One of the biggest questions we face when signing a lease is whether we’re landing in the right spot. We all instinctively look for good traffic, but what about the businesses around us? Finding the right neighbors can be just as crucial as the footfall itself. We spotted a useful piece from MyTraffic.io that really highlights how thinking strategically about co-tenancy can make all the difference, especially when we’re evaluating a renewal or a new spot.

Their insight boils down to finding businesses whose customers are already your potential customers. It’s not just about being next to a popular store; it’s about being next to a store whose visitors are highly likely to cross-shop with you. For example, if you run a boutique, being near a specialty coffee shop that draws a similar demographic could be far more beneficial than being next to a big-box electronics store. They suggest looking at cross-shopping patterns to identify these ideal matches. This kind of data-driven thinking can help us pinpoint a location where the existing customer flow is already primed for our business.

This idea of ideal co-tenancy gives us a solid point to consider when we’re looking at a new space or even evaluating our current one for renewal. If we’re seeing a landlord try to fill a vacancy near us, it’s worth thinking about how that new neighbor might impact our business – positively or negatively. Understanding these dynamics can give us leverage in negotiations, allowing us to advocate for co-tenants that genuinely complement our business. What are your thoughts on co-tenancy, and have you ever seen a new neighbor significantly impact your traffic? Share your experiences in the forum.