How to Choose the Right Location for Your Business in Nashville

Aug 25

When it comes to retail success, one factor outweighs nearly everything else: location. The right storefront can drive consistent foot traffic, build long-term customer loyalty, and ultimately determine whether your business thrives or struggles. In a fast-growing market like Nashville, choosing wisely matters more than ever.

At the Chandler James Retail Team, we’ve helped countless retailers, investors, and entrepreneurs navigate the world of retail commercial real estate in Nashville. Here’s our guide to selecting a location that sets you up for success.

1. Understand Your Target Customer

Before looking at maps or rent prices, know your audience. Ask yourself:

Where does my ideal customer live, work, and shop?
What other businesses do they visit regularly?
Do they prefer walkable districts, suburban centers, or destination shopping?

For example, a boutique clothing retailer may thrive in a high-foot-traffic corridor like 12 South, while a quick-service restaurant may perform better near office hubs or highway exits.

2. Analyze Foot Traffic and Accessibility

Visibility is important, but accessibility is just as critical. Customers need to find you and get to you easily. Consider:

Daily traffic counts on nearby roads
Walkability and public transportation options
Parking availability
Ingress and egress (how easy it is to turn in and out of the property)

Our team uses tools like Placer.ai to measure actual consumer movement patterns—data that goes far beyond a simple traffic count.

3. Evaluate Competition and Synergy

Sometimes being near competitors is a bad idea. Other times, it’s the smartest move you can make. A cluster of restaurants, for example, can draw more diners overall. Look for areas where co-tenancy (neighboring retailers that complement yours) adds value.

Example: A local coffee shop located next to a fitness studio benefits from members stopping in before or after workouts.

4. Consider the Nashville Growth Story

Nashville isn’t just growing—it’s booming. That means today’s “emerging” neighborhood may become tomorrow’s hotspot. Evaluate:

New residential developments in the pipeline
Planned infrastructure like highways or transit improvements
City-led initiatives such as the East Bank redevelopment
Shifting demographics in suburban corridors like Hendersonville, Mount Juliet, and Franklin

Choosing the right location often means balancing current demand with future growth.

5. Don’t Forget Lease Terms and Flexibility

The best physical location in Nashville won’t work if the lease structure doesn’t fit your business model. Pay attention to:

Base rent and escalations
Triple Net (NNN) costs
Tenant improvement allowances
Renewal and expansion options

Our role is not only to find the perfect location but also to negotiate terms that keep your long-term success in mind.

Final Thoughts

In Nashville’s competitive and fast-moving real estate market, location decisions are too important to leave to chance. Whether you’re opening your first store, relocating, or expanding a portfolio, working with a team that specializes in retail commercial real estate in Nashville can give you a major advantage.

The Chandler James Retail Team at Lee & Associates brings market knowledge, data-driven insights, and strong relationships to every deal. If you’re ready to find the right spot for your business, we’d love to talk.

Chandler James Retail Team

Chandler James Retail Team at Lee & Associates advises tenants, investors, developers, and property owners across Tennessee on the full spectrum of retail real estate strategy. From site selection, acquisitions, lease negotiations, and repositioning to dispositions and portfolio optimization, we deliver tailored guidance and results-driven representation. Whether you’re preparing to transact, considering a hold, or managing long-term value, our team supports smart decision-making at every stage