9. Prepare for Retail Development

Execute retail leasing and construction.

Lesson:

IX.a. Introduction to Retail Development

Get the tools to grow your startup into a brick-and-mortar operation.

Lessons covered in this module:

Retail Leasing: Sections IX.b.1. - IX.b.9.

Retail Construction: Sections IX.c.1. - IX.c.9.

Download THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES GUIDE
Download the Retail Leasing Guide
Download PDF GUIDE
Download the Retail Construction Guide
Download PDF GUIDE

Lesson:

IX.b. Retail Leasing Overview

Prepare for the leasing process and secure a commercial space that provides an equitable value exchange for your investment.

Download THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES GUIDE
Download the Retail Leasing Guide
Download PDF GUIDE
Download PDF GUIDE
Reference: The Retail Readiness Guide Part I: Retail Leasing

Lesson:

IX.b.1. Outline General Retail Specifications

Define how you want your business to look and feel in a retail location.  

Download THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES GUIDE
Download the Retail Specifications Outline
Download PDF GUIDE
Download PDF GUIDE
The Retail Readiness Guide Part I: Retail Leasing; Section I

Lesson:

IX.b.2. Outline Technical Retail Specifications

Define the use, zoning, size, and costs appropriate for your business to serve as a good fit in a commercial location.

Download THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES GUIDE
Download the Retail Specifications Template
Download PDF GUIDE
Download PDF GUIDE
The Retail Readiness Guide Part II: Retail Leasing; Section II

Lesson:

IX.b.3. Identifying and Selecting Properties

Identify prospective commercial homes

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Download PDF GUIDE
Download PDF GUIDE
The Retail Readiness Guide Part I Retail Leasing; Section III

Lesson:

IX.b.4. Preparing for Site Tours

Arm yourself with a professional portfolio. Get proactive tips about conditions that could present a problem for your business later. 

Download THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES GUIDE
Download the Retail Leasing Portfolio Checklist
Download PDF GUIDE
Reference: The Retail Readiness Guide Part I: Retail Leasing; Section 4
Download PDF GUIDE

Lesson:

IX.b.5. Execute Property Tours and Analyze

Assess properties and compare lease agreements.

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Download the Space Evaluation Checklist
Download PDF GUIDE
Download the Lease Terms Comparison Template
Download PDF GUIDE
Reference: The Retail Readiness Guide Part I: Retail Leasing; Section 5

Lesson:

IX.b.7. Consult with Licensed Professionals

Building assessments and commercial leasing can get tricky. Always seek help from certified and licensed individuals to navigate the process.

Use the RFP Letter Template below to contact a Tenant/Buyer Agent who can support your process. Need help understanding RFP's? Visit Module 6 on Professional Services to learn more.

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Download an RFP Letter Template for Tenant/Buyer Agents
Download PDF GUIDE
Download PDF GUIDE
Reference: The Retail Readiness Guide Part I: Retail Leasing; Section 7

Lesson:

IX.b.8. Reconcile Plans and Budgets

Include retail leasing costs in your budgets and projections. Assess your intended investment to ensure your selected space is in alignment with your goals, plans, and budgets.

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Download PDF GUIDE
Download PDF GUIDE
Reference: The Retail Readiness Guide Part I: Retail Leasing; Section 8

Lesson:

IX.c. Commercial Construction Overview

Procure general contractors and execute a commercial construction project in a retail space

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Download the Retail Construction Guide
Download PDF GUIDE
Download PDF GUIDE

Lesson:

IX.c.1. Identify Commercial Construction Needs

Envision the final look and feel of your retail space. What is needed to take your space from its current condition to retail-ready?

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Download PDF GUIDE
Download PDF GUIDE
Reference: The Retail Readiness Guide Part II: Retail Construction; Section 1

Lesson:

IX.c.2. Scope the Construction Work to be Completed

Help your contractors get a head start on your build-out project by providing an overview of your construction needs.

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Download the General Contractors Scope Workbook
Download PDF GUIDE
Download PDF GUIDE

Lesson:

IX.c.3. Locate Contractors and Request Proposals

Search for certified and licensed contractors who can help you execute your construction project.

Download THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES GUIDE
Download the RFP Letter Sample for Construction Contractors
Download PDF GUIDE
Download PDF GUIDE

Lesson:

IX.c.4. Evaluate Proposals from Contractors

Evaluate your contractor's expertise and capacity to see your project through.

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Download the Evaluation Scorecard Template for Contractors
Download PDF GUIDE
Download PDF GUIDE

Lesson:

IX.c.5. Consult an Attorney

Hire the legal help you need to review proposals and negotiate

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Download PDF GUIDE
Download PDF GUIDE
Reference: The Retail Readiness Guide Part II: Retail Construction; Section 5

Lesson:

IX.c.6. Reconcile Plans and Budgets

Revisit your budgets and projections to ensure alignment with your spending goals and vision

Download THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES GUIDE
Download PDF GUIDE
Download PDF GUIDE
Reference: The Retail Readiness Guide Part II: Retail Construction; Section 6

Lesson:

IX.c.7. Next Steps

Get going with an action plan. Get the resources you need to execute your development plans.

Download THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES GUIDE
Download the Construction Action Plan and Budget
Download PDF GUIDE
Download PDF GUIDE