Client
RHS Garden Wisley, one of the Royal Horticultural Society’s flagship destinations and a major retail and visitor attraction welcoming over a million guests each year.
Requirement
RHS Garden Wisley needed a temporary retail structure to expand its gift shop in the run-up to the busy Christmas season.
The goal was to increase retail floor space for its festive range and manage rising customer numbers, without affecting existing displays or the adjoining coffee shop.
The solution also had to ensure full accessibility and deliver a comfortable, high-quality shopping environment that aligned with Wisley’s brand and visitor experience.
Our Solution
LM Structures designed and installed a retail marquee extension directly connected to the front of the shop – creating an attractive, fully functional trading area that could operate seamlessly with the existing building.
- Linked clearspan retail marquees: Two 12 m × 5 m structures combined to provide approximately 1,300 sq ft of extra retail space.
- Integrated layout: The temporary shop extension incorporated the coffee shop entrance, maintaining customer flow between areas.
- Visitor experience and wayfinding: Three sets of glass double doors improved access and circulation, with branded signage guiding visitors intuitively.
- Light and ambience: Clear PVC window walls and gable ends maximised natural light, creating a bright, spacious retail environment.
- Comfort and presentation: A solid boarded floor with carpet finish provided a level, polished surface. A ducted heating system maintained consistent temperatures, while a bespoke anti-condensation system in the roof ensured optimal conditions for both stock and visitors. The ceiling was fully lined, and structural elements were neatly dressed to deliver a professional, retail-ready appearance.
- Accessibility: Step-free ramps at all entrances ensured the temporary retail building was inclusive and easy to navigate.
Results
The seasonal retail extension allowed RHS Wisley to present a wider range of festive products while keeping the space open and inviting. The added capacity improved customer movement through the shop, encouraged longer dwell times and supported higher sales during the busiest period of the year. Staff reported smoother operations and positive visitor feedback on both layout and comfort.
At-a-Glance
- 1,300 sq ft additional retail floor space
- 2 × 12 m × 5 m clearspan retail marquees
- 3 glass double-door access points
- Ducted heating, anti-condensation roof and lined interior
- Step-free access for all visitors
Why LM Structures
- Purpose-built for retail: Every detail designed to support product presentation and sales flow.
- Flexible, fast installation: Delivered quickly with minimal disruption to day-to-day trading.
- Comfort and compliance: Heated, accessible and weather-resistant for a professional retail experience.
- Trusted by leading venues: Expertise in long-term marquee hire for retail and garden centres, with structures that look and feel permanent but can be reconfigured or removed as required.
- For garden centres, farm shops and retailers needing additional space, LM Structures provides tailored temporary retail buildings that extend capacity and enhance the customer experience, all with the speed and flexibility of a modular solution.
