Practical research

Factors to remember

Different aspects will influence your choice when selecting a retail property at the beginning of your search - whether it's near your home, has cheap rent, belongs to a friend, or a similar business had already been based there. Whatever the reason, check out the practical aspects of whether it can work for you by visiting the locations constantly, at different times of the day and week, to see for yourself what is happening.

For example, when my former husband opened a men's fashion shop in London in the early 1970s, he selected a very cheap site at the wrong end of a fashionable street. He realised it was near the grounds of a very popular soccer club, but hadn't appreciated that, most Saturday afternoons during the autumn and winter, literally millions of fans would be streaming past his shop windows, making it impossible for shoppers to get near.

He also realised that there was little passing trade at that end of the street - apart from soccer fans. The plus side was that the right type of fashion-conscious, yuppie men lived near the area. He was very lucky.

So do ask lots of questions about the background of your proposed site to other retailers in the area, estate agents and anyone you can find that lives around there. This is where the local press and your chamber of commerce may be able to help, too.