01 | Inheriting a PM team that doesn’t “speak your brand”

Every retailer has unique processes. When delivery teams can’t adapt, the rollout slows and consistency suffers.

Prevention tip:

• Share a concise “ways of working” document at project kickoff. Include approval steps, brand standards, and preferred communication channels.

02 | Breaking into a new market with no local track record

First-to-market stores face unknowns — unfamiliar regulations, new suppliers, and untested logistics.

Prevention tip:

• Run a local feasibility review early, covering compliance, supplier capability, and cultural factors that could affect delivery.

03 | Fast-track remodels that stall mid-program

Quick refreshes often lose momentum due to overlapping trades, slow approvals, or site surprises.

Prevention tip:

• Sequence trades so compatible work happens in parallel. Lock in key materials early and set daily on-site progress check-ins.

04 | Brand standards drifting between locations

Even small deviations in materials, colours, or finishes can damage the customer experience.

Prevention tip:

• Maintain a single brand specification pack and use consistent quality checklists for every site before handover.

05 | Supplier and contractor misalignment

When multiple parties follow different schedules, deadlines slip and budgets blow out.

Prevention tip:

• Use one integrated master schedule with clearly defined milestones and accountabilities for all suppliers.

06 | Stakeholder burnout mid-rollout

Ops, leasing, and design teams often juggle multiple store openings alongside day-to-day duties.

Prevention tip:

• Plan workloads in phases, rotate decision-making responsibilities, and keep reporting concise and relevant.

07 | Local market conditions derailing delivery

From permit delays to seasonal trade shortages, each region has its own curveballs.

Prevention tip:

• Engage local contractors early, anticipate seasonal slowdowns, and secure permits well before mobilisation.

“From Houston to El Paso, every market’s different — you’ve got to work with the local landscape.” – Julie Chluda

08 | Resistance to process improvements

Even high-impact tweaks can face pushback if they disrupt the “usual” way of doing things.

Prevention tip:

• Trial improvements on one or two sites first. Share clear before-and-after data to build confidence in the change.

09 | Choosing speed over quality

Tight opening dates can tempt teams to cut corners — but customers notice.

Prevention tip:

• Set clear quality benchmarks at the outset and run inspections at key build stages to catch issues early.

10 | Stores losing momentum after opening day

Without post-handover support, small issues can snowball into costly fixes.

Prevention tip:

• Schedule structured reviews at 30 and 90 days to address early problems while they’re still manageable.