In many cities across the United States, these are tough economic times, and looking for retail space for lease is an exercise in futility. It feels like we could have said this writing this article ten years ago, or five years ago, or five years into the future. It is tough navigating the economic waters in the U.S., and small businesses are feeling the sting of uncertainty in disproportionate numbers. Putting it mildly, it’s tough being a small business owner in 2024, and the outlook is none too rosy.
We are writing this article from Fort Worth, where the outlook is outstanding; however, not true in many other locations in this country. With that introduction completed, let’s address this matter of retail space for lease, and help you to find some which is not only affordable but also in a great location.
Traditional retail space for lease.
The dilemma for all business owners looking for retail space for lease is to find affordable property, which is also in a prime location, retail lease space which has good foot traffic, property which has great car traffic, property which is located near supportive businesses in a desirable part of the city. Stated that way, it sounds like a job for Mr. Phelps in Mission Impossible.
It is possible to do all of those things, but the options are severely limited in most cities, and limitations of options means higher price, something small business owners do not want to hear.
For example, we can show you some great retail property available in the Fort Worth downtown corridor, but that property is priced out of the reach of most small shop owners. Just keeping it real here, folks.
However, in keeping with the spirit of this article, perhaps those properties in the Fort Worth downtown corridor are not the best options available. Downtown Fort Worth has seen its day, and it is a new day dawning. The future growth, and that growth is considerable, is northward into the Alliance Area, and southward into the Alvarado area. And in those two areas it is still possible to find retail space to rent, a shop for rent, something which is affordable and directly in line with the future growth of the area.
One example of thinking outside the box.
In the Alliance Area, in the Fort Worth Design District, is a small business park called Box Office Warehouse Suites, and that business park is constructed from recycled and professionally designed shipping containers. Low construction costs equal lower rents, rents which are not only affordable but also in the most desirable locations with regard to the future growth of Fort Worth.
Is there a similar opportunity waiting for you in your city?
Other ideas to consider.
Is a sublease a possibility? Could you rent retail space and then share that space with another retail store, portioning off the retail space and making it two separate stores, possibly with a connecting walkway between stores? We have seen it happen and with good results. All you need is a large enough space for two retail stores, a managing company which will allow sublease, and finding a compatible retail business which will complement your store.
Have you considered a retail shop on wheels? We all know about food trucks; could that concept work for your retail store? Does the zoning in your city allow for something like that?
A kiosk in a shopping mall? Would that work for what you are selling?
We could go on but you get the picture. Do not settle for traditional if traditional is too expensive. Have a brainstorming session. Do some research into alternative approaches to retail. We firmly believe there is a solution out there for any retail idea; it just might take some excavation to finally unearth a winning idea.
A final word about RDS Real Estate
RDS Real Estate is locally owned and operated, a leader in commercial property for rent and industrial property for lease. Call us today and turn us loose to do what we do better than any other real estate broker in Fort Worth.