Thinking about opening a Retail Store?

Many people have a passion and their dream is to open a small business or franchise. Here are a few things to consider.

What type of Store?
Passion, determination and love of the store are key ingredients because you will spend a lot of hours in the store.

What kind of retailer?
Retail consists of the sale of physical goods or merchandise from a fixed location, such as a department store, boutique or kiosk, or by mall, in small or individual lots for direct consumption by the purchaser. Retailing may include subordinated services, such as delivery.

Where will it be located?

Location is the most important ingredient for any business that relies on customers. It is also one of the most difficult to plan for completely. Many turn to a Real Estate professional to help guide them because they typically know the business area and what is available.  

How big of a store do you need?
Answering the above questions first will help determine the size. Also, working with the complex’s manager before signing a lease to determine what best suits your needs.

How important is an anchor store to drive foot traffic?
When you are looking for the right complex for your store notice what type of anchor stores are in the complex to draw foot traffic to the shopping complex.

Free consultations are available at Sharp Realty to help you find the BEST location to fulfill your dream.

Phone: 205-879-1995 * www.SharpRealty.com

Leasing a Retail Store - What Questions do I Need to Ask?

Once you have identified a site, or multiple sites of interest, you should then call the Landlord or Listing Broker to obtain all information like asking price per square foot, size of the available store, and set up a showing so that you can view the interior of the space.

Additional questions to keep in mind:

- Does the frontage (the number of feet of window space you have open to the street) provide enough visibility to the road?

- Is the bathroom strategically located in a spot that will not take up valuable floor or storage space?

- Is the ceiling in good shape?

- What is the age of the heating and air conditioning unit?

- What are the 1-3-5 mile radius demographics?

- What are the traffic counts at the intersection of the roads at the property?

- What is the access in and out of the property from the streets?

- Is there pylon signage available to you?

- Is there plenty of parking available to you?

- Look at the co-tenants in the shopping center. Are they complimentary uses to yours?

Leasing a retail store should be a successful venture if you are in the correct location and part of a team who not only leasing you the building but works to promote it using social media. Sharp Realty has a proven track record of success and will be happy to help your business to become a success!


Sharp Realty, LLC.
400 Union Hill Suite 300
Birmingham, Al. 35209
Phone: 205-879-1995
www.sharprealty.com