Tesco
Overview
As one of the highest revenue generating stores in the Tesco estate, Tesco Slough Extra was selected as a priority site for a major transformation. The primary objective: to reconfigure the existing store layout to accommodate a new dedicated dotcom area, supporting the growing demand for online orders and improving operational efficiency.
This strategic refit formed part of Tesco’s broader estate modernisation programme. The focus was on optimising the physical space, requiring significant layout changes and infrastructure upgrades. The project required detailed planning, agile phasing and seamless collaboration between multiple stakeholders, with the work carried out overnight to keep the store trading.
A key to the project’s success was the deployment of RMS’s Hybrid Delivery Model – bringing together installation, merchandising and onsite leadership into a single team. This approach enabled faster decision-making, reduced delays, and ultimately helped Tesco return to trading ahead of schedule and under budget.
Our Approach
RMS was proud to play an important hybrid role in Slough – delivering full end-to-end installation and merchandising services, while also providing vital project leadership onsite.
With Jamie Andrews acting as the on site project lead, and our expert teams working closely with Tesco Property and Design, Construction PMs, and store leadership, we ensured that all elements were aligned and delivered to the highest standards.
From reconfiguring departments to preparing areas for new-look non-food and self-service checkouts, RMS worked through every phase with precision and commitment.
“Slough showcased exactly what can be achieved when project teams, merchandisers and installation teams work as one unit. Our hybrid delivery model means fewer handovers, faster decisions and better outcomes for retail transformation projects like this. It was a real team achievement.”
Eliot Morris, Senior Project Manager, RMS
Key Tasks Delivered
Fresh Produce & Horticulture
- Reconfigured and relocated the two-tier ambient produce area and introduced a new snacking zone, using anthracite fixtures to create a premium look.
- Built out a dedicated horticulture area to elevate the presentation of fresh produce.
Bakery Upgrades
- Delivered comprehensive Bakery and Rise In Store Bakery upgrades, including the installation of new fixtures and doughnut cabinets to improve customer experience and product display.
Store Layout & Merchandising
- Skated and reconfigured all ambient gondolas and general merchandise areas to align with the refreshed store layout.
- De-merchandised and relocated stock throughout the store to enable phased construction and fixture movements.
- Merchandised and fully restocked all areas to new planograms in preparation for store go-live and trading.
New Store Areas
- Created a new Beers, Wines & Spirits section finished with anthracite fixtures for a cohesive and modern aesthetic.
- Fully refitted the Petrol Filling Station with matching anthracite fixtures to maintain consistency across all customer touchpoint
Checkouts & Fixtures
- Reconfigured checkout zones, including the installation of gates, till railing, and corner guards for improved functionality and safety.
- Installed all new fixtures and promotional bays in line with the approved Tesco store plan.
Our Impact in Numbers
We provided full support across project management, installation and merchandising, and systems roles – ensuring a smooth transformation with minimal disruption.
Key Highlights
- 21 weeks on site during live trading
- Over 15,000 hours of transformation support delivered
- 4 weeks faster return to trade thanks to hybrid delivery model
- £60,000+ estimated saving through efficient phasing and experienced teams
| Team Role | Weeks Onsite | Total Hours |
| Project Management | 17 | 1,078 |
| Hybrid (Merch & Install) | 21 | 13,708 |
| Systems Support | 9 | 418 |
The transformation spanned over 21 weeks, with RMS teams continuing to support the store through their final snagging phases.
Hybrid Delivery Model
One of the defining features of the Tesco Slough transformation was RMS’s Hybrid Delivery Model – a distinctive approach that blends installation, merchandising and project leadership into a single, unified team. This model is at the heart of our value proposition, enabling us to drive efficiencies and deliver a superior experience for both our partners and their customers.
In Slough, the hybrid team worked across 21 weeks and contributed 13,708 hours, supporting day and night operations while bridging the traditional gaps between trades. With fewer handovers and a more agile approach to issue resolution, the hybrid team played a key role in keeping the project moving at pace and to a high standard.
This hybrid approach is a cornerstone of how RMS is evolving retail transformation by bringing together skilled, flexible teams who understand both the technical and aesthetic requirements of modern retail environments.
As we continue to refine and scale this model across Tesco’s estate and beyond, the Slough project stands as a clear example of the value and impact of doing things differently.
“Our hybrid installation and merchandising team played a key role in bringing Tesco’s vision to life in Slough. This project highlights how RMS’s full-service offering, from project management to installation and merchandising, ties together seamlessly to deliver complex store transformations.”
Paul Hodges, Account Manager, RMS
The Result
The transformation of Tesco Slough Extra was a complex, large-scale reconfiguration project focused on adapting the store to meet modern retail demands. From structural layout changes to the full installation of new retail elements, the project represented a complete physical overhaul of one of the highest performing stores in Tesco’s estate.
The scale and complexity of the work required a true team effort. Our collaboration with Tesco’s retail, property and design teams, alongside construction and store colleagues, demonstrates the best of what can be achieved when we build strong partnerships.
Our Hybrid Delivery Model played a pivotal role throughout, enabling us to meet tight timeframes, reduce disruption and drive meaningful cost savings. This wasn’t just a store refit, it was a strategic store transformation with a reconfiguration of space and operations, and RMS is proud to have played a key role in making it happen.
