme.
Working alongside B&Q’s supply chain, our team managed the receipt, checking and allocation of all installation materials, including heavy duty uprights, beams, shelving components and specialist equipment.
By reviewing deliveries daily, identifying shortages before installation began and coordinating equipment across multiple workstreams, RMS helped minimise disruption and kept the project moving to programme despite the complexity of managing client supplied equipment.
This level of logistical control provided a single point of coordination across the entire installation programme, ensuring the right equipment was available in the right place at the right time.
Delivering at Scale
Over an 8 week programme, including 2 weeks of preparation followed by 6 weeks of transformation works, RMS deployed combined installation and merchandising teams of up to 40 colleagues on site each day.
Working across day and night shifts, the project was successfully delivered within programme while the store remained fully operational throughout.
The Result
The completed transformation brought the Sydenham store in line with B&Q’s latest retail standards, creating a more consistent layout, improved use of sales floor space and enhanced product presentation.
Through detailed installation planning, dedicated equipment coordination and integrated merchandising delivery, RMS completed the project on programme while maintaining trading throughout.
The Sydenham transformation marks another example of RMS supporting B&Q with complex retail refurbishment programmes, combining specialist installation expertise with the operational planning required to deliver large scale change inside live retail environments.