Finding Santa Barbara Retail Space and Picking a Santa Barbara Commercial Brokerage Firm

There are quite a few general resources for finding retail space but what if you’ve already got your heart set on Santa Barbara? Here are some tips to keep in mind when on the hunt for Santa Barbara retail space:

1) Location. If you are a new retailer, perhaps being smack in the middle of State Street is the best way to be discovered. Yet, your budget may not allow you to be in the center of the hustle and bustle. Take some time to explore each unique Santa Barbara neighborhood, learn the ins and outs, as well as demographic information. The City of Santa Barbara provides some resources to get you started.

2) Type of Space. Can you imagine moving your uplifting and relaxing spa into a retail space to later find out that it gets no sunlight, setting a gloomy and daunting mood? What if you need a lot of extra storage space? Make note of your needs and what the retail space provides. Jot down notes and come back to the retail space at different times on different days. It might even be a good idea to take video or record your thoughts with your camera phone to remember what you thought of each property with precise detail.

3) The neighborhood. Snoop around the neighborhood and sniff out the competition. Are you surrounded by a complimentary business that may add extra value ? When in doubt, get out and talk to the local businesses in the area. Go direct to the source and weigh out the pros and cons of each Santa Barbara retail space.

4) Crime. Investigate the quantity of police reports that have been filed in close proximity to your potential location. Again, it may be good to talk to your neighbors.

5) Parking. This can be tough in Santa Barbara. Check to see how competitive street parking is or whether or not you are nearby any public Santa Barbara downtown parking lots. Providing accessibility to your customers is key.

If you are searching for a Santa Barbara commercial brokerage firm, these quick tips can help you get started.

Before you begin your quest for a Santa Barbara commercial brokerage firm, you should make some general decisions regarding your business location. Make a note of everything, from complimentary businesses, to your competition, to demographics, price, and traffic patterns in your potential neighborhoods. The City of Santa Barbara provides some great beginning resources to get your research started.

In order to find the right broker for you, inquire with others who have recently opened businesses in the area and ask who they recommend. Set up a meeting with the brokerage firm(s) and ask them some tough questions to make sure they understand your core business. Find out if they have done similar deals in the past and ask about the landlords they work with. Also, make sure there will not be a conflict of interest. It may not be a good idea to work with a broker who also represents a competitor, or a broker who is also representing a potential landlord. Finding a good broker is essential, so take the time to research your options and pick a Santa Barbara commercial brokerage firm that will be looking out for your best interests.