Retail Unit Shop Fit-Out – Pocket Full Of Joy
Client & Brief
Pocket Full Of Joy is a new retail venture on Bank Street in Kilmarnock, combining a curated gift shop with a bespoke jewellery range crafted locally. The brief was to deliver a bright, open, and welcoming space that supports clear customer flow, strong product presentation, and secure point-of-sale operations. Cutwood Joinery was appointed to provide a full strip-out, shell preparation, and complete fit-out, managing all trades and coordinating the programme to a tight timeline.
Surveys, Planning & Programme
Before works commenced, we reviewed the unit condition and layout to confirm services routes and identify elements suitable for removal. Particular attention was given to the suspended ceiling, legacy partitions, existing floor coverings, and the state of the electrical installation. A four-week programme was agreed; at the mid-point the unit would be handed back in a clean shell state ready for first fixes and bespoke joinery. Regular check-ins with the client team (Corrine and Fiona) ensured decisions on finishes, lighting positions, and storage details were captured early to protect the schedule. Pocket Full Of Joy Website.
Strip-Out & Shell Preparation
The first phase returned the unit to a clean shell. Legacy partitions were removed to create an open-plan footprint, the suspended ceiling was stripped out, and existing carpet tiles and entrance matting were lifted. Old wallcoverings and wallpaper were removed to expose sound substrates for making good. All waste was segregated and removed from site as part of our managed disposal plan. With the space open and clear, we could set accurate levels and service routes for the subsequent first-fix trades.
Space Planning & Making Good
Opening the floor plate allowed us to establish improved customer flow from the entrance through to point-of-sale and display zones. Walls and ceilings were made good where partitions and gridwork had been removed, providing a clean base for new finishes. The entrance zone was prepared to accept durable floor coverings suited to high footfall and ease of maintenance.
Electrical Rewire & Lighting
A full electrical rewire brought the installation up to current standards and provided dedicated circuits for point-of-sale, display lighting, and general illumination. Ceiling lighting was redesigned to enhance product visibility and create a comfortable shopping environment, using energy-efficient LEDs positioned to avoid glare on jewellery display surfaces and to provide even light across shelving runs. New sockets, data points, and isolations were installed to support future merchandising flexibility.
Flooring & Surface Finishes
For durability and day-to-day cleaning, we supplied and installed a high-traffic LVT system across the sales floor. Substrates were prepared and levelled to ensure a stable base and crisp transitions at thresholds. Internal surfaces received a full decorating package, including priming, undercoating, and final coats in the agreed palette. External elements were painted where specified to present a tidy street frontage consistent with the brand.
Bespoke Joinery & Fixtures
The focal point of the sales floor is a bespoke “nature wall” counter designed to reflect the brand’s personality while housing the required point-of-sale equipment and storage. Custom shelving and back-of-house storage were fabricated to optimise product display and stock management. Joinery details were coordinated with electrical positions to conceal cabling and keep surfaces uncluttered.
Security & Systems
A modern intruder alarm system was installed to protect stock and equipment out of hours and to provide staff with simple day-to-day operation. The system was set out with clear zoning for the retail floor and back-of-house areas and coordinated with the electrical installation.
Coordination, Quality & Handover
Client communications were maintained throughout, with regular site updates and prompt sign-off of key choices to keep momentum. Quality checks at each stage ensured surfaces, junctions, and service penetrations were finished cleanly prior to the next trade. As the fit-out moves toward completion, final tasks include second-fix electricals, installation of remaining display fixtures, and a detailed clean ahead of merchandising and staff training.
Scope Summary
The core scope comprised complete strip-out to shell, removal of partitions and suspended ceiling, removal of floor coverings, full electrical rewire with new LED ceiling lighting, supply and installation of high-traffic LVT flooring, wallpaper removal and full internal/external painting, fabrication of a bespoke feature counter, custom shelving and storage, installation of a modern intruder alarm, and managed waste removal.
Outcome
The refit transforms a previously compartmentalised unit into an open, contemporary retail space tailored to Pocket Full Of Joy’s dual offer of gifts and bespoke jewellery. The new layout improves sightlines and circulation, while durable finishes and considered lighting elevate product presentation and day-to-day operations. With two weeks remaining in the programme at mid-point, the project is tracking to handover on time with fixtures and branding ready for merchandising.
