Advice....

[obscura3]

So I had an offer come up recently to move my store. It will be less then half of what I pay now. The space does need a bit of work (along with new AC vents-I guess the prior leaser didn't want it in) but I was wondering what people thought on location compared to where it's at now. The space offered is right between Uprok and Lost Art Tattoo on

Comments

[victorianrose23]

I guess one of the things to think about is will the new location be more accessible? Will you get more foot traffic? With Heavy Metal Shop and those other two shops right there, you might get more business with foot traffic and word of mouth. Something to think about, definitely. When do you need to make a decision on the new space?

[obscura3]

That's just what I'm not sure about but it's not like I get a lot of foot traffic now. My biggest concern so far is parking. I think I need to decide something in the next few days...I just have no idea what I want to do.

[marchenland]

I think that sounds like a great spot. I doubt you were getting much drop-in traffic where you were, being sort of hidden in that area.

And hey, screenprinting -- maybe you could commission your own t-shirts! :)

[obscura3]

Ya actually the screenprinting company has offered to help fill the space and give me a good deal to print Obscura t-shirts!! Which I'm hopefully going to start an Obscura line this summer!!

[alanja]

Personally I think the best areas downtown are in that Gateway area, or on 3rd South with all the funky shops. Nothing else seems to really get GOOD foot traffic. Outside of that though, being next to Heavy Metal shop would be good for you. So I think you would get your customer and their customer, maybe Lost Art. Then lots of bums, drunks, creeps and freaks.

I'd honestly talk to those shop owners and see what they think about the area there. They might sugar coat it knowing you're a prospective renter, as it would be good for them for you to be there too. Honestly, as someone who's been to a few of those businesses, parking can be a bit hard. I always find something eventually, but you have to drive around and it's metered, etc. But, I've never NOT gone shopping or drinking at those places because I couldn't find parking, it's just a hassle.

[obscura3]

Ya that's one of my biggest concerns is parking...my mom was worried about the type of people that hang out around there like the bums, drunks, creeps and freaks so that's a definite issue as well. I think I will definitely go down and talk to some of the other businesses.

[alanja]

I wouldn't be *too* concerned about it, just keep some mace at the counter, hahaha! I'd say overall I think it would be a fine move, especially with half the rent.

[6sin6kitten6]

I think parking is the biggest issue. I think you already know that that parking is total and utter crap. I am surprised the business' that are there have been able to do well considering the parking. So with that said, obviously parking hasnt really stopped people from supporting those business's, so it shouldnt be a problem for you. Plus you are next to some stable business. Above all its what is best for you and your store. If the rent is gonna be less, and all that jazz, then only you can weigh that out.

But parking does suck! I hate that area, I've wanted to write the city letters about that area, telling them what the hell were they thinking!
Paid parking across the street? Screw that, stupid city, hehehehe
;)

[obscura3]

Ya that's my biggest concern is parking. Well and possibly the people that hang out around there. I do get the feeling though that like Alanja said it doesn't stop people from going down there. Look how many people shop at the Heavy Metal shop still. I just don't know yet...

[6sin6kitten6]

Scary choices, but in the end i know you will do whats best for you. It is a neat location, and more visible for sure. If the screen printing company are really cool, it might be a fun thing. Good luck for sure though!
*hug*

[jesseaxe]

Yes, yes! That's an awesome area. But then, i'm a downtown rat. Parking doesn't matter since i rarely drive, but it may be a concern for the 'burb monkeys. You would definately get more foot traffice!