- Commercial
Retail Store Renovation Cost in Vancouver (2026)
- By QUAY Construction
Opening a new store or refreshing the one you have? This guide gives the 2026 planning ranges QUAY publishes for retail construction in Vancouver, budget examples by store size, and the decisions that move a project up or down the range. For the full service, see our retail renovations in Vancouver page.
Quick answer. Most retail store renovations in Vancouver cost $100 to $220 per square foot for construction in 2026. A refresh of an existing store with new finishes, lighting and fixtures sits toward the low end. A new store built into a shell, with a new storefront, custom millwork and new washrooms, sits toward the high end.
Retail store renovation cost by size (2026)
| Store size | Cost per sq ft | Construction budget range |
|---|---|---|
| Small boutique or shop, 1,200 sq ft | $100 to $220 | About $120,000 to $264,000 |
| Larger store or showroom, 2,500 sq ft | $100 to $220 | About $250,000 to $550,000 |
These are planning ranges for construction, not quotes. They exclude design fees, permit fees, store fixtures bought separately, POS and security systems, signage and GST.
What drives retail renovation costs
The storefront
A new storefront, entrance or glazing is one of the biggest single items, and it usually needs landlord approval as well as a permit.
How much of the layout changes
Keeping the existing layout and updating finishes costs far less than moving walls, adding fitting rooms or rebuilding back-of-house storage.
Lighting and display millwork
Track and display lighting, custom product walls, display units and the cash desk are where a store’s brand shows, and where finish choices change the budget most.
Washrooms and services
New or relocated washrooms and plumbing, extra power for displays and POS, and heating and ventilation changes add cost quickly.
Building and shopping centre rules
Shopping centres and larger landlords often have their own design criteria, approval steps, contractor rules and set hours for noisy work and deliveries. Work outside trading hours is planned and priced in from the start.
How long a retail store renovation takes
A retail store renovation typically takes 8 to 12 weeks of construction once permits are in place and materials are ordered. Design, permitting and landlord or shopping centre approvals happen before construction. Storefront glazing, custom display millwork and specialty lighting often have the longest lead times, so they are ordered as soon as the design is approved.
Permits and sign permits
Retail renovations that change walls, storefronts, plumbing, electrical or ventilation, or change the use of a unit, often need permits. Signs are permitted separately: the City of Vancouver’s sign permit page explains which signs need a permit. See our commercial permits page for how QUAY plans approvals.
A recent QUAY retail project
For Top Drawers Apparel in Downtown Vancouver, QUAY turned a former office and showroom into a menswear store with a wood slat feature wall, quartz cash desk, fitting rooms, glass railings and track lighting in about a month.
How QUAY prices and delivers the work
Every QUAY project starts with a site visit and your drawings or brief. You then get a detailed fixed-price proposal that lists the scope, inclusions, exclusions and allowances, agreed before construction begins. One project manager is your point of contact from approval to handover, noisy work can be scheduled after hours and on weekends, and applicable work is covered by our 365-day workmanship warranty. Learn more about our process.
Retail renovation cost questions
How much does a store renovation cost per square foot in Vancouver?
About $100 to $220 per square foot for construction in 2026.
Can my store stay open during the renovation?
Often, yes. QUAY can phase the work so part of the sales floor stays open and schedule noisy work outside trading hours. See retail renovations for how we plan it.
Who pays for a store build-out in a leased unit?
The lease decides. The landlord may complete some work before handover and may offer a tenant improvement allowance. Read how tenant improvement allowances work.
For costs by other space types, see the commercial renovation cost guide.
