Vision Express UK-wide
When Vision Express acquired Tesco Opticians in 2017, it faced the logistical challenge of rebranding 200 new locations within five months.
Westgate Global were appointed to manage the complete hoarding roll-out across the UK and Ireland, specifying and installing over 6,000 linear metres of Hoardfast PVC across stores, from the remote Scottish Highlands locations to busy retail parks. The team delivered the project on time and without disruption.
When Vision Express acquired Tesco Opticians in 2017, it added 200 new stores to its existing 600-strong UK estate. As part of the acquisition, the company committed to rebranding every location within five months. As one of the UK’s largest optical retailers and part of the global giant GrandVision, the scale and speed of the refurbishment programme required a trusted partner that could take complex installation challenges in its stride. Westgate Global were awarded the hoarding roll-out project for all store refurbishments including; delivery, hoarding installation and demount, installation of disruption graphics, collection, cleaning and re-delivery.
Based on the project brief, Hoardfast PVC was specified. Specifically designed for fit-out, refurbishment and maintenance projects in live environments, Hoardfast PVC is a lightweight, modular internal hoarding system. Despite being lightweight, Hoardfast panels are strong, durable, and have excellent impact resistance, making them suitable for customer-facing spaces.
With a strict five-month schedule to rebrand every store across the UK and Ireland, including some in remote locations on the Isle of Wight and in the Scottish Highlands, extensive planning was key. The Westgate team took responsibility from first brief to final sign-off, responding quickly and phasing installs to keep the project running to time.
Stores were placed into three categories, small, medium and large, with small receiving 10 linear metres of hoarding and large 25 linear metres. Westgate Global provided the 2.25m-high free-standing PVC Hoardfast panel and offset-weighted support foot. Each support had a single 16kg Hoardfast weight installed; these were positioned in 1 metre increments (or every two panels). Over 6000 linear metres of hoarding was installed in total across the project.
The speed at which the panels were installed meant minimal store disruption, with many installations taking place at night to minimise overall disruption for the customer. At times, up to 13 stores were installed at once.
The rollout has been a major success, with the first rebranded store opening at Tesco Extra, Thurrock Lakeside. Vision Express CEO Jonathan Lawson said “It’s fantastic to officially begin our re-brand programme with a celebration at our new Lakeside store. This acquisition allows us to offer a thorough and expert optical service to reach more people in even more convenient locations, ensuring former Tesco Opticians customers experience seamless eye health services.”
Store manager of Vision Express Tesco Evesham, Chris Sheppard, is also optimistic about the future. “We look forward to welcoming new and existing customers through our doors. With 11% of the local population at a heightened risk of developing age-related macular degeneration, we’re here to help residents ensure their vision is the best it can be.”
Hoardfast PVC is also manufactured using 85% recycled materials and the ability to hire and reuse the product meant that there was no on site waste, an important part of any eco-friendly construction project for companies such as Vision Express and Tesco who are committed to environmental policies.
Learn more about Hoardfast PVC
With over 200 stores to rebrand in five months, including remote locations across the UK and Ireland, the planning had to be meticulous from day one. Hoardfast gave us the speed and reliability we needed to deliver without disruption.Tim Carson Head of Operations, Westgate Global
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