BRICK & MORTAR HACKS

how to choose a winning location

If you think “location” is just a line in the real estate world, think again. It’s the game-changer for brick-and-mortar businesses. Your business’s success is often determined by where you plant your roots.

My first retail space was a _tiny downtown spot that cost me $350/month. I thought I was being smart by keeping costs low. Boy, was I wrong.

Today, I'm going to share the expensive lesson that transformed my brick & mortar business—and it's probably not what you think.

THE $20K MISTAKE

most business owners (including me, initially) look at location backwards

We:

But here's what I learned after scaling multiple retail locations: The real cost isn't in your rent—it's in lost opportunity.

THE WALMART EFFECT

let me share a game-changing moment

I was offered a spot next to Walmart that was:

• 3x the size of my downtown location

• 5x the rent I was paying

• Terrifying to consider

The numbers seemed impossible. But then I did the math:

• I needed just 25 new customers to cover the increased rent

• The location had 50x the daily foot traffic

• My competitors were all fighting for these premium spots

THE AHA MOMENT

So, I took the leap and moved next to Walmart. The result?
It became my best-performing location.
Traffic increased, sales skyrocketed, and I learned a crucial lesson:

“I could afford to be by Walmart. I needed to be by Walmart. I needed that traffic.”

STRIP CENTER CONVENTIONS

the secret weapon for expansion

Most people think business locations are just about finding an empty storefront and signing a lease. Wrong. I discovered a power move—attending strip center conventions. This is my favorite one. These events are where builders, business owners, and major franchises connect to develop the next big retail hubs.

Here’s how you play the game:

Step 1: Identify the Best Neighbors

Instead of picking random locations, I attended these conventions and sought out businesses I wanted to be next to—big names that draw consistent foot traffic. Think GameStop, Subway, or any high-traffic retailer that aligns with your ideal customer’s profile.

Step 2: Get in Before the Center is Built

I didn’t just wait for spaces to be available—I connected directly with builders at these conventions. I found out where new strip centers were being developed and positioned myself before the build even started.

Step 3: Sign the Lease Before the Public Knows

By networking with builders, I was able to secure prime locations before anyone else even knew they existed. This wasn’t just about finding space—it was about being in the right place at the right time.

💡 Takeaway: Want a prime location? Don’t just wait for a “For Lease” sign. Find out where the next hot spots are before they even exist.

LET’S STAY CONNECTED

Want more no-fluff, straight-to-the-point strategies for scaling your brick-and-mortar business? Here’s how to stay plugged in:

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Facebook – Let’s connect and talk shop with other business owners like you.

Follow along and let’s level up together. 🚀

Keep building that empire,

P.S. Got a location strategy question? Hit reply—I read every email.