New Orleans is a melting pot of cultures old and new and it comes with the intriguing antique shops, fascinating art galleries, and trendy boutiques that are the natural accoutrements of these cultural fusions. The city is a dreamland for shoppers with the diversity of shops found everywhere from Magazine Street to Mid-City. Alongside changing styles and trends, customers expect a retail shop’s atmosphere to enhance the shopping experience. Safety and security are the top things both retailers and consumers are looking for in shops.
Building and renovating new shops requires a level of expertise only experienced contractors can provide. Our editorial team decided to list the best retail contractors in New Orleans and the surrounding area to make it easier for you to decide. Our team took into consideration each firm’s expertise with retail construction, their recognitions, their years in business, and the breadth of areas served. For an exquisite New Orleans retail space built to fit your needs, take a look at our list below.
BEI General Contractors
22278 10th St., Abita Springs, LA 70420
BEI General Contractors is a trusted general contractor serving the Greater New Orleans area. Since its founding in 1992, the firm has developed a deep understanding of the complexities of building commercial structures. Today the firm specializes in providing services for residential, commercial, and industrial clients. The firm is licensed to work in Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas.
As a member of the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), BEI upholds a premium standard of construction quality. In over two decades of its service, the firm has provided a plethora of works from roof jobs to large-scale commercial and industrial projects. One of its premier retail and commercial projects is this Harley Davidson shop. The shop houses the famous brand’s motorcycles, sports gear, and apparel.
DonahueFavret Contractors
3030 E Causeway Approach, Mandeville, LA 70448
It all started with John “Jack” Donahue Jr. who founded this firm in 1979. Jack made the firm a success by sharing his rich background in construction with the DonahueFavret team. Today, the firm is under the leadership of John Donahue III. John has a proficient understanding of the different phases of construction. His leadership experience is reflected in the number of associations he has led.
There is little to nothing that the firm has not been able to build, from high-rise multi-family to retail shops. The firm serves a majority of the Gulf South region’s largest commercial industries. The firm is adept in creating award-winning spaces, spaces that have earned the firm multiple recognitions from Engineering News-Record, New Orleans CityBusiness, and the ABC.
F.H. Myers Construction Corporation
520 Commerce Pt., Harahan, LA 70123
F.H. Myers Construction is a Louisiana-based firm specializing in pre-construction and design/building services. It is an active member of the ABC and American Institute of Architects. F.H. Myers Construction is adept in building commercial construction. Ryan Myers is the leader behind this successful team. Over the years the firm has developed a knack for building world-class spaces. The firm has had the opportunity to build financial institutions, retail outlets, industrial facilities, and restore historic buildings.
The Martin Wine Cellar in New Orleans is one of the firm’s historical retail projects. Together with Wagonner & Ball Architects, the firm built the new Martin Wine Cellar located at Baronne St. The exterior façade consists of brick and Nichiha paneling systems; its interior is a full-scale Deli/Bistro and furnished retail space for wines, spirits, and other merchandise for wine connoisseurs.
Gulf States Construction Services
109 New Camellia Blvd. Suite #100, Covington, LA 70433
Providing flexible and innovative design and construction solutions is the mark of Gulf States Construction’s services. Since its inception, the firm has brought countless projects to completion. Michael Saucier banks on his three decades plus of solid experience developing and managing construction projects. Saucier is an LSU alumnus with Contracting and Real Estate Broker licenses in Louisiana and Mississippi. Some of the firm’s works include the development of public, private, and institutional estates like the $206M Louisiana Superdome damaged by Hurricane Katrina.
The firm’s portfolio is home to a handful of diverse construction and development projects in the state. One notable project is the Algiers Plaza located in New Orleans. The 110,000-square-foot project houses retail brands like TJ Maxx, Ross, Burkes Outlet, and more. Projects like these have earned the firm positive reviews from past clients. A majority of this glowing feedback mentions Gulf States Construction’s great service, its attention to detail, and the firm’s budget-conscious planning.
Jos. R. Labadot
1418 Edwards Ave. Suite A, New Orleans, LA 70123
When it comes to commercial construction services, New Orleans has found a reliable partner in Jos. R. Labadot since 1986. The firm’s steady growth can be attributed to its team of skilled and goal-driven professionals. Each member brings a diverse background essential to learning and mastering the different stages of construction.
Jos. R. Labadot’s hands-on approach to projects has earned it a blue-ribbon reputation among its clients and the industry. Its portfolio reflects the firm’s years of expertise in design and construction. A perfect example of this is Ramsey’s Diamond Jewelers. Jos. R. Labadot partnered with Mouton Long Turner Architects to complete this stunning jewelry retail shop in 2018.
LANCO Construction Co.
241 Woodland Dr., La Place, LA 70068
Since 1983, LANCO Construction Co. has remained family-owned and one of Louisiana’s most trusted commercial builders. The firm values integrity, timeliness, and providing clients with durable structures. Susie Lanza is joined by a team of skilled craftspeople capable of bringing numerous retail projects to life. Prior to the firm’s construction services, the Lanza family had been in business since 1944, working as Victory Iron Works and serving New Orleans with ironworks for architecture.
A majority of the firm’s commercial projects are from repeat clients, demonstrating the reliability of LANCO Construction Co. From simple retrofitting to complicated construction management, the firm is capable of delivering excellent results. One of Lanco’s projects is a Walgreens store located in New Orleans. The retail store is built to blend in with the rich historical architecture of Bourbon Street.
Mayer Building Company
1000 N Broad St. New Orleans, LA 70119
Since its inception, Mayer Building Company has worked on some of NOLA’s notable commercial spaces and historic structures. President Ryan Mayer is a University of New Orleans graduate who spent seven years working on various commercial projects in New York City. He assembled a team of craftspeople to form Mayer Building Company. His team of skilled designers and builders have worked with brands and names like Pilot+Powell, Simone’s, Sunday Shop, and Loyola University.
Its broad experience in construction is further highlighted in its portfolio. One of its completed retail projects is the Pilot & Powell store in Magazine Street. The store houses luxurious, high-end fashion accessories, sportswear, cosmetics, fragrances, and gifts. Mayer partnered with Logan Killen interiors to bring this store a lush glass storefront façade retrofit. The firm’s expertise has been recognized with a 2020 Excellence in Construction & Real Estate award by the New Orleans CityBusiness.
Perrier Esquerré Contractors
326 Almedia Rd., St. Rose, LA 70087
Perrier Esquerré Contractors is a well-known firm serving New Orleans and led by Keith Esquerré and Brett Perrier. Both leaders are equally-established with years of construction experience to their name. The firm is adept at building a multitude of services including—but not limited to—general construction, project management, pre-construction, and interior build-out. The firm facilitates a client-centered approach that makes clients and their concerns a top priority.
New Orleans CityBusiness has featured the firm’s prime construction work as well as the variety of industry markets it serves. One of the firm’s retail shops includes the Old Gentilly shopping center in New Orleans. The large-scale ground-up project was completed in 2017. Other retail projects in its portfolio include Five Below, Rye 51, Elmwood Shopping Center, Eye Luxe, Barlon Plaza, and 504 Craft Beer Reserve.
Ryan Gootee General Contractors
1100 Ridgewood Dr., Metairie, LA 70001
Ryan Gootee General Contractors is an award-winning firm serving Louisiana with premium design/build services. President Ryan Gootee’s rich background in construction developed naturally as he came from a long line of builders. Ryan Gootee General Contractors has plenty of experience building a variety of projects, everything from restoring historic structures to the new construction of retail shops. As a member of the US Green Building Council, the firm also offers sustainable building practices.
Great work and service rarely go unnoticed: Ryan Gootee General Contractors has been featured in The Time-Picayune, INC 500, New Orleans CityBusiness, and Canal Street Beat. Take a look at its portfolio to see the diverse collection of works the firm has built. One of its historic projects is the CVS Pharmacy, built in collaboration with the Linfield, Hunter & Junius Architects.
The McDonnel Group
3350 Ridgelake Dr. Suite #170, Metairie, LA 70002
The McDonnel Group has mastered the art of constructing spaces for the hospitality, education, industrial, healthcare, and retail markets. Allan McDonnel has over three decades of experience in the field of construction. And McDonnel has gathered a team of skilled and goal-driven professionals who form the McDonnel Group. Since its inception in 2000, the firm has been able to deliver a number of projects in a variety of sectors.
The amount of expertise and skill the firm has developed through the years continues to be its driving force to serve more clients. A majority of the firm’s over 170 clients praise the firm’s efficient, timely solutions. One of the firm’s notable projects is the Bed Bath & Beyond store located at Metairie. The 143,999-square-feet retail project was completed in 2002 and houses a variety of the brand’s products. Mcdonnel provided architectural design and construction as well as electrical and mechanical trade services.
