Hurst are extremely proud to have manufactured and delivered the extensive joinery requirements for all of the 210 new Vision Express stores, which follows their acquisition of Tesco Opticians at the end of 2017. The refit of the 210 stores has taken place over an ambitious 5 month programme and has been a collaborative effort between Hurst, five main contractors, internal Vision Express teams and suppliers.
The intense programme saw Vision Express launch between 10 and 15 stores a week inside Tesco supermarkets across the UK and Ireland – from Belfast to Inverness, Haverfordwest to Great Yarmouth and has included a brand new store in the new Tesco Extra in Liffey Valley, Ireland. The first new Vision Express at Tesco store opened in Thurrock on 1st Feb 2018, within Tesco Extra at Lakeside Retail Park.
The project for Hurst started back in April 2017 with the design and development of all joinery items and a mock store installed at Vision Express head office for comment and approvals. Joinery manufacture then commenced in October 2017 prior to the first store install in January 2018.
Hurst worked very closely at all times with suppliers to ensure they could cope with the high volumes required including liaising with Top Vision of Holland. A very high level of logistical planning and co-ordination were also then required by the Hurst team to ensure deliveries to between 10 and 15 different store locations across the UK and Ireland per week.
Hurst are delighted to have received the following feedback on completion of the project from the JV & Property Director and Store Development Manager at Vision Express.
“On behalf of Vision Express, I would like to take the opportunity to thank Hurst for your commitment, dedication and professionalism in helping the company meet its biggest ever challenge….the very ambitious target to refit and in some cases expand 210 Tesco Opticians in only 5 months!!
Not without its problems, we were all able to adapt and learn throughout the process. Not only have we achieved this within the timeframes set, but the overall quality of delivery has been exceptional and importantly considered by Grand Vision to be a world class achievement! Without your contribution and experience this would not have been possible, a fantastic result!
Vision Express CEO Jonathan Lawson said “It is a momentous achievement to have opened over 200 stores in such a short period of time. The re-brand hasn’t come without its challenges, but I am very happy, and proud, to say it’s been a huge success”.
The purple-infused re-brand being introduced across the entire Vision Express chain has been designed in line with the company’s refreshed corporate brand identity. The re-brand delivers a refreshed logo and striking purple and green colour decor, featuring bright sofas and wooden flooring, offering a modern, inviting and vibrant environment to encourage customers to feel at ease.
Hurst manufactured, delivered and installed the following typical joinery items for each of the new stores:
Sales Floor Furniture
- Perimeter displays including lockable draw boxes
- Perimeter price navigation panels & POS for marketing products
- Solaris perimeter & free standing sunglasses displays
- Dispensing desks
- Reception counter
- Rear reception pigeon hole / Tambour units including accessory display
- Media screen display units
Eye Exam Room & Contact Lens area
- Eye exam work unit
- Sink and draw units
- Wall cupboards and storage wardrobes
- Wall mounted computer units and worktops
- Soft furnishings including Solaris bench seating
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