NZ Muscle

Total Fitouts South Canterbury delivered a commercial retail fitout for NZ Muscle’s new Papanui store that balances operational efficiency with bold, brand-aligned design. With a strong online presence and several successful store locations already established, NZ Muscle was ready to expand its physical footprint in Christchurch. They needed a commercial fitout partner who could create a space that was both highly functional and visually impactful—one that matched their performance-driven identity. The result is a clean, high-performing retail environment that supports the demands of a product-heavy store while enhancing the customer experience from the moment they walk through the door.

A Clean, Performance-Led Design

The aesthetic of the new NZ Muscle store is sharp, minimal and brand-forward. At its core is a monochrome palette: matte black trims and detailing contrast with clean white joinery, offering a blank canvas that allows the vibrant packaging of the supplements and health products to take centre stage. Rather than crowding the commercial retail fitout with excessive signage or branding, the design relies on strong visual contrast and clean lines to make an impact.

This simplicity reflects the NZ Muscle brand itself—clear, powerful, and focused on results. Customers walking into the store know exactly what the brand stands for, with the interior acting as an extension of the company’s digital presence and product offering. Large, high-resolution lifestyle photography lines the upper walls, showcasing athletes and fitness influencers using NZ Muscle products in real-life settings. These images inject energy into the space and add a human touch to the otherwise highly functional layout.

At the heart of the commercial design is the joinery. Custom cube-style wall shelving wraps the perimeter of the space, providing clear product categorisation and a consistent visual structure. This shelving system was tailored specifically for the dimensions and packaging styles of NZ Muscle’s product ranges, ensuring everything—from large tubs of protein powder to slim boxes of protein bars—fits neatly and is easily accessible within the commercial retail fitout.

Layout That Drives Customer Flow

The store layout was carefully considered to support both product display and smooth customer circulation. Shoppers enter into a wide, open space with black freestanding display plinths at the centre, perfect for showcasing featured products, seasonal campaigns or high-margin promotions. These central displays are modular and moveable, allowing the store team to regularly refresh the layout in line with sales activity or product launches.

Around the edges of the commercial retail fitout, floor-to-ceiling shelving creates a U-shaped customer journey. This format naturally encourages full circulation, guiding visitors from one end of the store to the other without disrupting visibility. With the entire product range on display and easy to browse, customers can quickly find what they need or discover something new.

Practicality was also a key design driver. An upright fridge for chilled products is positioned neatly between two shelving bays, integrating seamlessly into the layout. This fridge holds energy drinks, recovery beverages and protein shakes—an essential part of the brand’s product mix. The placement ensures these items are visible without feeling out of place.

Even the apparel displays are purposefully minimal. A curated selection of NZ Muscle branded clothing is mounted to a feature wall with simple black pegs, reinforcing the brand while keeping the floor area clear. Everything has its place—and no detail is wasted.

Finishes That Work as Hard as the Brand

Commercial retail fitouts like NZ Muscle’s aren’t just about looking good—they have to perform. The materials and finishes used throughout the commercial fitout were chosen for their durability, low maintenance, and ability to withstand the demands of a busy retail environment.

The polished concrete flooring brings a subtle industrial tone to the space while being easy to clean and exceptionally hard-wearing. With constant foot traffic, heavy tubs of product, and boxes being moved throughout the day, the floor needs to stay resilient—and it does. Similarly, wall finishes and shelving were selected with scuff resistance and longevity in mind.

The black-and-white palette isn’t just a interior design choice—it’s also a practical one. The dark trims and lower features are less likely to show wear and tear, while the white shelving keeps the product display area bright and fresh. It’s a combination that makes ongoing store maintenance straightforward while reinforcing the brand’s clean and disciplined identity.

Supporting Retail Efficiency

From front-of-house presentation to behind-the-scenes function, the commercial retail fitout supports every aspect of NZ Muscle’s day-to-day operations. The clear zoning of the space makes restocking and inventory management efficient for staff. The open floor plan allows team members to easily monitor customers, offer assistance and manage transactions without any visual obstructions.

The commercial retail fitout was also delivered on a fast, clean turnaround. With a clear scope, experienced build team, and smart use of modular elements, Total Fitouts South Canterbury was able to keep construction time short without compromising on detail or finish. Every inch of the store was planned for a purpose—there’s no excess, no clutter, just clear, high-functioning retail design.

A Scalable Solution for Growth

This Papanui location was more than a one-off design—it was a prototype for future store rollouts. The approach taken by Total Fitouts South Canterbury focused on building a scalable fitout system that NZ Muscle could replicate in other regions. The modular joinery, brand-consistent finishes and adaptable layout mean this commercial retail fitout can be customised to suit other store sizes or footprints without losing its identity.

With NZ Muscle continuing to grow across New Zealand, the store acts as both a flagship and a foundation. It reflects a mature, confident retail brand that knows its audience and knows what works—from both a sales and service perspective.

Built by the Experts

This commercial retail fitout was proudly delivered by the commercial retail specialists at Total Fitouts South Canterbury. Working closely with NZ Muscle, the team brought together form and function to produce a space that not only supports the brand’s retail goals but also feels like a true extension of the business.

From initial design consultation to final install, every decision was aligned to the business’ operational needs, customer expectations, and visual identity. The outcome is a strong, scalable interior fitout that will serve the brand well—now and into the future.

Ready to build your retail business?
Get in touch with the team at Total Fitouts South Canterbury and turn your space into something that performs.