.. Retail Space

... WIDE VARIETY OF BUSINESS TYPES - Retail space is used for a wide variety of businesses and uses -- dry uses (e.g. classic retailing), wet uses (e.g. beauty salons, spas), food without cooking, food with cooking, animal & pet care, etc. etc. Pedestrian traffic patterns, zoning, ventilation issues, electrical power, store frontage, ceiling height, and location are extremely important.

... WIDE RANGE OF PRICES - Retail pricing varies substantially, and today in some locations can exceed $1000/SF/yr. Price depends primarily on location and associated pedestrian traffic, and on other things such as - the number of feet of frontage; if the space is delivered as a "white box' or as-is; the ceiling height; if the space comes with, or without, usable basement space; if the space has an exhaust stack for venting; if the facade is landmarked or not; if the space is delivered with a new store front or not; etc.

... MOST EXPENSIVE SPACE with LONG TERM LEASES - Retail space is by far the most expensive space in any building, and is usually leased for 10 or more years. ADDITIONALLY, construction/buildout costs are high, and security deposits are substantial - often 6 or more months' rent.

... ZONING, CERTIFICATE-OF-OCCUPANCY - Determine the business types and services which are allowed, and if your particular business is allowed. Examine each potential space for suitable zoning and C-of-O; you do not want surprises after the fact.

... LIQUOR LICENSE, CABARET LICENSE -- Both need proper zoning and NYCity and, with liquor licenses, NYState approval; liquor licenses also need community board approval. New York City is now strictly enforcing the liquor license application and approval process; it is becoming more difficult to obtain one.