How to scout the perfect location for your shop

Finding the right location for your business is one of the most important decisions you'll make. The best way to do this is to become a detective in your own town or city. Get your walking shoes on and physically visit potential areas to observe footfall, assess nearby businesses, and get a real feel for the local community. This groundwork is essential for placing your business in the best possible position to attract customers and thrive.

Start with some homework

Before you start visiting locations, a little desk research can help you create a shortlist of promising areas. Use online tools to your advantage:

• Map it out: Use Google Maps and Street View to explore different high streets, shopping parades, and community hubs. You can get a feel for the types of businesses that are already there.
• Check property sites: Look at commercial property websites like Rightmove or Zoopla. While you're not ready to sign a lease yet, this will give you a realistic idea of rental costs in different postcodes.
• Understand the demographics: Think about your ideal customer. Are they students, young families, or affluent professionals? Look for areas where these people live, work, or spend their leisure time. Local council websites sometimes publish data on local demographics.

Your on-the-ground checklist

Once you have a few areas in mind, it’s time to visit them in person. Go at different times of the day and on different days of the week to get a complete picture. Here’s what to look for:

1. Footfall: Who is walking past? Are they your target customers? Are they browsing and shopping, or just rushing to the train station? A busy street isn't always a good thing if nobody stops. Sit in a local coffee shop for an hour and just watch.
2. The Neighbours: What other businesses are nearby? Look for complementary businesses that attract a similar type of customer. For example, a gift shop might do well next to a popular café and a bookshop. A cluster of interesting independent shops can create a 'destination' that draws people in.
3. Accessibility and Parking: How easy is it for customers to get to you? Is there a nearby bus stop, tube, or train station? If customers are likely to drive, is there convenient and affordable parking, or will they have to circle the block for 20 minutes?
4. The Local Vibe: Every area has its own personality. Does it feel vibrant and up-and-coming, or quiet and traditional? Most importantly, does the atmosphere match your brand? Your business should feel like it 'belongs' there.
5. Visibility: Take a look at the specific empty units. Can they be easily seen from the main road? Is the shop front large and welcoming? A location tucked away down a side street might be cheaper, but you'll have to work much harder on marketing to let people know you exist.

Top Tip: Create a simple scorecard in a notebook or on your phone. Rate each location you visit out of 5 for each point on the checklist. This makes it much easier to compare your options objectively later on.

Spending a few days thoroughly scouting locations is not wasted time; it's a crucial investment in your future success. This research will give you the confidence that you're not just choosing a building, but the right community for your business to grow in.