Tesco

For more than 20 years, RMS has supported Tesco with nationwide retail transformation projects across multiple store formats. Building on this long standing partnership, RMS continues to deliver Tesco Express refurbishment programmes throughout the UK, combining experienced project management with specialist retail installation to transform stores quickly, safely and consistently.

In the last 12 months alone, RMS has already completed 30 Tesco Express refurbishments across the UK, with further projects currently in delivery and additional stores planned throughout the year. RMS have successfully delivered many Tesco Express refurbishments over previous years as part of a long standing partnership with Tesco. 

The Challenge

Tesco Express stores present a unique set of challenges compared to larger supermarket formats.

Located predominantly within busy residential communities and high street locations, each project requires careful planning around restricted access, limited storage space and complex logistics. Unlike larger stores, Tesco Express refurbishments also operate to much tighter programme timescales, meaning every stage of the project must run with precision.

Each refurbishment is a complete store transformation rather than a cosmetic refresh. Existing refrigeration, shelving and retail equipment are removed before new fixtures are installed to the latest Tesco specification, including specialist areas such as produce, bakery, newspapers, magazines and greeting card displays.

Our Solution

Working as Tesco’s installation and project management partner, RMS delivers a coordinated refurbishment programme that keeps projects moving efficiently from planning through to handover.

Our role includes:

  • Full project management
  • Store planning and programme coordination
  • Complete retail installation
  • Removal and replacement of shelving systems
  • Installation of new shelving and specialist fixtures
  • Coordination with Tesco teams

The consistent delivery model enables RMS to roll out high quality standards across multiple stores, while maintaining the flexibility needed to manage differing site constraints nationwide.

Before refurbishment 
After new shelving installation

Results & Impact

The Tesco Express refurbishment programme continues to demonstrate RMS’s ability to deliver national retail transformation at pace.

Key Results

In the last 12 months…

  • 30 Tesco Express stores completed across the UK
  • 4,480 hours of installation delivered
  • Projects delivered nationwide
  • Ongoing national rollout with additional stores already scheduled

Each completed refurbishment provides Tesco with a modernised retail environment that reflects the latest store specification while ensuring programmes remain on schedule despite the logistical challenges associated with Express locations.

Services Delivered

  • Project Management
  • Retail Installation
  • Store Refurbishment
  • Shelving Installation
  • Refrigeration Replacement Coordination
  • Specialist Fixture Installation
  • Programme Management

“Refurbishing an Express store isn’t just about replacing fixtures, it’s about delivering a complete store transformation within a live retail environment, often on busy high streets or built up residential areas and to very demanding timescales. It’s the combination of planning, project management and installation expertise that allows us to deliver consistently across the programme.”

Becca Crowhurst, Project Manager, RMS

Looking Ahead

The Tesco Express refurbishment programme continues to grow, with further stores already underway and additional projects planned throughout the year.

Alongside the current refurbishment programme, RMS is also supporting Tesco on more complex Express transformation projects that combine construction, project management and installation into a single integrated delivery model. This demonstrates the continued evolution of RMS’s partnership with Tesco and our ability to deliver increasingly complex retail transformation programmes nationwide.