Retail is more than transactions—it’s the backdrop of our daily lives. Whether celebrating milestones, grabbing a quick bite, or running essential errands, retail spaces shape our communities, drive local economies, and create shared experiences. From bustling shopping districts to local main streets, retail real estate is where culture, commerce, and connection intersect.
Retail real estate isn’t just about locations—it’s about connections. The right businesses in the right places don’t just drive sales; they shape consumer habits, fuel local job markets, and create thriving commercial corridors. A well-placed store, restaurant, or service provider can be the difference between a high-traffic, high-revenue location and one that struggles to gain visibility. That’s why what goes where matters.
At Lee & Associates Retail, we understand that every retail space serves a purpose, whether it’s anchoring a shopping center, revitalizing an urban neighborhood, or introducing new concepts into emerging markets. Our team of dedicated brokers and advisors are immersed in the ever-evolving retail landscape, analyzing market trends, demographic shifts, and consumer behaviors to help businesses and property owners make informed, strategic decisions. By aligning location strategy with business goals, we create opportunities that benefit tenants, landlords, and the communities they serve.
With a presence in major metropolitan markets like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York as well as growing cities like Omaha and Baton Rouge, our retail experts work across North America to connect businesses with the right spaces at the right time. Whether it’s a flagship location in a high-visibility corridor or a boutique shop in a walkable neighborhood, we help brands and property owners find retail solutions that foster long-term success. Where business happens, life happens. We help you connect the two.
TENANT REPRESENTATION
In today’s market, with limited supply making quality space difficult to find, never before has a broker working on your behalf been more important. Retail leases can be complex and nuanced, a retail real estate expert can help you navigate the market. Whether looking for your first location, expanding across your existing market, managing searches across multiple markets, or considering options to reposition your existing fleet of stores, our connected professionals are there to help.
LANDLORD REPRESENTATION
Leasing takes more work than waving a magic wand, there are no secret fixes. Signs are great, online postings are helpful, but all are reactive. The Lee retail team is pro-active. We evaluate each property and use the latest data to understand traffic and demographic patterns, we engage in void and demand analysis, and come up with a strategy for each assignment. We then execute by methodically working through the universe of potential tenants or buyers.
Your broker is your face to the public and the Lee & Associates retail team understand the importance of the tenant mix, pays attention to restrictions, co-teancy clasues, while always thinking ahead to help our clients avoid any 10- or 20-year mistakes.
A successful Landlord broker communicates regularly with the Landlord about the marketing plan, showings and prospects. The right broker does more than pass along the LOI. We advise, we point out potential risks, and help provide data so our clients can make informed decisions.
RETAIL INVESTMENT PROFESSIONALS
Buying or selling a retail investment property in today’s market is no easy feat. A complex understanding is required of the property's financials, future outlook, leasing, property management and more. A team that understands these principles can make your transaction successful.
If you are interested in selling a retail investment property, we have several teams of advisors who specialize in the investment side of retail and are market makers.
If you are interested in purchasing in today’s historically tight market, no time is better to have a seasoned investment professional on your side.
THE LEE & ASSOCIATES ADVANTAGE
Every Lee & Associates office delivers world-class service to an array of regional, national, and international clients—from small businesses and local investors to major corporate users and institutional investors. Our professionals combine the latest technology, resources, and market intelligence with their experience, expertise, and commitment to superior service to optimize client results.
What sets us apart is our ability to blend national reach with local market expertise. Because each office is owned and operated by its professionals, our teams bring an entrepreneurial mindset to every transaction, ensuring clients receive tailored strategies that align with their specific needs. Whether navigating complex multi-market expansions, securing high-value investment opportunities, or identifying the perfect location for a growing business, Lee & Associates offers a client-first approach backed by decades of industry leadership.