Powering Progress: A Remarkable 4-Month Store Strip-Out and Rebuild Journey
Delivering a full Faradays store rebuild in just four months is no small feat—especially across a vast 3 780 m² trading area. Yet through determination, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to quality, Faradays transformed an ageing retail space into a modern flagship Quik Chek Hyper.
From the first strip-out to the final power-on, every phase was driven by a core principle: “Never quit and you will never fail.” Working hand-in-hand with the store owners throughout the project, the team navigated tight timelines, complex electrical demands, and on-site challenges with precision and creativity.
Project Scope & Vision
The client’s vision was clear—rebuild the former PnP into a high-performing, modern flagship outlet within a newly revamped centre. With thousands of square metres to reshape, the planning phase required bold decision-making and deep collaboration with the owners.
Branch Manager Leon van der Westhuizen led the project from concept to completion, working closely with the client to ensure every electrical detail aligned with performance, compliance, and budget requirements. Together, they adopted a “take the bull by the horns” approach, revising plans on the fly, adapting to changes, and ensuring the project’s demanding pace never compromised quality.
Challenges & Innovation
Transforming a large retail floor within strict timelines meant facing—and solving—multiple challenges.
One of the first hurdles was the complete electrical strip-out and rebuild across the 3 780 m² trading area. This included new distribution boards, revised containment routes, upgraded wiring, emergency lighting, POS power, and back-of-house infrastructure.
A standout moment of innovation came from field technician Brandon van der Westhuizen, who designed a new emergency change-over panel to bring the entire store onto backup power. Remarkably, this design was completed without an external electrical engineer—at the client’s request—demonstrating the owners’ trust in Faradays’ expertise.
The team also developed and implemented an inverter system to support essential power throughout the store, ensuring operational continuity and improved energy efficiency.
Working around refrigeration teams, builders, flooring teams, and shopfitters demanded precise coordination, continued communication, and disciplined teamwork. Through every challenge, one mindset held firm: never quit, and you will never fail.
Teamwork & Leadership
While technical skill powered the project, teamwork is what kept it on track.
Leon’s leadership ensured every onsite discipline moved in sync, while team leaders Dicky, George, and Sanele, supported by their dedicated crew, put in extended hours—even late into the night—to maintain momentum.
One of the defining moments occurred during the generator installation, where Brandon worked through complex communication cabling to ensure the team could safely switch off main power and bring the entire site online using backup supply. Seeing the store operating under standby power marked a significant milestone and reinforced the progress made.
Outcome & Impact
The transformation delivered more than a visually modern store—it produced a robust, future-focused electrical infrastructure designed for reliability, safety, and daily operational efficiency.
Key improvements included:
- Complete electrical infrastructure rebuild
- New distribution and emergency backup systems
- High-efficiency lighting throughout the store
- Upgraded safety installations
- Optimised power management for retail operations
Today, the Quik Chek Hyper stands proudly as a FLAGSHIP STORE, reflecting both the client’s vision and Faradays’ ability to deliver complex projects under pressure.
Faradays store rebuild Reflection
For Leon and the team, this project reinforced the importance of adaptability, appreciation, and teamwork. Leadership is not only about direction—it’s about lifting the people behind the progress.
With the project scheduled for 4.5 months, delivering it ahead of the 4-month target stands as a testament to Faradays’ dedication, resilience, and client-first mindset.
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Faradays operates nationally, with teams in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town.
