Calgary Retail Specialists
Finding and Securing Choice Locations
Whether you’re opening your first retail store or expanding your network, we’ll help you prepare for success.
We’ll get to know you and your goals, and make sure you understand the local market and your competitors. You’ll need to understand your space requirements, have a solid business plan and be ready to approach and sell property owners on your business.
Once you’re ready, we’ll help you locate suitable properties, organize tours, and negotiate an agreement.
We’ll also help you with your post agreement planning and connect you with a wide variety of 3rd party contractors to help you get set up.
We’re known for our experience in Calgary’s downtown, beltline, and inner-city retail. However, we can help no matter where in the city you’re looking.
For more on how we help, review our service descriptions, browse our retail listings, and review our feature articles to help you move forward with confidence.
Featured Retail Properties
Madison – 1918 – 1940 33 Avenue ...
630 1st Avenue NE
The Loft – 744 4th Avenue SW
Vista on 36th – 920 36 Avenue NE
1400 10th Avenue SW
Two Park Central
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Why Do You Want JR Mercantile As Your Partner If You Are Thinking About Leasing Retail Space?
We are known for our expertise when it comes to leasing retail space in Alberta – and for good reason. Our team of experts are committed to helping you find the perfect location for your business and guiding you through the leasing process. Not to mention, with our years of experience in the industry, you can be sure that you’ll be getting the best deal possible.
Commercial real estate is a complex and ever-changing industry. It takes years of experience to fully understand the ins and outs, and even more time to build up a reliable network of contacts. That’s why it’s extremely important to work with a broker who knows the market inside out.
With decades of industry experience, our wealth of knowledge in both leasing and sales is unmatched. This means that we know exactly how to get you the best deal on your leased property, whether it’s a small retail space or a large-scale complex of stores.
What’s more, our dedicated team of specialists work closely with you to unearth the best possible retail space for your business. We understand the importance of foot traffic and brand visibility, and will work with you to find a property that meets your needs.
Going through the process to find and lease retail space can be daunting and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. We will guide you through every step of the journey, from finding the right property to negotiating the best lease terms.
So if you’re ready to lease retail space, reach out and book a consultation with us.
Related Services
Let our team make every aspect of your retail search, setup and launch, as seamless as possible.
Key areas of our tenant advisory services: 1) Ensure you’re clear on your needs, budget, zoning, and competitive environment, and advise industry trends and forecasted changes. 2) Help you with business plan preparation and launch strategies to address concerns of property owners. 3) Connect you with experts, contractors, and suppliers for efficient planning, permitting, building, move in and launch.
ADVISORY SERVICES
Our research services focus on three things: 1) Help you understand market conditions and what to expect during negotiations. This is vital for budgeting and planning. 2) Strategic site selection, including zoning, affordability, traffic patterns and purchase volumes, demographic profiling, location of complementary businesses, and more. 3) Develop search profile based on your needs and create summary of high-potential vacancies for consideration.
MARKET RESEARCH
Finding an ideal location involves more than scanning a commercial property database for vacancies. For a variety of reasons, a large percent of properties are never listed. For example, a tenant may be quiet they’re leaving, or the property is in development. What’s important is knowing what’s really available. Our extensive network of landlords and brokers helps expand your range of options.
FIND A LOCATION
We outline the commercial leasing process, explain industry norms, and help establish realistic expectations. We negotiate with owners to structure favourable terms as well as review draft lease agreements and help you understand them, highlighting negotiable clauses to discuss with your lawyer.
We can refer you to a wide range of industry professionals; lawyers, consultants, and service providers to further streamline your process.
NEGOTIATE AN OFFER TO LEASE
ADVISORY SERVICES
MARKET RESEARCH
FIND A LOCATION
NEGOTIATE A LEASE
Download Our Free Commercial Tenant Roadmap
Learn How To Successfully Complete A Retail Commercial Lease
Everyone Has Questions
These Are The Ones We’re Asked Most
Q: Is there value in leasing a space previously occupied by another retailer, versus a new building?
A: In some instances, yes. However, we advise having your advisory team review the property. Changes in construction codes, such as vents and washrooms, may require you to amend or even remove existing improvements. You want to avoid these costly scenarios.
Location also plays a factor. If you are looking to enter a new subdivision, existing space may not be an option. You might have no other option but to lease space in a building, that is not built yet.
Q: What else should I be thinking about and planning for?
A: That depends on your requirements. For example, situating on a high profile corner may seem like a good idea, but if parking isn’t available, it could make pickup, delivery and customer attendance challenging.
Q: What sort of zoning issues may I run into?
A: Zoning often plays a significant role in whether a space can work for you.
Many properties are zoned for specific use. Your concept might be permitted, discretionary, or prohibited. There are multiple variables including whether you intend to be licensed, permit children, size of your common area, parking requirements, and whether you will have a stage and more.
What’s important is getting on top of zoning issues upfront, during the planning and leasing process. You’ll want to work with an experienced advisor to help you navigate zoning issues.
Q: What sort of assistance should I expect from my new landlord in terms of free rent and tenant allowance?
A: There are no standard deals. The answer will depend on the location, the landlord, your use, and covenant. We’ll help set realistic expectations, based on what others are receiving.
Q: What is a covenant and am I always expected to provide a personal guarantee.
A: A covenant is the security you as a tenant provide. The Landlord relies on your financial well-being give them the confidence to lease you the space. A personal guarantee is not the only way to secure a covenant. You can often use a letter of credit, larger deposit, lower landlord contribution to the deal, etc.
Ready for a chat? We’d love to talk about
your project.
How Do Tenants Benefit
