Ground floor retail versus second story office space - I picked wrong

I was looking at spaces in a building downtown and had to choose between a ground floor retail spot with street visibility but higher rent, or a second story office that was way cheaper but hidden up a narrow staircase. Being a nurse on night shifts, I figured the quiet office would be better for a small side consulting thing I do (you know, advising on medical office layouts). I went with the upstairs unit at $1,200 a month, saving about $400. Now after 6 months, I realize nobody even knows I'm up there. I've had maybe 3 walk-ins total, while the retail tenant below me is packed. Has anyone here successfully made a second floor space work for client facing stuff, or am I stuck with this mistake?

2 comments

2 Comments

david_adams10d ago

1200 for a second floor space with just a staircase and no signage is steep. The retail tenant below you is paying maybe 1600-1800, but they get foot traffic and visibility. Youre comparing the wrong things. Rent isnt just square footage, its about what kind of business you run. For your medical consulting thing, you need people to find you easily. A narrow staircase kills that. I bet the landlord even told you the upstairs was for storage or back office use, not client visits. Have you thought about putting a small sign outside or talking to the retail tenant about sharing their storefront for referrals?

reed.ray10d ago

Wait, you actually talked to the tenant downstairs?