The typical member has a 171,253 sq. In addition, as part of a highly fragmented industry, these firms range from those providing highly customized wood interiors to those manufacturing inexpensive metal racks on a mass-production basis. Retailers typically include fixtures in their interior store designs, which are drafted by internal or independent store planners, designers, or architects. In some cases, the fixture blueprints for the project are put out to bid. However, retailers are increasingly turning to negotiating projects with store fixture manufacturers in an effort to improve quality through value engineering.
Manufacturers generally receive progress payments when producing a large fixture order.
While most fixture projects are completed in 30 to 90 days, some jobs may span six to nine months and rollout programs can last several years. Store fixture manufacturing firms are faced with several critical challenges. These include the need to continuously improve manufacturing productivity, develop broader domestic and international customer bases, as the new millenium approaches, produce fixtures using new technologies, and overcome a shortage of skilled labor. In addition, consolidation of retail companies has also posed problems for manufacturers. Fixture manufacturers are currently pushing to replace the bidding system with negotiated projects.