2026 Retail Buildout
Cost Guide
$25K to $120K Explained
The complete breakdown of retail buildout cost by store type, square footage, finish level and city. No vague ranges. Real numbers from a former Nike Retail PM who has managed 80+ buildouts.
White box to basic retail finish, minimum
Premium boutique finish with custom millwork
Retail buildouts managed with real cost data
Costs most contractors do not mention upfront
Our Work
Premium spaces for premium markets.
Cost Breakdown
Most contractors give vague ranges. We give you real numbers.
A retail buildout in 2026 typically costs between $25,000 and $120,000 for a space between 800 and 2,500 sq ft. The final number depends on five key factors: plumbing additions, HVAC modifications, electrical panel upgrades, permit complexity, and finish level.
Prestige 360 provides fixed-price quotes, not vague estimates. Every line item is documented. Every cost is approved before construction starts. That is how we have completed 80+ projects with zero cost surprise disputes.
Plumbing additions, HVAC modifications, electrical panel upgrades, permit complexity, and finish level. Understanding these five factors is the difference between a $25K and a $120K project.
Your landlord's Tenant Improvement Allowance directly affects your out-of-pocket cost. We help you understand, negotiate, and maximize your TIA before signing the lease.
Permit fees ($2K-$8K), architect drawings ($3K-$10K), FF&E, signage ($3K-$15K), POS and technology ($2K-$8K), and soft opening costs ($3K-$10K). Most quotes exclude these.
5 Factors That Drive Cost
Plumbing additions, HVAC modifications, electrical panel upgrades, permit complexity, and finish level. Understanding these five factors is the difference between a $25K and a $120K project.
TI Allowance Impact
Your landlord's Tenant Improvement Allowance directly affects your out-of-pocket cost. We help you understand, negotiate, and maximize your TIA before signing the lease.
Hidden Costs Revealed
Permit fees ($2K-$8K), architect drawings ($3K-$10K), FF&E, signage ($3K-$15K), POS and technology ($2K-$8K), and soft opening costs ($3K-$10K). Most quotes exclude these.
How It Works
From signed lease to grand opening.
5 steps.
Define Scope
Know your space size, condition, and finish level before asking for bids. We help with this.
Line-Item Bids
Ask for a line-item breakdown, not a lump sum. Compare what is and is not included.
Confirm Exclusions
The most important question: what is NOT included? Permits, FF&E, signage, technology?
Check Experience
Confirm your contractor has retail experience specifically. Commercial and retail are different.
Compare Timelines
A cheaper bid with a longer timeline costs more in lost revenue. Compare total cost of delay.
Frequently Asked
Common Questions
A retail buildout in 2026 typically costs between $25,000 and $120,000 for a space between 800 and 2,500 sq ft. Basic white box finish runs $85-$110 per sq ft. Mid-range retail runs $120-$160 per sq ft. Premium boutique finish with custom millwork runs $170-$200+ per sq ft.
A TI allowance is a fixed dollar amount per square foot that your landlord contributes toward your buildout. It typically ranges from $15 to $50 per sq ft. The landlord reimburses against approved scope at milestones or completion.
Permit fees ($2,000-$8,000), architect and engineering drawings ($3,000-$10,000), FF&E ($5,000-$25,000+), exterior and interior signage ($3,000-$15,000), POS and technology ($2,000-$8,000), and soft opening costs ($3,000-$10,000).
Most retail buildouts take 8 to 14 weeks from design kickoff to opening day. Permitting adds 3 to 6 weeks depending on the city. Prestige 360 manages the full schedule to minimize delays.
Yes. Every Prestige 360 project is quoted at a fixed price that covers design, construction, and fixtures. No hourly rates, no open-ended billing, no change-order surprises on items within the approved scope.
Get Real Numbers for Your Space
Free consultation.
No obligation.
Tell us about your space and what you are building. We will give you a real number, not a vague range, within 48 hours. Fixed-price, all-inclusive retail buildout contracts.
Cost Consultation
Not sure what your buildout will cost? Start with a free 15-minute call. We give you a realistic budget range based on your space size, condition, and finish level.