Start with your customers.
Describe who needs to reach the shop, how often and at what times. Consider whether customers make a specific trip, combine it with other errands or discover the business while passing. Note staff journeys, accessible entrances, collections and deliveries as well.
Visit candidate streets or centres on the days and times that matter to your business. A busy street at lunchtime does not establish the number of potential customers on a quiet weekday or evening.
Compare different settings.
A high street may offer visibility among a variety of independent and national businesses, but frontage, servicing and activity can vary from one end to the other. A neighbourhood parade may suit regular local visits; check the immediate catchment, opening hours and access.
A shopping centre can offer managed common areas and shared trading hours. Ask about service charges, permitted signage, opening obligations and delivery arrangements. A retail park can offer larger units and car access; check unit size, parking, public transport and the actual pedestrian route to the entrance. These are starting questions, not guarantees about a particular site.
Opening a second shop?
Use the first shop to identify what matters: customer journeys, transaction times, storage, servicing and the sales area that is actually used. Decide which requirements must remain the same and which can vary. Do not assume that the existing rent or sales pattern will transfer to another location.
List locations already considered, the preferred opening date, the maximum ongoing cost and the cash available for fit-out. Compare each option against the same criteria and keep missing information visible.
Compare the full commitment.
Ask for rent or price, rates, service charges, insurance, utilities, fit-out and the proposed lease terms. Calculate upfront cash separately from recurring occupation costs. An attractive quoted rent can look different once works and additional charges are included.
Your solicitor should review the lease and your surveyor and other advisers should check condition, use and proposed works. Rivermark can help find and compare premises against an agreed search brief.
Sources and further reading.
Sources checked 4 November 2026. Requirements vary across the UK and should be checked for the property and transaction.
- GOV.UK: business ratesOverview of business rates and where to find the relevant authority.