As we have discussed in the past, shopfitting is the trade of fitting out retail and service stores with equipment, fixtures and fittings. An experienced shopfitter will plan, design and install therefore, he or she will need to be creative, articulate, meticulous and have a strong interest in the retail environment (and I don’t mean shopping sprees!) You also need to be practical, reliable and willing to travel. So, how do you train to be a shopfitter? One of the many questions that crops up regularly is where do I start? Whether you are a student/school leaver, unemployed or looking for a change of career shopfitting is a varied and rewarding career….
that encompasses many skills and you may wish to specialise in a particular area such as carpentry, design and/or supply. The industry is worldwide and many opportunities are available both in the UK and Europe to develop your skills. The best way forward is to firstly gain some work experience, so that you know and understand what the job is about. Search for an employer that is looking for an apprentice shopfitter. Usually, no formal qualifications are required to be an apprentice but good maths skills are beneficial. Some colleges may ask for level 1 skills or GCSE Maths and English. Apprenticeships usually last 4 years and training is completed ‘on the job’. The apprentice will usually attend college one day a week, working the remaining four days with their employers. Your employer will need to have the necessary Health and Safety arrangements in place to satisfy legislative requirements, and be able to provide you with the full range of work to successfully complete your apprenticeship. A good source of information is http://www.bconstructive.co.uk/en/careers-in-construction/roles/shopfitter.aspx Once qualified; you have the opportunity to continue working for small or large companies, branch out on your own or even continue training, completing further courses to specialise.
To give you a view of what it’s like to be a shopfitter, I caught up with the director of Crown Display, Chris Rowntree, to discover his thoughts on shopfitting.
You have owned and managed your own shopfitting firm for a long time, how did you discover shopfitting and how did you train?
I guess training comes with doing many shop refits & learning on the job. I was always interested in Psychology & studied to work in mental health settings working with both individuals & groups. Shopfitting came about whilst studying my Masters, I needed the money and my brother who owned a shop shelving company at the time offered to take me onboard. It paid the bills and the Psychology interest continued into the Retail sector whilst also enjoying the physical aspect of the shopfitting work.
You didn’t start your working career as a shopfitter, what did you do before and how has this helped you in your current career?
As mentioned, I am interested in the psychology of how people think, leading to the decisions people take – both good & bad. To this day I still run a successful counselling practice, work as a consultant for the Police & local governement but am equally passionate about Crown Display and my other work. Understanding what encourages people to spend I guess is the holy grail of any business.
Do you continue to train and learn?
Yes, in all aspects of my training, learning and business. I strive to understand more; I read lots, listen to new ideas and never think I or the business is the finished article.
You obviously enjoy your work immensely, in your opinion what are the pros and cons of being a shopfitter?
Firstly, shopfitting is practical. Some people like that, some don’t. Reaching your 40s means looking after yourself both physically & mentally. Three times a week visit to the gym and discliplined mental downtime is essential.
You saw an opportunity in the newly created World Wide Web and were one of the first companies in this industry to set up a website and break into ‘internet shopping’, how has this developed your business?
Yes, we were one of (if not the first) shopfitting supplier company on the web. Clearly the internet has changed retail shopping enormously and we aim to continue changing as the need arises.
Crown Display has a strong focus on customer care and service, what made you focus on this area?
Customer care is everything to us. Despite a potentially difficult economic climate, we have lots of loyal customers & have seen rises in sales when we didnt expect it. A good name & strong service is the reason. We never take anything for granted though and will continue to be optimistic pessimists!
I’m sure there have been many humorous moments and great achievements during your career, are there any that you wouldn’t mind sharing?
I will leave achievements for others to decide, but yes there have been many humorous moments. One that comes to mind is we supplied an adult shop in London with slatwall, the customer was so happy they sent me a bag of Viagra type pills to say thank you, (obviously didn’t need to use – although nicely kept in drawer just in case!)
Thank you Chris for your time and insight into this interesting and varied career path. As a final word, what advice would you like to share to someone who is thinking of becoming a shopfitter?
Be genuine and honest. You may lose some but you will gain more.
I hope this have given you a view of shopfitting from the inside and would like to wish all prospective shopfitting apprentices the very best of luck in their chosen career.
We offer a full range of top quality Garment and Display Rails, Shop Shelving, Retail equipment, Slatwall panels & accessories. We can provide you with customised sizes and finishes, as well as a professional nationwide shopfitting service. Give us a call on Free phone 0800 587 5880 or visit www.crowndisplay.co.uk
