Curbside Is No Longer Optional
Curbside pickup started as a pandemic fix. Now it’s a permanent expectation.
Shoppers don’t see it as a perk. They see it as a basic requirement. Retail properties without proper curbside infrastructure are losing tenants—and customers—to those that have it.
What “Proper” Actually Looks Like
Orange cones and handwritten signs are gone. Today’s standard includes covered canopies, dedicated pickup lanes, and clear signage that guides customers without confusion.
Think of curbside as a second entrance. For many shoppers, it’s the only entrance they use. It should look and function like one.
Technology Is Now Part of the Infrastructure
The physical setup is just the start. Modern curbside needs technology to run efficiently.
Geofencing detects when a customer pulls in. Staff get an instant alert. Digital signage directs the car to the right spot. The customer never has to make a call or search for help.
This isn’t just about convenience. Faster pickups mean more orders handled from the same space—without adding staff.
The 2-Minute Standard
The best retailers have a clear goal: get every curbside order delivered in under two minutes.
That takes coordination. The infrastructure, the technology, and the staffing all have to work together. When one piece is missing, wait times go up and customers don’t come back.
Properties that help tenants hit this standard attract better retailers. Properties that create delays don’t.
What This Means for You
Take a hard look at your property. Does your curbside setup help tenants compete—or hold them back?
Small improvements in layout, signage, and technology can have a direct impact on tenant performance, lease renewals, and asset value.
Want to Know Where Your Property Stands?
Curbside readiness affects your tenants, your NOI, and your long-term asset value.
If you own retail in Southern California, I’ll give you a straight assessment—no pitch, no pressure.
(213) 880-8107 | francisco.williams@williamscap.ai | williamscapitaladvisors.com
