Location: Where do you feel comfortable?

[LuYengpo]

The old real estate adage is that the three most important valuation criteria are: location, location, location.

Background:
I have a friend that was a well known MPA at spa...well reviewed on this board. Operative word, was. She is now independent and sees only a few old clients. She is planning on opening her own place in January and wondering about location.
So here is the question:
What are your location preferences for spas i.e. what type of locations are most comfortable for you to visit?
Spas in:
1. Industrial Plazas
2. Retail Plazas or streets (i.e. above stores)
3. Residential Apartment Buildings
4. Office Buildings

and why. What is important for you.

For me it is safe parking, and limited traffic where it is not totally obvious where you or going and when you come out the door, with a big grin on your face, you aren't walking into a busy sidewalk. This is one reason why I never feel comfortable in the parlours in the retail plazas or along the Danforth etc.

I would appreciate your thoughts on spa location preferences.

 

[shouldatakenlaw]

Given that there are four defineable options why not put a poll with your question?

But to answer your question I prefer in Industrial Plazas that are not too far off from any main streets e.g. Hands, SRM, Orchid (but wont go here now for a number reasons). But this is for places that have a number of girls. If she is just by herself than the cost may not be justified. In this case an office building would be a good second choice. I do not like to see a lot of other civilians when I go for a massage, so for that reason I would not like to go to a retail plaza or an apartment.

 

[Hypocorism]

Where Allure or SRM are I think is perfect. Not too much traffic other than spa customers.

 

[LD50]

Industrial plazas all the way. Least favourite is retail, especially just on a main street. Its not the entereing that is the problem, its the exit, because you don't know who the hell is out there, or passing by in a car just as you leave.

 

[1st Baby Due 03/9/2010]

Industiral plazas in Brampton or Mississauga is the only way to go. I assume she's looking for a licensed spa to open.

Not Residential Apartment buidlings. Too much traffic will bring suspicion and it will likely be shutdown

Office Buildings can also bring attention from the other tenants. If the spa is open later when the other offices are closed will bring attention. AC gets away with it because there's nothing special about the area, it's a small building and they pretty much have the floor to themselves.

Never liked the above the retail store idea. Too much like a holistic place and that makes it risky. Usually higher profile as well that makes it stand out.

 

[uniquefashionista]

Back block of any commercial plazas would also work out for her, or an industrial plaza or sites are most safe for such establishments, which should be discreet and safe for its clients & all staff members too.
Security these days is most important factor when you open up such a biz, especially Spa or massage palour where LE's cannot even imagine to drop by

 

[Veritas]

Sometimes it's who you know that keeps the place running. " You scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours"

 

[Craven]

If your friend is good and is willing to anchor the place as the star MPA, then have her cut a deal with the Bliss owner to rev that place up.

Downtown could use a decent option.

Failing that, yeah, an industrial strip mall.

Are there actually MPs in residential buildings? That's actually a bit fucked up.

 

[aumnamashivaaum]

Thanks for all your responses. I have passed them along to the woman to help her make the best possible business decision, for her....and for us, the clients!

Cheers,
Shades

PS....I will let everyone know when and where she opens her new door even at the risk of being called a shill