Choosing the right location for your retail business

Selecting the perfect location for your shop is one of the key factors for retail success. It's not a decision to be taken lightly, as the right location can attract your target customers and boost your visibility. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you make this strategic choice.

How to choose the ideal location for your business?

📍 Understanding your customers and market

The ideal location is where you can easily reach your potential customers. Before diving into location hunting, it's essential to identify your target audience, analyze customer behavior, conduct thorough market research and assess your competitors. This groundwork will help you pinpoint areas where your potential customers will most likely be found.

🔎 Use geomarketing tools

The analytics.brussels platform, developed by hub.brussels, provides maps and detailed analyses of the existing commercial offer, pedestrian flows, and visitor profiles in different Brussels districts. These insights can help you refine your location strategy and make data-driven decisions.

💡 Get expert guidance

The Retail team at hub.brussels offers personalized support in your search for a business location. They provide geomarketing data to help identify the district that best suits your project. Contact them at retail@hub.brussels.
⚠️ Note: a business plan is required to access this support.

Where to find a suitable location?

🏢 Real estate agencies

Real estate agents can assist you in finding a suitable location. You can find a certified agent on the Professional Institute of Real Estate Agents (IPI) website. Whether you are dealing with a large international firm or a small specialized agency, you can expect to receive valuable insights tailored to the specific challenges of the property market they oversee. We strongly advise focusing on local real estate agents within your desired area for the most relevant guidance.

🔎 Inventimmo

The Inventimmo service, managed by Citydev and hub.brussels, lists available commercial spaces, workshops, offices, and land in Brussels.

🏛 Your municipality

Municipalities play a key role in local economic development and can inform you about available opportunities, whether for a commercial space or an itinerant business. Don't hesitate to consult them to find out whether certain premises or public spaces are available.

🏠 Public land registration

Some municipalities offer ground-floor commercial spaces through their housing management services. You can register as a prospective tenant to access these opportunities.

🔄 Existing businesses for sale

Taking over an existing business can be an attractive alternative. Check dedicated platforms to explore available opportunities.

🌐 Online Classifieds

Websites like Immoweb, Logic-immo, ImmoTransit or ImmoVlan list commercial properties for sale or rent in Brussels.

Test your concept with a pop-up store

Before committing to a long-term lease, consider testing your business concept with a pop-up store. This flexible approach allows you to:

• Test your business idea
• Attract customers
• Build brand awareness

Explore the key steps to opening a pop-up shop
 

Learn More

Check out our business guide for additional information on commercial leases, key money, and Horeca permits.