As with the office and living space available in the Innovation District, retail space for rent is all about collaboration. Rather than requiring retailers to share space, retail areas located throughout the district simply feature centers that are housed in buildings that also offer condos, apartments and office space. The convenience afforded to commuters and residents means that retailers are able to enjoy success by staying visible and accessible, and being located within the Innovation District means that retailers are afforded the benefit of sharing ideas and being in the middle of cutting-edge developments in a wide variety of industries.
While many of the retail spaces in the district are focused on providing opportunities for professionals to swap ideas, any type of store is welcome in the area. High-end retail stores do well with professionals who are part of established companies that are just launching a new project from the Innovation District, while discount stores are popular with new entrepreneurs who are working to save money in order to invest more into their growing companies.
Cafes that provide open space for professionals to enjoy a fine brew while getting through a project are particularly successful in this area. Retailers that would like to rent space in the area are often drawn to vacancies surrounding coffee shops because of the high volume of foot traffic that these establishments encourage.
The growing nature of the Innovation District makes it a perfect location for retailers to set up shop. A wide range of shop sizes can be found in this area, and the configuration of each space allows clothing shops, gift shops and other retailers to utilize the space exactly as needed. Price ranges vary to fit into the budget of any retailer.
Retailers that combine the quaint and the modern in the design elements of their shop are able to thrive in the Innovation District. As an area that continues to grow at a fast rate, area officials are constantly on the lookout for new amenities that will attract businesses to the area. Retail stores the fit in with the community focus can feel welcome and thrive.
Pricing for retail space for lease in this area depends on the proximity to amenities like open work spaces and the style of store frontage. Retail spaces that offer large windows on the frontage of the store allow clothing retailers and department stores to create unique displays that are designed to draw customers in to browse. Smaller spaces that feature brick fronts are often located in buildings that also function as living and work space. A limited amount of industrial space can also be rented in this area for the convenience of retailers that need space for assembly or storage.
As a member of the Innovation District, retailers can benefit from hearing about the latest business ideas first. Even the biggest retailers are able to take advantage of doing business in an area of Boston that is known for being the birthplace of new ideas in industries ranging from tech to design.