Field Notes from the Retail Wild
Think of your retail property as a wildlife preserve. Different tenant “species” thrive in different environments. After years of observation, we’ve created this field guide to help you identify and attract the right tenants.
The Common Species You’ll Encounter
The Fitness Migrator
Where they nest: Old anchor stores with tall ceilings
How to spot them: They travel in packs (franchise groups). You’ll hear bass-heavy music and see motivational posters everywhere.
What they eat: Protein shakes and social media likes
Fun fact: If you hear “Let’s crush it!” at 5 AM, they’ve moved in for good.
The Medical Practitioner
Where they nest: Spaces with plenty of parking
How to spot them: Great credit scores. They sign long leases. They’re quiet neighbors.
What they eat: Insurance payments keep them well-fed
Why you want them: These are vacancy killers. They stay forever.
The Pop-Up Predator
Where they nest: Any empty space, but only temporarily
How to spot them: Bright displays that change weekly. Here today, gone tomorrow.
What they eat: Holiday shoppers and special events
Warning: They may leave glitter behind.
The Ghost Kitchen
Where they nest: Back spaces where customers never go
How to spot them: You don’t. You only hear delivery drivers coming and going.
What they eat: Online orders only
Strange truth: No one has ever seen their customers.
The Experience Hunter Pack
Where they nest: Big spaces with good air flow
How to spot them: Loud groups. Young customers. People throwing axes or painting pottery.
What they eat: Craft beer and expensive snacks
Their motto: “It’s like bowling, but better!”
The CBD Chameleon
Where they nest: Any space that opened up last week
How to spot them: Vague health claims. Green cross logos. Confused regulations.
What they eat: Wellness trends
The mystery: Nobody really knows what they’re selling.
The Traditional Retailer (Nearly Extinct)
Where they nest: High-end malls only
How to spot them: They sell actual products. They keep normal hours. They don’t understand TikTok.
What they eat: Foot traffic (increasingly scarce)
Status: Protect these rare creatures while you can.
Need a Tenant Whisperer?
At Williams Capital Advisors, we speak fluent tenant. We know what each species needs to thrive. We’ll help you build the perfect retail ecosystem for your property.
Ready to fill your space?
Call: (213) 880-8107
Email: francisco.williams@williamscap.ai
Visit: williamscapitaladvisors.com
