The transformation of the retail sector continues to accelerate, and 2025 will be no exception. The way commercial spaces are designed, built, and updated is evolving to meet new market demands, more discerning consumers, and the ongoing need to stand out. In this context, staying up to date with new construction trends is essential for brands looking to remain competitive.
At Abessis, as specialists in turnkey projects and in the management and execution of construction works, we’ve identified the key trends that will shape the retail sector this year. A year in which functionality, customer experience, and process optimization will take center stage.
Fast and adaptable construction: shorter timelines, greater flexibility
One of the main new construction trends in retail for 2025 is the push for agile solutions that shorten execution times. Brands want to open quickly, without compromising on quality or space personalization. This means better planning, closer coordination between trades, and a construction management approach focused on efficiency from day one.
At Abessis, we experience this daily: every week saved in store execution is a commercial advantage for the brand. That’s why methodologies like “fast-track construction” and standardized yet flexible processes are gaining ground. As turnkey project leaders and experts in coordinating multiple teams, we place strong emphasis on meeting deadlines.
Omnichannel retail: spaces connected to digital
Physical retail remains essential, but it is increasingly viewed as a complement to the brand’s digital ecosystem. That’s why new retail spaces must be designed to integrate seamlessly with omnichannel strategies: online order pickup, product testing areas, experience zones, or self-service points.
From a construction perspective, this means anticipating technological connections, charging points, installations suited to digital equipment, and spatial layouts designed for hybrid interaction between customer and store.
Optimizing the point of sale: fewer square meters, higher performance
Efficiency is a top priority. Many brands are reducing the size of their stores to optimize costs, but that doesn’t mean compromising on impact. The trend is to build more compact spaces where every square meter is geared toward sales and customer experience.
Retail construction is becoming more strategic: from material selection to layout configuration, everything responds to operational efficiency criteria. The goal is clear—make the most of the space without losing identity or functionality.
Strategic shopfitting: more than furniture, a branding tool
Shopfitting is no longer seen as a separate process at the end of construction but as a strategic phase integrated from the very start of the project. In 2025, this perspective will solidify: commercial furniture, final lighting, and signage will be designed in coordination with the core construction work and brand values.
At Abessis, we work under this logic: the earlier decisions about final equipment are made, the better the construction can be adapted to the technical and functional requirements of the furniture. This streamlines project delivery, reduces errors, and gives brands full control over the experience they want to create.
Full-service project management: one single point of contact
Fragmented responsibilities in retail construction have proven problematic for many brands. In 2025, the demand will continue to grow for partners offering comprehensive project management—from planning and trade coordination to final delivery of a store ready to open.
This turnkey model not only reduces costs and mistakes but also allows brands to focus on what truly matters: their business strategy. At Abessis, we apply this model to all our retail projects, as we have done for store rollouts for brands like Basic Fit or Normal, ensuring fast, coordinated execution aligned with each brand’s identity and values.
“Adapt or die”: leading the change
2025 will mark a turning point in how commercial spaces are built. The new construction trends in the retail sector go beyond aesthetics or functionality—they reflect a deeper transformation in how brands engage with customers, manage their stores, and optimize their processes.
At Abessis, we’re ready to support brands through this evolution. With a global perspective, agile execution, and a firm commitment to quality, we help transform ideas into real, functional, and identity-rich spaces.
Are you planning to open, renovate, or expand your store network? Contact us. This is the year to build with strategy and a forward-thinking vision.