Fitting out a shop—whether it’s a retail boutique, café, pharmacy, salon, or large showroom—is one of the biggest investments any business owner will undertake. A thoughtfully designed commercial space doesn’t just influence how your brand is perceived; it also shapes customer flow, staff productivity, and the long-term success of the business. But before you start comparing colour palettes, materials, and layout ideas, it’s crucial to understand the real cost of a shop fit-out in Australia today—and why many business owners choose to hire an architect to get the planning right from the very beginning.

Shop fit-out costs can vary dramatically. The size of your premises, the nature of your business, your chosen materials, compliance requirements, and the level of design complexity all play a role in determining your final spend. Some businesses achieve a functional and appealing fit-out for under $50,000, while others—especially those wanting premium finishes or custom-built elements—can invest several hundred thousand.

This comprehensive guide explores the average cost of shop fit-outs across different industries, the major factors that influence your budget, real-life pricing examples, and practical strategies to save money without compromising quality. Whether you’re opening your first store or refreshing an existing space, this article will help you budget accurately, make informed decisions, and avoid unnecessary surprises throughout your fit-out journey.

How Much Does a Shop Fit-Out Cost in Australia?

In 2025, shop fit-out costs generally fall into several categories, depending on the level of finish you want. Below is an updated breakdown of typical price ranges:

Standard Cost Ranges per Square Metre

Fit-Out Level	Average Cost (per m²)	What You Get
Basic Fit-Out	$200 – $1,000	Ideal for budget-conscious businesses using standard materials, simple design, and minimal structural changes.
Mid-Range Fit-Out	$1,200 – $1,500	Better-quality finishes, more functionality, branding elements, and semi-custom fixtures.
High-End Fit-Out	$2,000 – $2,500	Premium materials, custom designs, bespoke joinery, architectural lighting, and luxury detailing.
Gold Coast Basic Fit-Out	$800 – $1,000	Slightly lower prices available in regional areas with simpler requirements.
Gold Coast Mid-Range Fit-Out	$1,500 – $2,000	High-quality finishes and tailored design suited for busy tourism-driven spaces.

A Real Example

A recent project in Brisbane involved a 200 m² retail space, costing around $220,000. This included:

• minor structural changes
• electrical and lighting design
• flooring
• shelving and cabinetry
• painting & finishing touches

It wasn’t a high-end design, but the chosen materials were stylish and durable, achieving an attractive finish without unnecessary luxury expenditures.

Key Factors That Influence Shop Fit-Out Costs

Many variables determine your final fit-out costs. Even businesses with similar layouts may end up paying very different amounts.

1. Size of Your Space

This is the most straightforward cost factor: larger spaces require more flooring, more paint, more lighting, more labour, and more materials.

A 150 m² store in Brisbane’s CBD may cost $180,000, whereas the same design just outside the CBD may cost $140,000 due to lower labour and material expenses.

2. Location Matters More Than Many People Realise

Location influences:

• labour rates
• material delivery costs
• council regulations
• permit fees
• access restrictions

CBD areas like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane typically require additional compliance measures, specialised trades, and after-hours labour to meet building rules.

Expect to pay up to $250/m² more in major cities than in suburbs or regional zones.

3. Your Business Type

Different industries require different levels of complexity.

Examples:

• Cafés & restaurants need commercial kitchen installation, ventilation, plumbing, drainage, and fire compliance measures—all of which significantly increase costs.
• Fashion stores require change rooms, display shelving, branding elements, and feature lighting.
• Technology stores need demo stations, secure cabinetry, and electrical load planning.
• Pharmacies require medication storage regulations, specialised shelving, and accessibility compliance.

These differences can add tens of thousands to your project.

4. Material Selections & Quality of Finishes

Material choice is one of the biggest budget changers.

Consider this cost comparison:

• Custom timber shelving: $1,200/m
• High-quality laminate alternative: $450/m

Choosing smart alternatives can save thousands without compromising the store’s appearance.

5. Regulatory Requirements & Permits

Every fit-out must meet:

• fire safety standards
• disability access compliance
• council development requirements
• electrical and plumbing codes

A project in Perth recently required additional fire-exit adjustments costing an extra $15,000—a good reminder that compliance must be factored into budgets early.

6. Labour Costs & Project Timeline

Labour often makes up 40–60% of total fit-out costs.

Your expenses may increase if:

• your building requires after-hours work
• there are delivery restrictions
• your project timeline is tight
• you need specialised trades (plumbers, electricians, shopfitters, joiners, plasterers, etc.)

Metropolitan labour is generally more expensive, but regional areas may face material shortages, causing longer timelines.

Fit-Out Costs by Business Type

Below is a closer look at the costs based on industry categories.

Retail Stores & Showrooms

Fit-Out Type	Cost Range (per m²)	Details
Basic Retail Fit-Out	$750 – $1,200	Simple finishes, functional layout.
Mid-Range Retail Fit-Out	$1,200 – $1,800	Branding elements, custom shelving, good lighting.
High-End Retail Fit-Out	$2,000 – $3,000+	Bespoke joinery, luxury materials, premium design.

Example: A 100 m² store in Sydney can cost around $150,000 for a mid-range finish.

Small Retail Spaces (Under 100 m²)

Space Size	Estimated Cost	What It Includes
Under 50 m²	$20,000 – $80,000	Compact layout, portable fixtures, essential fit-out.
50–100 m²	$55,000 – $155,000	Defined branding, custom fixtures, improved lighting.

Small spaces often use modular designs to stretch budgets further.

Speciality Retail Fit-Outs (Pharmacies, Tech Stores, Beauty Clinics)

These often require:

• custom storage
• secure areas
• specialist equipment
• extra electrical work
• plumbing or ventilation
• acoustic solutions

A mid-range tech store in Sydney recently reached $200,000 due to the need for custom AV installations and secure display units.

How to Reduce Shop Fit-Out Costs Without Sacrificing Quality

Many business owners assume that saving money means sacrificing design. But with the right strategies, you can create an impressive space while staying within budget.

1. Focus on Functionality First

Instead of expensive furniture or flashy décor, invest in:

• good lighting
• ergonomic counters
• durable flooring
• efficient storage
• smart layout planning

These are the elements that improve daily operations.

2. Repurpose and Reuse

Upcycling is highly cost-effective.

Example:
A café in Perth saved over $5,000 by sanding, repainting, and reusing its old tables rather than buying new ones.

3. Choose Modular Designs

Modular elements are:

• cheaper
• faster to install
• easily reconfigurable
• perfect for growing businesses

One fashion boutique saved about $7,500 by choosing modular shelving instead of custom cabinetry.

4. Use Affordable Alternatives to High-End Materials

Engineered stone, laminate, and polished concrete can mimic expensive finishes for a fraction of the price.

Example:
Switching from marble to engineered stone saved a Melbourne client 30–40% on countertop costs.

5. Prioritise Where to Spend

Spend more on:

• lighting
• flooring
• high-touch surfaces
• fixtures your customers interact with

You can save on:

• decorative pieces
• premium finishes
• artwork
• luxury materials that don’t affect functionality

Planning Your Budget: Smart Tips to Avoid Overspending

Here are practical tips to manage your finances effectively:

Compare multiple quotes

Don’t settle for the first shopfitter. Prices can vary significantly.

Allocate funds for unexpected costs

Always plan a 10–15% contingency.

Consider long-term maintenance

Cheap materials may wear out quickly.

Avoid over-capitalising

A fit-out should match the scale and potential of your business—not exceed it.

Don’t rely solely on debt

If taking out a loan, ensure your broker uses proper assessment tools and compares multiple business finance options.

Final Thoughts

A shop fit-out is more than a construction project—it’s a strategic investment that shapes how customers perceive your brand and how smoothly your business operates. By understanding the key cost drivers, selecting materials wisely, and prioritising the most important elements of your layout, you can create a functional, attractive, and profitable space without overspending.

Whether you’re planning a modest boutique or a luxurious showroom, work with experienced trades and compare your options carefully. And when it comes to finishing touches such as plastering, painting, or detailed interior work, partnering with reliable professionals like Pro Plaster N Paint can help ensure your shop fit-out is completed to a high standard.

With the right planning and smart decision-making, your new or upgraded shop can become a space that elevates your brand, enhances customer experience, and supports long-term business success.