Remodeling by the Book: Retail Client, New York

The Results

DWM works to have an entire café remodel finished in just five days so the store can begin selling drinks and snacks again on Friday. In less than a week, project managers head back home, knowing they've successfully completed yet another of the hundreds of café updates in DWM's history.

The Challenge

While the face of bookstores may be changing, one national retail chain has remained at the forefront. One of the ways they've done this is to position their stores as a destination point—a place where customers can enjoy a cappuccino and the latest issue of their favorite magazine. A key component of this strategy is the creation of cafés in the stores where customers can get their favorite coffees and treats while perusing the reading selection.

Because of the high traffic volume, these cafés need updating over time. But in a retail environment that is open 7 days a week, these updates have to happen quickly, efficiently, and with minimal intrusion on the store. DWM has been entrusted to refresh the cafés and meet these tough challenges.

The Solution

Before an upcoming fiscal year, the bookstore chain's field personnel determine possible candidates for remodel. DWM project managers visit the cafés to make more detailed evaluations, including surveys, photos, and drawings. Everything is then reviewed by the bookstores’ corporate offices to determine which cafés need attention and the scope of work each one will require. The chosen locations could receive everything from new cabinets, Corian® countertops, and flooring to equipment, wallpaper, and workflow relays.

Once the scope is determined, DWM makes scale drawings of the existing setup and proposes new layouts in order to meet new specifications. After approval by corporate personnel, DWM and the bookstore work together to determine the budget for each job in the project.

DWM then takes the plans to the local municipality to determine what kind of permitting is necessary. If stamped drawings are required, DWM uses a local architect to make sure local code is met. Permit applications are submitted and DWM begins tentative scheduling.

Many materials and trades are necessary in order to remodel a café. DWM project managers oversee the ordering of each component and hiring of each tradesman for the job. This includes working with the bookstore chain's preferred suppliers, as well as using DWM’s own resources. All schedules and costs are then sent to the bookstore’s corporate offices in a consolidated estimate so that communication for each job is complete and seamless.

The onsite work commences on a Sunday night, allowing the most time possible for demolition without customer interference. All tradesmen are managed by DWM's on-site project managers. These project managers ensure milestones for each task are met in order to keep everything on time. Any unforeseen complications are solved efficiently and effectively.