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

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

Save-A-Lot Open in Midfield, Alabama

Save-A-Lot, a full-service grocery store is the new anchor at West Hills Plaza in Midfield.  This brand new corporate store will be a help to the Midfield economy.

Thank you to the Mayor of Midfield, Gary Richardson, one of his assistant and the president of the chamber for attending the Grand Opening of Save-a-Lot on Thursday, October 30, 2014

A subsidiary of SuperValu, the grocery store will occupy 19,000 square feet of space in a West Hills Plaza.  It has great visibility, access and signage.

The store's positioning next to the Bessemer Superhighway will likely see a lot of traffic.

Save-A-Lot will join tenants like Compass Bank, Krispy Kreme, Cit Trends, Fred's, Burger King, Walgreens, Subway, Rally's and Rent-A-Center in the 150,000 square-foot space. 

Owned by Sam Sharp and managed by Sharp Realty.

For this or other commercial leasing locations: 

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 To Spruce Up the Office 

3 Basics of Business Branding for Small Business Today 

Troy Alabama - Commercial Real Estate Space for Lease

Sharp Realty & Management, LLC specializes in the acquisition and redevelopment of real estate assets and has a successful track record in value creation. Sharp Realty currently owns and manages over 2,000,000 square feet of space.

Shopping Centers with Retail & Outparcels Space Available for Lease 

Space Available in Troy, Alabama
Southland Village - 104,496 SF Retail Center

Our anchor stores are Farmer's Furniture, Dollar General and Rite Aid. Our other stores are Anytime Fitness, Tractor Supply Company, and Sunny Beauty.

Troy Alabama - Southland Village offers many of the idea conditions prospective business owners are looking for in their new location. It is a 104,496 square foot shopping center located on 231 and Elba Highway.

Spaces for lease: #113 - 3,150 SF and #101 - 11,000 SF

Troy Alabama is the home of Troy University which is the fastest growing state university in Alabama.  Troy serves as the regional shopping hub for the central portion of the state.

Contact Sharp Realty for this or other retail locations.

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

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

Prepare For These Four Realities When Starting A New Business

There is nothing more exciting than the thought of owning your own business, being your own boss, and having your brand or name on merchandise.  

However, the excitement can turn to distress if you have not considered these four subjects when you start your new business.

1. Financial: There are many start-up costs associated with opening a new business.  

There are often hidden costs or fees that will come up when starting the business such as licensing, cost of maintaining a building, merchandise stock, marketing, staff, insurance, accountant and much more. 

Multiply your budgeted start-up costs by 3 or 4 to maintain a financial comfort zone.

2. Marketing: Create an annual Marketing Plan.  The adage "build it and they will come" only happens in movies! Opening a business with a sign outside does not guarantee people will shop your business.  

You should have a annual marketing plan and budget for the entire year.  Marketing is not a once a year event.

Also, successful marketing requires professionals.  Don't leave have your collage age child do your social media marketing just because they are good at using social media to communicate with friends.

3. Long Hours: The fantasy of working whenever hours you want is exactly that, a fantasy!  As a business owner you will work more hours than you ever in your life.  

Being a business owner means you are never far from your business, even while on vacation if you are lucky enough to get a vacation.

4. No or Little Income The First Few Years: Most new businesses do not turn a profit for several year.

Take these considerations and be realistic when planning your new business.  There are many successful business owners in your area.  Talk to them and ask what helped make their business a success.

Presented by 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

Retail Therapy: What does it mean today?

First coined in the 80’s, retail therapy has changed its meaning and face. Once used to describe people who needed to fill a void, today retail therapy has become more a family event that is enjoyed by all.

 

People love to shop! And they love it more when they find a bargain!

One such place to spend time shopping for great deals on a variety of items for the whole family is at the Northport Corners in Northport Alabama.

  

The stores in the Northport Corners Plaza include:
Nancy & Co Fine Jewelers
Catos
Hibbett Sporting Goods
HoneyBake Ham
K-Mart
Bedzz Express
Check Advance
GNC
Celebration Bakery
Subway
Arby’s
Taco Bell

Northport is a city in Tuscaloosa County in the west central part of the State of Alabama. Located on the Black Warrior River across from downtown Tuscaloosa.

Come visit the stores soon and let us know how you found us!

Blog Content and photos:
Sharp Realty



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

12 Dos and Don’ts for a Successful Meeting

Remember to:

1.  Prepare! Even if you know the material inside and out, being prepared helps you stay on track, remember all the points you want to discuss and command your audience.

2.  Start and end on time. You lead and teach by example, starting and end on time shows a level of respect on your part to the audience and gains the audience’s respect for you.

3.  Have an easy to follow agenda.  Audiences like knowing what is being cover and what is next, having an agenda that is easy to understand will ensure that anyone can stay on point with you.

4.  Have the right attendees. By inviting only the attendees relative to the subject or project will ensure full attention and participation.

5.  Agree on action items.  This step eliminates wasted time later trying to gather all the parties back together again for an approval. There is nothing worse than trying to get an approval to move forward and a key person is on vacation.

6.  Have common understanding of outcome.  By everyone having on the same sheet of music will ensure productivity.

 

Do NOT:

1.  Meet too often. Having meetings too often is a waste of time and money on everyone’s part.

2.  Meet too long.  Cover only the necessary points and information.  At a certain point the audience losses interest. 

3.  Meet without need.  Again, biggest waste of time and money for any company large or small – monitor how often meetings are arranged for your business.

4.  Get off topic. Getting off topic can take you down different roads and you may miss the points of what you need to cover.  If questions arise during the meeting have a Q&A at the end or in an email format to be addressed at a later time.

5.  Get off rhythm. Stick to the agenda and don’t get stuck on a single topic.

6.  Allow anyone to commandeer. Maintain control of the meeting, otherwise you will lose respect and risk not achieving your expected outcome. 

Blog Content and photos: Sharp Realty
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 

 

7 Steps to Better Time Management for Small Business

At Sharp Realty as with all business owners, time is money. Below are seven steps for better time management.

 1. Record all your conversations, activities and schedule for a week. This will help you understand how much you can get done during the course of a day. You'll see how much time is actually spent producing results and how much time is wasted on unproductive conversations and actions.

2. Any activity or conversation that's important to your success should have a time assigned to it. Appointment books work. Schedule when they will begin and end and stick to the time.

3. Schedule time for interruptions. Plan time to be pulled away from what you're doing, "planned interruptions."

4. 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 take to set your schedule.

 

5. Take five minutes before every call or 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 call or activity to determine whether your desired result was achieved. If not, what was missing? How do you put what's missing in your next call or activity?

6. Don't instantly give people your attention unless it's absolutely crucial in your business to offer an immediate human response. Instead, schedule a time to answer email and return phone calls.

7. Block out other activities like social media unless you use these tools to generate business. 

 

Finding the best location for your retail business is foremost.  Sharp Realty has over 20 years of experience and many locations throughout the United States. Contact us today to get started.

Blog by:

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