Glendale is the ideal destination for retail therapy. Most famous for its malls, this city located next to Los Angeles boasts shopping powerhouses Glendale Galleria and the Americana at Brand. Both shopping destinations host a range of different shops, boutiques, and dining options. The commerce in the area is boosted by the many tourists coming to see the city’s striking scenery, galleries, and museums. 

To facilitate efficiently flowing traffic in Glendale’s commercial areas, the best retail contractors are needed. Our editors present eight of the most outstanding contractors in the area, with experience that ranges from a decade to a century. Most of these contractors have received awards and press recognition for their impressive work. Many  of them are affiliated with the US Green Building Council, demonstrating their dedication to sustainable construction methods. Each contractor is proud of its portfolio, and it contains projects for well-known brands, including Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s, and Sephora.


Bogart Construction

9980 Irvine Center Dr., Suite 200, Irvine, California 92618

Based in Irvine, Bogart Construction is a reputable contractor trusted by numerous well-known brands like Nike, Forever21, and H&M. Their respect for Bogart Construction comes from the company’s dedication to delivering flawless services. It believes in completing projects effectively and on time. To do so, the firm executes projects with extreme attention to detail and quality control. Communication is crucial to ensure that each issue is fixed before client turnover. This has enabled the company to become one of the most reliable contractors in the retail construction industry. 

Founded in 1991, the company has developed lasting relationships with its clients. With a client-driven approach, the company has fulfilled the vision of many retail and commercial clients. Beginning as a specialist in tenant improvement, the company has grown to construct over a thousand upscale retail establishments in thirty-eight states. In Glendale, it has helped construct the popular high-end makeup store, Sephora. Consistent with other Sephora branches, the storefront features the brand’s black and white signature logo. With a strong understanding of retail store needs, the company constructed the shop with consideration to traffic and lighting. Natural light comes in from the storefront’s glass wall panel, and the lighting fixtures are strategically placed. As the firm lets customers try its products, lighting  is of the utmost importance. 

The firm’s excellent reputation has been mentioned on NBC Palm Springs. Its industry status is further solidified through many accolades, including the 2010 General Contractor of the Year award.


KPRS Construction Services

444 South Flower St., Suite 3860, Los Angeles, CA 90071

KPRS Construction Services is an LA-based company that builds communities. It fulfills this mission by focusing on client objectives and providing expert services from pre to post-construction. In commercial projects, the company focuses on creating spaces that let a business prosper. By continuously exceeding client expectations, the firm has impressed many world-famous brands, including Amazon, Coca-Cola, and Microsoft. The firm has impressed many magazines as well, making it one of the top contractors in the country. ENR included the company in its Top 400 General Contractors list while Orange County Business Journal ranked the firm number one on its 2016 Tenant Improvement Contractor list.

Established in 1998, KPRS Construction Services has reached clients in many parts of the United States. Its wide reach includes downtown LA, Northern California, and Hawaii. It has built many commercial, industrial, adaptive reuse, and medical facilities. In the retail sector, the company provided construction services for the Azalea Regional Shopping Center. Collaborating with Nadel Architects and owner Primestor Development, the company has created a 380,000-square-foot retail and dining destination. The project features a modern complex with an unfinished look that is unique to the industrial style. More than a shopping complex, the center contains lounges, stunning landscaping, and water features. These details entertain valued shoppers and offer avenues to socialize and interact. For its outstanding work, the firm received the Best Retail Project award from Los Angeles Business Journal’s Commercial Real Estate Awards.


Matt Construction

261 S Figueroa St., Suite 120, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Matt Construction focuses on safety. It has received many safety awards, most recently the 2021 CEA Excellence in Safety Award. Its dedication to safety is a reflection of its care to its employees and its clients. With LEED-accredited professionals on its team, the firm cares for the environment as well. A family and employee-owned company, the firm’s responsible nature stems from mutual respect. By respecting its clients, its employees, and the environment, the firm earns respect in return. The American Institute of Architects has recognized the firm, dubbing it as a company excelling in design collaboration. ENR, Curbed, and Los Angeles Business Journal have been impressed by the company as well and have featured some of their best works.

Since its founding in 1991, Matt Construction has served many clients in Los Angeles, Orange County, and The Bay Area. In Santa Monica, the firm provided services for upscale department store chain Nordstrom. The company upgraded the structure from an old retail store to a luxurious mall with loading docks underneath. To make this possible, the company demolished and renovated the interiors with the help of partner architect Callison. The storefront, entries, and exterior facade have been modified to represent the Nordstrom brand. For displaying extraordinary work on this massive 126,733-square-foot project, the company received the 2011 NECA Electrical Excellence Award.


Hirsch Construction

515 W. Broadway, Glendale, CA 91204

Hirsch Construction attracts luxury retail brands. Included in its long list of high-end clients are Hermes, Prada, Rolex, and Tiffany & Co. The company assures excellence in its execution of first-rate retail projects. Whether it’s a stand-alone store or a luxury shop within a mall, the company has the expertise and the right team to complete each project effectively. Aware that stores are influenced by their location, the firm works with landlords to improve the store’s surroundings. This extra step ensures that luxury retailers only offer the best high-end shopping experience for their customers. 

A sample of the firm’s first-rate retail project is the Coach store in Rodeo Drive. This store is only one of the hundreds of Coach stores the firm has built over the years. For this particular branch, the firm considered the neighboring tenants in the area. The result is a store that complements the high-end shops in Beverly Hills. Inside, customers are treated to a relaxing, bright shopping experience with an all-white theme highlighted by the store’s skylight. 

Founded in 1983, the firm’s well-constructed retail projects have received mention in Designboom and California Apparel News.


MODAA Construction

15260 Ventura Blvd., Suite 1200-33 Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

MODAA Construction has a no-nonsense philosophy and is strict when it deals with client interest, work ethic, and safety. It is selective when it comes to accepting projects, which enables it to deliver its best in each project. Each of its members enjoys the process and benefits from the company’s outstanding outputs. This philosophy has enabled the firm to receive recognition, such as in the Los Angeles Times and Interior Design

In the retail industry, MODAA Construction applies the same approach. Believing that physical stores impact brand image, the company knows its part in a business’ success is crucial. Extending beyond what is expected of retail construction, the firm communicates with both tenants and landlords. In Glendale, one of the firm’s exceptional works is the Forward Americana project. As the project’s general contractor, the firm provided its expertise in both retail and medical construction. It fulfilled all city building requirements while collaborating with the architect to create an inviting facility. The property features high-end finishes including custom furniture, walnut wood paneling, and a welcoming storefront. 

As a reliable retail contractor, the firm provides extensive services, including pre-construction, construction management, and engineering services for California clients.


Pacific Empire Builders

500 North Brand Blvd, Suite #2120, Glendale, CA 91203

Pacific Empire Builders is a Glendale-based firm with expertise in construction and real estate development. Before its inception in 2005, the company’s founders, Dan Mahoney and Jason Tolleson, already had a preexisting real estate firm. After years of working in real estate, the owners realized it would be more cost-effective and efficient to have their own construction firm. From this idea, Pacific Empire Builders emerged. Today, the company effectively collaborates with architects, design consultants, and developers to successfully complete projects. 

Currently, the firm serves clients in Glendale, Los Angeles, as well as Bellflower and Azusa. Its high-quality services are experienced by clients in the housing, retail, and industrial markets. With sixteen years in the business, the firm has developed expertise in construction management and general contracting. In executing these services, the firm focuses on safety and accuracy in meeting timelines and budget. 

A sample of the firm’s tenant improvement project is the Dollar Tree store in Inglewood, California. In partnership with DBB Architects, the firm has accomplished this huge project according to budget and schedule. The facility features a wide parking area ready to accommodate heavy customer traffic. Dollar Tree’s logo is prominently displayed in the main entrance, welcoming shoppers into the establishment.


McCormick Construction

2507 Empire Ave., Burbank, CA 91504

Established in 1914, McCormick Construction is the longest-running firm on this list. For over 107 years, the company has accomplished many offices, educational, and commercial facilities. It has dabbled in residential, multifamily, hospitality, and retail projects as well. Over time, the firm has strengthened its expertise in general contracting, design-build, and LEED-certified services. It has remained consistent in delivering superior craftsmanship and extraordinary customer experience.

Based in Burbank, this family-owned company has established offices in Las Vegas and San Diego. Existing for ten decades in the industry, the firm has made recognizable contributions in different parts of the United States. Washington, Nevada, and Oregon are some of the states benefitting the firm’s century-old expertise. 

In Beverly Hills, the firm helped create Le Grand Passage, a high-end shopping complex. In collaboration with AECOM, the firm has provided renovation services for the project. The project has been accomplished while businesses have operated. This feat has proved achievable because of the firm’s extensive experience. McCormick Construction also offered its expertise in structural modification through the installment of structural columns. This work has proved crucial in revamping the look of the complex and giving it an airy, open layout.