Marshalls to open fall 2024 in Madison, Georgia. 

This retail store will be in the Madison Crossing shopping center that is anchored to Harbor Freight Tools! It is located in a very high traffic area across from Walmart.
 

Harbor Freight Tools open for business in Northport, AL

The new store is open for business since October 17, 2018 at the Northport Corners Shopping Center between Walmart Neighborhood Market and the strip mall that angers Cato Fashions, Rent-A-Center, Honey Baked Ham and many others.

Harbor Freight Tools to open store in Northport, AL

The new store will be opening at the Northport Corners Shopping Center between Walmart Neighborhood Market and the strip mall that angers Cato Fashions, Rent-A-Center, Honey Baked Ham and many others. See details...

Large Commercial Retail Spaces Available

Retail space available: West Hills Plaza - 8,000 SF space in a busy retail center in Midfield, Alabama. The other stores include T-Mobile, Burger King, Cato Fashions, Fred;s, Citi Trends, Rally's, Compass Bank, Subway, Save-A Lot Grocery, Shoe Show Mega Store, and more. 

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Retail space available: Southland Plaza - 11,000 SF space in a busy retail center in Troy Alabama. The other stores include Farmer's Furniture, Dollar General and Rite Aid, Anytime Fitness, Tractor Supply Company, and Sunny Beauty.

Sharp Realty

400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300 Birmingham, Al 35209

205-879-1995

www.SharpRealty.com

The 10 Top Questions to Ask BEFORE Leasing a Store Space!

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.

photo credit:  Ian Balwin

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: 205-879-1995www.sharprealty.com

Business and Personal Social Media Accounts are Different - Understand How!

In today’s society social media is used by the general public and by businesses worldwide. They both use social media to share events, photos, and stories of current or past events. The average person checks his or her social media accounts up to fifty times a day for updates. Additionally, when he or she post on social media for their personal account, they may think it is done in the same manner as posting for a business. While it is true, posting on social media for a business is similar to posting on a personal account, but there are some differences.

photo credit : Kyra Preston

For example, social media is filled everyday with thousands of family photos, vacation videos, and current events happening in the world from both types of accounts, personal and business. Additionally, both types of social media accounts are free to set up and to use. On the other hand, when a business or person posts on social media; a photo, video, or content, the post is seen by the online audience of both types of accounts. Furthermore, a business and a personal account are allowed to give their thoughts, in the form of content, about how they are feeling, or an option on some current topic happening in the world.  On the whole, both types of accounts are very similar.

On the contrary, the motive for why a business posts on social media is different then why a person post online. For the most part, when a business posts photos or videos on social media it is with the purpose of building a bond with the public.  Unlike a personal account, who’s motive for posting it to share information, events, and photos with family and friends.  While it is true, the online public can see posts for both types of accounts, a business will have to pay to have their posts seen by all the online audience. To this end, a business account is not free in the same way as a personal account on social media.

More specifically, the biggest difference between a personal social media account and a business social media account is in the content being posted. To illustrate, a business has the business’s brand to consider when posting content, photos, or videos. Similarly, a business is selling when posting emotional stories, photos, and videos on social media. As a result, the main reason a business posts on social media is to market, sell, and promote the business to the public. In contrast, the average person posts on social media to share his or her life with others. As a result, social media for business and personal use are similar, but they have different motives.     

Please connect with us online.
Facebook.com/SharpRealty
Twitter @sharp_realty

Sharp Realty

400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300 Birmingham, Al 35209

205-879-1995

www.SharpRealty.com

Three Keys to Business Ownership

    Many working individuals dream of owning a business rather than working for corporate America or a retail chain. The thought of setting his or her own schedule, spending time with the family, and being his or her own boss sounds wonderful.   Consequently, choosing the correct type of business to own is important in fulfilling this non-corporate dream.  While it may sound wonderful, there are a few vital factors to consider before quitting a day job.  Business ownership requires, time, money, and good products for success.

photo credit: Igor Ovsyannykov

Addressing the first of these factors - time, the most commonly over looked; however, it is the life blood of a new business.  The first year will require much time in establishing a business brand and product line than most business owners anticipate.  Additionally, the store build out and set up will require many long days, nights, and weekend to complete.  If the business has no employees, the business owner will be required to work all the store’s operating hours.  A new business owner must be prepared to spend many long hours to accomplish his or her dream of business ownership.

    On the other hand, there is the issue of money, or lack of it.  Many new business owners think, “build it” and “they” (the buying public) will come.  Sadly, this is most often not the case; in fact, it is many times the opposite. On average the first few years a new business does not make a profit.  The amount of money needed to start, sustain, and market a new business is many times grossly underestimated.  Consequently, a new business owner should be prepared for the “cost” of business ownership and the “lack of revenue” the first few years.

    Under these circumstances, a line of good products to sell to the shopping public is vital for new business success.  The influence of search engines, and social media have created a more shopping savvy consumer.   Monitoring the latest shopping trends, and anticipating future trends is critical for a business to stay fresh and current.  A continuous line of good products will secure business success in the constant changing shopping world.  Therefore, a new business owner must constantly monitor the demand for the line of products his or her business sells.

   Admittedly, there is nothing that makes working people dream more than owning a new business.  A new business owner must anticipate working long, long hours for several years.  Plan to spend much more money on setup, general cost and marketing than originally planned.  Become obsessed with the current line of products the business carries, thus making it better.  After doing all of this, the dream of business ownership will no longer be a dream, it will be a successful reality.

For help with store locations.

Sharp Realty

400 Union Hill, Suite 300
Birmingham, Al 35809
205.879.1995

Is your smart phone stealing time from your day?

We all have a smart phone for convenience and staying up to date on events. But, are they also stealing time from your day?

How many times do you, someone you work with or your employees check social media accounts while at work?

If we are honest with ourselves, it is more than we would like to admit. In this digital day, it is normal and acceptable to be checking your phone.

Research shows the average user checks their phone close to 150 times per day and spends 162 minutes per day, mostly on apps. It is easy to get distracted and waste time while on your phone while at work.

For a business, time is money!

photo credit: kyra preston

Below are three ways to increase productivity at work:

1.   No social media or browsing at work.

2.   Schedule time before or after work to check social media accounts.

3.   Use your phone as a phone and only answer text during the day.

Try it for a few weeks and see how focused and how much more productivity is accomplished at work.

For more great tips follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

Sharp Realty

400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300 Birmingham, Al 35209

205-879-1995

www.SharpRealty.com

Know the differences between marketing and sales - how each affects your business.

Many small business owners make the mistake of thinking marketing and sales are the same thing.  They are very different, yet equally valuable to the success of business.

Marketing is communicating the value of a product, service or brand to customers for the purpose of promoting or selling that product, service or brand.  

Many businesses hire a marketing specialist to help promote their business in person, online or through various forms of advertising such as social media, television, radio, billboard or print advertisement.

The marketing specialist’s job is to promote the business “brand” and not to conduct sales. 

Sales on the other hand, are just that, sales!  Sales people work to maximize the money spent to marketing the brand. People who are successful in sales want to focus on making the sales and not on branding.

Sales are the heart of a business!  Allowing competitive sales people to focus only on sales not only will make your business successful but will make you and your salespeople extremely happy.  

photo credit: Hannah Morgan

Marketing is for branding and sales are for generating revenue.

Marketing and sales go hand and hand.  Business owners must budget for both for continued success and growth.

How are you marketing your business?

Sharp Realty

400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300 Birmingham, Al 35209

205-879-1995

www.SharpRealty.com 

How to Unplug and Recharge Your Batteries!

All this modern technology helps us stay on top of appointments, work and family. But unfortunately we tend to stay connected at all times. 


Setting some time to unplug can be refreshing.  
Below are a few suggestions.

Making daily times to unplug is vital.  Each day designate a time for all family members to put their phones or computers on silence to enjoy time with each other.  

Developing this habit with “digital native” children is especially helpful as they grow older.

While waiting, stop yourself from browsing with your phone.  Instead absorb the surroundings, meet other people or enjoy quite time and relax.

On the weekend, make a habit of not checking your phone and limit social media.  You will be surprised how much time social media is consuming.

photo credit: Ana Gabriel

Recharging “your batteries” by doing something creative, visiting family, or going outside is especially vital to business owners for staying balanced.


Blog by:
Sharp Realty

400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300 Birmingham, Al 35209

205-879-1995

www.SharpRealty.com

Why Avoiding Sales People May NOT be a Good Idea!

Have you ever lied to a sales person?  You know, give them the old run around. Yea, sales people can be pushy and irritating, but remember, most sales people get paid by commission which translates to “No sale, No pay!”

There are many reasons on any given day why we avoid sales people. No time, no money, not interested, afraid to say “No”.  Some business owners have even been rude or screamed at sale people instead of simply saying “No, I am no interested.”

Below are three reasons why smart business owners should never avoid or be rude to sales people.

1. Sales people may know other business owners and people in your area. This can be a great asset to your business for contacts, services and new customers. Not to mention the impact of social media if you are rude or lie.

    2. Sales people are consumers, yes they shop! Don’t be rude or disregard their time by rescheduling meetings just to avoid having to say no. You may lose them as a customer and referrals from their vast number of contacts and friends. 

3. Value their time, as you do your own.  They would rather you say “No, I am not interested” so they can move on the next business. It will make your life easier and the sales person will appreciate you being up front and not wasting their time.

Having a network of sales people from your community can be an asset to your business. Learn how to connect and share.

For more great tips follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

Sharp Realty

400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300 Birmingham, Al 35209

205-879-1995

www.SharpRealty.com

Professional Office Space For Lease - 400 Union Hill Birmingham Al

Professional Office Space for Lease 

1350 SF at 400 Union Hill, Birmingham AL. 35209

It is a Class A space. It is close to downtown but has access to Highway 280. You will have quick access to Mountain Brook and Homewood City.

Perfect space for attorneys, insurance, Real Estate, accountants and mortgage underwriters or similar.

This space is rarely available and will lease fast.

Contact Rhonda Lusco at Sharp Realty for details.
Ph:205-879-1995
info@sharprealty.com
www.sharprealty.com

Save-A-Lot Grocery Store Opens in Midfield, Al. at West Hills Plaza

The community of Midfield welcomes the new Save-A-Lot grocery store. The small close-nit community welcomes not only a new grocery store but the new jobs and opportunities to the community.

Photo courtesy of the Mayor’s assistant

The grand opening was on Oct. 31, 2014, with Mayor Gary Richardson and members of the local chamber of commerce present.

Photo courtesy of the Mayor’s assistant

Midfield is located in Jefferson County, Alabama. It is south of from the Birmingham suburb of Fairfield.

Save-a-Lot is a American hard discount supermarket chain headquartered in Earth City, Missouri, near St. Louis, United States.

Photo courtesy of the Mayor’s assistant

While stores carry most typical grocery products, they feature less variety than conventional supermarkets. A typical Save-A-Lot is 15,000 square feet with items displayed in their cardboard shipping boxes.

Visit Midfield and follow them FaceBook/Midfield.

The West Hills Plaza is managed by Sharp Realty, LLC.

Sharp Realty,LLC

400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300 Birmingham, Al 35209

205-879-1995

www.SharpRealty.com

3 Tips To Drive Traffic To Your Website Without Paying For Ads.

Customers can now shop in a world-wide market place, obtaining price and quality information 24 hours a day.  If your company website or blog is not receiving traffic on a daily basis, you may not be using social media correctly.

Here are 3 tips to drive traffic to your website without paying for ads.

 

1.  Just don't be on social media, engage on social media! This means interacting, re-posting or re-tweeting with individual followers or other businesses. 

Include photos on your posts. Photos attract more attention than just text.

Also, remember to always say “Thank you” and reply to questions when asked.

2.  Use hashtags, yes the infamous #.  Be part of a conversation tread or create your own. Use hashtags to be included in different conversations. The hashtags help search engines to find your business.

3. Blog about subjects or event that relate to your target audience.  If mothers between the ages 22-35 are your target audience, post about children events, saving money, family travel, DIY, and family recipes. 

Include links to products and services you offer and company contact information at the bottom of the post.

In this age of e-commerce and online services we all have to be in the game or be left behind.

For more great tips follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

Sharp Realty
400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300 Birmingham, Al 35209
205-879-1995

www.SharpRealty.com

Fastest Growing Retail Businesses

What do Family Dollar Stores, Apple and Tractor Supply have in common?  Not much you may say.  On the surface it may seem that way but they are all part of the fastest growing retail businesses of 2014 according to 24/7Wall Street.

If you are interested in opening a business or franchise in the near future below are the fastest growing retail stores in 2014. Sharp Realty has many of these retail stores in their U.S. commercial retail shopping malls and retail locations today.

• #10 - Starbucks
• #9 - Signet Jewelers
• #8 - AT&T Wireless

Store location leased by Sharp Realty

• #7 - Whole Foods Market
• #6 - Tractor Supply
• #5 - Apple
• #4 - Family Dollar Stores

Store location leased by Sharp Realty

• #3 - Chick-Fil-A
• #2 - Sherman Williams
• #1 - Amazon
  
  

Contact us below for commercial leasing information.

Sharp Realty

400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300 Birmingham, Al 35209

205-879-1995

www.sharprealty.com

5 Best Ways To Show Your Customers You Care About Them?

Shopping is emotional experience and now through social networks and messaging it is being shared instantly with others.

How can you show your customers you care and appreciate their business?

1. Create a Customer Loyalty Program - Develop and execute a loyalty program that will keep your best customers coming back again and again.  Use a punch card or customer identification number to track customer purchases, and then reward loyal customers with a freebie after a certain number of purchases.

2. Thank You Notes – Writing a thank you note or saying it in person doesn't go un-noticed by customers. Thanking a customer for their business is an easy and inexpensive way to let your customers know you appreciate them. The next time they need your products or services, they’ll remember that note or thank you.

3. Remembering Special Days – If you’ve collected information on your customers such as birthdays, anniversaries or other special days, drop them a card in the mail. It’s also a good time to give them a birthday or anniversary discount.

4. Offer Your Online Fans Special Deals Often. - Your best customer advocates will publicly “fan” your business on a social media, so craft a special deal just for them. This not only rewards your existing fans, but sharing deals online is also an easy way to boost social shares and new followers for your business.

5. Going the Extra Mile – You’ve heard the saying to “under promise and over deliver”. If you can go the extra mile for your loyal customers, they will notice. Even if it’s just something really small, they’ll notice and feel cared for.

Retaining customers is much easier than acquiring new ones.

For more great tips follow us online.
@Sharp_Realty

Sharp Realty

400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300 Birmingham, Al 35209

205-879-1995

www.SharpRealty.com