Exploration for "the Shop" continues.
We have looked at three spaces.
Space Number One is on the ground floor, a block away from "Gallery Row" (edited to add: though only a block away, the feeling of these two streets is very different - only one other upscale shop on the block) with a huge picture window. It has two rooms and is laid out in a way that would allow us to have a sales floor out front and a work area in the back where we could hold classes. However, there is a fair amount of work that will need to go into it before it is ready for us to move in. The rent is quite affordable.
Space Number Two (shown above) in on the corner of a busy intersection, on "Gallery Row" and is ready to move in. The rent is the same as Space Number One. However, the layout is a little clunky - two small rooms, a long hallway between the entrance and the rooms. AND it on the second floor with an attractive, but narrow stairway.
Space Number Three is on the ground floor of Space Number Two. On "Gallery Row", on the ground floor, and one large space instead of little rooms. Also ready for immediate move-in. The rent is twice as much as the second floor space.
Hmmmm. What would you do?
8 comments:
So long as you're up to the work and it's not going to cost too much, I would go with shop number one. Being ground floor brings in MUCH more traffic, it's near galery row, it has a great window, and you need low overhead to start out.
Oh, what a decision! My first thought was space three. Yeah, the most expensive. Do you have any idea how much the first space will cost to fix up? Do you have handy friends? I'd try to go that route first. So exciting. Good luck!
Oh wow - how exciting!! Mmm I think the first one sounds great if you can bear to put the work and cost in - ground floor seems best and to have a room where you can do classes would be a great benefit. Good luck with whatever decision you make!
How much work does space one need? Can you do it yourself? Are there many other shops a block away from "Gallery Row" that will bring the foot traffic or just this one? If the answer is yes, this would be my first choice.
Regarding space three...is the one room big enough to divide and have a place to hold classes? If the rent is not prohibitive, this would be my second choice.
Another question--do you know what type of businesses were in these spaces before?
Things to think about. Good Luck!
Well you know what they say....location location location. I would skip the one that is on the other street from the Gallery Row. No. 1 sounds just right to me if you don't mind fixing it up and then you would have the extra room for classes. How exciting for you! Best of Luck!
I don't have enough info to help you, but good luck with this (although I don't feel luck has anything to do with it, more like perseverance, sharp eyes, time and energy, so I wish those for you instead.)
Wow - how exciting!!!
It does seem like ground floor would be best. If the first one has room for classes that seems like a great way to bring the traffic over to you. You never know - that street could become the next big thing in the future - and you'd have a good spot already staked out. Keep your costs low to begin with - you can upgrade later.
Craftymoose has an excellent point - ask the landlord(s) what businesses were in these spaces before you. That could be very valuable information.
Best of luck and keep us posted! : D
This is the first time that I am posting to you, but the anticipation is killing me. I am in the process of opening my shop in Pittsburgh so I understand where your head is at right now. Please keep us all updated as to which space you may choose and I wish nothing but the best for you and your dream!
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