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

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

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

Franchise Verses Traditional Business Owner - Which is best?

Many people dream of opening their own business but they are unsure what avenue will be best for their personality, time and money. Is franchising or being a traditional business owner best?

You must weigh the benefits and costs of both and determine which best fits your needs, life style and personality.

Here are six areas you should consider.

Control

When you start your own business, you're in control of every detail, large and small. This can be a blessing and a curse.  With a franchise business, you control your franchise unit in terms of the culture and values you set, and who you hire and fire, but you must follow the franchisor's operating system.

Business Operating system
If you're the creative, innovative type, starting your own business is the way to go. Most franchised businesses provide a complete, out-of-the-box ready to use operating business system.

Brand Awareness
Building brand awareness takes time and money. The advantage for franchise owners is the brand has been established over years or decades. Customers seek out the reliability and familiarity of their favorite brands.

Most Franchises have a set amount of money to spend on marketing or it is pooled together into a national marketing campaign. 

A single business owner must set aside money and/or time to do the marketing for the business. 

Equipment and supplies
Pros and Cons; Outfitting your new business with everything you need means researching what equipment to buy, finding suppliers, and negotiating deals. The pro is you can be creative and think outside the box.  The con is it can cost a lot of time and money with a small margin for error.

Franchisors can provide invaluable help in knowing both what and how much to buy - often at reduced prices and they have the styles picked out for you.

Training
You may be the best at what you do, but do you know how to manage a business, hire and train employees, market your product or service, keep the books, etc.? When you start your own business, you must learn all these things or hire someone who does.

Franchisors provide new franchisees with extensive training in every aspect of their new business.

Location

We have all heard, location, location, location!

As a small business owner you need the best location to attract the buying customers to your store front. Doing research and contacting an experienced Commercial Realtor who knows your area is all part of starting on your own. 

Most franchises have done all the research for you and they know where you should open your store front.

No matter what you decide, run your business with passion and determination to succeed!

Sharp Realty, LLC.

400 Union Hill Suite 300

Birmingham, Al. 35209

Phone: 205-879-1995

www.sharprealty.com

Other topics:
How being organized in a multi-tasking world ensures business success? 

Make a Good Impression: 5 Ways ToSpruce Up the Office

3 Basics of Business Branding for Small Business Today

3 Basics of Business Branding for Small Business Today

Time spent marketing your business can be very overwhelming.  By learning these few basic branding steps you will be able to save time and easily drive new customers to your business.

Consistency: Make sure your branding is consistent throughout all your print ads, commercials, social media campaigns, and online presence. Consistent brand recognition is key in marketing and top of mind awareness.  

Simplicity: Keep It Simple Stupid (KISS).  It's a funny saying but oh so true. Be persistent in finding and targeting your niche.  Keep the look and message simple.

Sincerity: It's not enough to have a Facebook page or a Twitter account; you must participate in the conversation by making regular posts and replying to direct messages from your customers.

Monitor your brand's reputation, and be ready to respond.  "Google Alerts" allow users to track select keywords and receive e-mail updates whenever they are mentioned on the Web.

By taking these few steps early and staying consistent you will become better at marketing your business.

Sharp Realty, LLC | Commercial Real Estate 
400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300 | Birmingham, Al. 35209
205-879-1995  |  www.sharprealty.com

4 Easy Ways to Go Green in Business and Save Money in 2015

Business owners seek ways to cut cost constantly but can they help the environment at the same time?  Yes, below are 4 easy ways to Go Green in business and save money in 2015.

    1. Stop printing and using paper.

Start 2015 by implementing a policy of storing information on the company server or a secure cloud server. Use paper file only as needed. By stopping printing you save ink, paper, storage space and most of the environment. 

    2. Use LED lights.
LEDs, or light-emitting diodes, are a form of solid-state lighting that is extremely efficient and long-lasting. LEDs that are EnergyStar-qualified should provide stable light output over their projected lifetime.

    3. Power off computer and laptops.

    When not in use power off any electronics in the office. Computers and monitors account for half the electricity used in an office and energy is being wasted every day, even by "energy saving" hardware. With every workstation on standby mode, the electricity meter continues to tick over at an alarming rate. 

    

    4. Use other transportation or hybrid vehicles.

   Convert your company vehicles to a hybrid vehicle or alternative transportation such as biking.

Keep your goal of ways to go green in your business, it will pay off for you and the environment.

Blog Content and photos: Sharp Realty

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


Leasing Commercial Retail Locations Nationwide.
Other topic:

Why Business Retailers should Embrace Social Media?

6 Smart Tips for Leasing Commercial Real Estate.

5 Ways to Reduce Cost the First Few Years of Operating a Retail Business 

Cherry Tree Plaza – Commercial Retail Space for Lease – Washington, IN

Join the anchor stores like Goody's Department Store, Jay C Foods, Orscheln’s Farm & Home in the 143,000 square foot shopping center.

 

 

Cherry Tree Plaza is located on Highway US 50 and is the closest and most convenient center to the residential population. The retail trade for the center is approximately 60,000 residents.

 

 

 

Other Tenants Include:
* Hibbett Sports
* Southern Wireless
* Anytime Fitness
* Jimbo’s Pizza & Wings
* 4 Star Books and Games
* New Wave Communication
* Trader Baker's Flea Market
* Eye Works
* Smooth U Medical Spa
 

 

Contact us for details or visit our website.

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

Leasing Commercial Retail Locations Nationwide.

Other topic:
4 Time Management Tips for Small Business Owners

6 Smart Tips for Leasing Commercial Real Estate.

5 Ways to Reduce Cost the First Few Years of Operating a Retail Business 

Good Customer Service Leads to Repeat Business

Have you ever gone in a store and ask for help or when cashing out the person taking care of you never said a word or even looked up? How did it make you feel?

In the age of online communication, there seem to be a disconnect with communicating with a real person. Many people have to learn or relearn how to communicate in person.

Providing good customer service online is great but connecting with the person in front of you in your store is a must for the success of any small business.

Small business must set themselves apart from big corporate brands. A successful way to do this is build a rapport or bond with your customers. Since most purchases are bought on an emotional level, learn and teach your staff to build a bond with your customers.

Here are 5 tips for better customer service;

1. Say “Hello, how are you? How may I help you” and here is the catch, WHILE looking the person in the eyes.

2. When a customer is looking for something, take them to the item don’t just point in the direction.  Oblivious they don’t know the store very well or they have never been in the store before.

3. While helping customers, ask questions either related to the product for service or general questions. The more you communicate with your customers the better you will know them and their buying habits and you build a bond with the person.

4. Ask the customer their name, repeat it in the conversation and make note of it with a few notes so when they return you will remember.  The goes a long way! People like to feel remembered and special.

5. Say Thank You. Two simple words we sometimes forget while building a bond with customers.

By providing great customer and making those personal connections you have given them an emotional experience rather than just a purchase. They will remember it, share with others and return for more.

 

How do you feel about this issue?

 

Blog by:
Sharp Realty
400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300
Birmingham, Al. 35209
205-879-1995
www.sharprealty.com
Leasing retail locations nationwide.

  

5 Important questions to ask your property management company before leasing a retail space.

You may have heard the three most important factors when starting a business is location, location, location. Yes, location is vital to your business success but equally important is the relationship you maintain with your property management landlord.  

Just as every property is distinctly different, so are the companies that manage them. You are going to be in an ongoing relationship with the property management company and it is essential that the lines of communication be and remain open.   

Rhonda Lusco, property manager of Sharp Realty, suggests meeting with your management team while still in the searching phase for available commercial space to lease.

Have your written questions ready ahead of time and be clear on what your expectations are, not only for the answer but how they are answered. For example, does the management team seem to be flexible and easy to deal with or are they fixed on “these are our rules no exceptions”.  Know what is important to you before the meeting. 

Below are a few questions you may what to consider.

1. What the expectations of the leasing agency is regards to rent payment, utilities, garage or snow removal each month?

2. Can you put displays in the front of your store? Is so, are there any restrictions?

3. Who is for responsible signage, and how is it handled?

4. Is the management company promoting foot traffic the business complex and how?

5. What are the procedures when renewing the lease or if expansion is needed?

Being prepared and having your answers before you lease will save a lot of time, money and discontent.  Most of all establish a good relationship with the property manager that is built on open communication.

Sharp Realty has served the served the commercial Real Estate community for over 20 years. Contact Sharp Realty to discuss our commercial space needs.

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



 

4 Smarter Time Management Tips for Small Business Owners

In this world of instant gratification time management is something that all small businesses seem to struggle with.  But maximizing your time is vital for businesses to stay successful. Below are a few tips to manage your time better.

1.  Make Time for Training: The biggest time-waster for most retail managers is answering employee's questions about mundane tasks.

If you find yourself getting a lot of routine queries, you probably haven't trained your employees adequately.

When you compile your to-do list, make teaching something new to your people one of your daily priorities. 

2. Take control: Practice not answering the phone just because it's ringing and e-mails just because they show up.

Disconnect instant messaging. Instead, schedule a time to answer email and return phone calls.

3.  Take the first 30 minutes of every day to plan your day. Don't start your day until you complete your time plan. The most important time of your day is the time you schedule to schedule time. 

4. Take five minutes before every task to decide what result you want to attain. This will help you know what success looks like before you start. Take five minutes after each task to determine whether your desired result was achieved.

Let us know how you feel about these tips.
Blog by Sharp Realty and Management.


Commercial Real Estate Office and retail location space for lease throughout the United States. Contact us for details.

Sharp Realty

400 Union Hill Drive, Suite 300 Birmingham, Al 35209

205-879-1995

www.SharpRealty.com