How to scout for a location with high footfall

Your most important job when looking for a physical location is to get out on the street and see potential spots for yourself. Finding a premises with high 'footfall' – the number of people walking past – is the lifeblood for any business that relies on passing trade, like a café, shop, or salon. The right location can make your business, while the wrong one can break it, so this is hands-on research you can't afford to skip.

What makes a good location?

You're looking for places where your target customers are already present in large numbers. Think about areas that are naturally busy throughout the day or at specific times that are important for your business. Key places to start your search include:

• High Streets: The traditional heart of a town's shopping district.
• Transport Hubs: Areas around busy train, tube, or bus stations.
• Office Districts: Perfect for catching the lunchtime and after-work crowd.
• Busy Neighbourhoods: Residential areas with a strong local community and lots of people on foot.
• Near 'Anchor' Stores: Locations close to a major supermarket or popular chain store can benefit from their customer traffic.

How to scout effectively

Once you have a few potential areas in mind, it's time to put on your detective hat. Don't just rely on online maps or property listings; you need to experience the location firsthand.

1. Visit at different times: Don't just go on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Visit on a rainy Tuesday morning, during the school run, and after office hours. The vibe and footfall of an area can change dramatically throughout the day and week.
2. Count the passers-by: It might feel a bit strange, but spend 15-30 minutes simply counting the number of people who walk past a potential unit. This gives you real data, not just a gut feeling.
3. Watch who walks by: Are they students, office workers, families with prams, or tourists? The most important thing is that the people you see match the profile of your ideal customer.
4. Analyse nearby businesses: What other businesses are on the street? Are they thriving or are there lots of empty units? A cluster of similar, successful businesses can often create a 'destination', which can be a very good thing.

It's not just about the numbers

High footfall is vital, but it's not the only factor. As you scout, keep these practical points in mind:

• Visibility: Is the shop front easy to see from down the street? Is it hidden behind a bus stop or a large tree?
• Accessibility: Is the entrance wide and flat, making it easy for people with pushchairs or wheelchairs to enter?
• Parking and Transport: How will customers get to you? Is there nearby parking, a bus stop, or a train station?

Top Tip: Spend a whole day in your top-choice area. Buy a coffee from a local café, sit down, and just watch the world go by. You'll learn more in a few hours of quiet observation than you will from any online report.