Background
University of Waterloo’s Print and Retail Solutions (P+RS) department is planning a store renovation in Spring/Summer 2022. This renovation will include the replacement of our retail fixtures as outlined in greater detail in this Request for Proposal. P+RS is soliciting proposals from Respondents that have the capability to manufacture custom, as well as stock off-the-shelf fixtures, signage and merchandise point of sale accessories.
P+RS’s retail location is approximately 5,500 square feet, located in South Campus Hall (SCH). P+RS sells UW branded items, textbooks and other items students require. The approximate splits for retail fixtures will be 50% apparel, 30% giftware, 15% stationery and 5% technology. Renderings of fixtures that would best meet our needs are included as an additional Appendix in this RFP.
P+RS is seeking to partner with a Respondent who will bring our brand to life by providing design, manufacturing and on-site installation services for custom and made to order retail displays and fixtures. Our journey to design the W Store as the ‘go-to’ location at the University of Waterloo started in 2018 when we worked closely with a consultant The Build, to rebrand ourselves to better engage with students and the entire UW community. We incorporated much of this work into the existing space at W Store in SCH, but the pandemic has delayed the renovations to our main store. We are now proceeding with this project and plan for the new renovated W Store to be opened before the start of the Fall 2022 term. As part of that opening, we are looking to engage with a Respondent who can manufacture and install retail fixtures and displays in our new store by mid-June, 2022.
