PREPARATION
TIP: Reference our five must-do'S before signing a lease article.
Before you sign your deal, make sure you know the key dates listed in your lease, have assembled the team that is going to help you with the buildout, and have a rough plan on the steps you will take to reach the finish line.
Explore all the steps from lease signing to store opening by clicking through the blueprint below
Deal is mutually approved by tenant and landlord, and tenant receives their welcome packet and contact information for the buildout process.
TIMELINE: 1 WEEK
DEAL IS SIGNED
TIP: Your landlord is a property expert with a wide network of local contacts. Tap into their knowledge for expert advice and access to a network of professionals you can collaborate with.
ORGANIZE YOUR TEAM
Tenant engages a support team of their choice: fabricator, designer/architect, general contractor.
Tenant surveys the space for dimensions, layout, existing equipment (if applicable) with their team.
SURVEY THE SPACE
The tenant's team completes preliminary plans and material selection, as well as determines if the local jurisdiction requires permits.
TIMELINE: 2 WEEKS
Fabricator/designer/ architect begins
Landlord reviews preliminary plans and material samples sent by the tenant or their team.
LANDLORD PLAN REVIEW
The tenant’s team completes the final floor plans and equipment plans for landlord and permit review.
TIMELINE: 2–6 WEEKS
Fabricator/designer/ architect completes plan
TIP: Mechanical, HVAC, electrical, and kitchen equipment can have long lead times. Confirm availability of these items as soon as possible.
Begin the process to obtain your liquor license if your business will be selling alcohol. This process may require an attorney, and the license can take a while to receive.
LIQUOR LICENSE (IF APPLICABLE)
Landlord reviews final plans sent by the tenant or their team.
LANDLORD FINAL PLAN REVIEW
TIP: Plans must be landlord-approved before fabrication and/or construction begins.
Submit final plans to the local jurisdiction to obtain a permit. For restaurants, additionally submit plans to the Health Department. Review time varies by location.
TIMELINE: 2–20 WEEKS
PERMITTING
Secure a vendor to design your sign package and then submit to the landlord for review.
SIGN DESIGN
TIP: Remember that your sign must have the same name as what you put as your “DBA” in your lease.
The fabricator will begin constructing the kiosk pieces per the plan (typically off-site), which includes installing the sign.
TIMELINE: 6–12 WEEKS
KIOSK FABRICATION*
*FOR KIOSK STORES ONLY
If tenant didn’t secure a GC at the beginning of the process, now is a good time to send plans out for bid, select their choice, and secure a construction schedule.
General contractor (GC) bids
TIP: If you are doing simple cosmetic upgrades, a GC is likely not required.
The tenant’s team or GC holds a pre-installation meeting with mall management to provide permit, insurance, and other required documents.
PRE-CONSTRUCTION MEETING
Store buildout commences in the location at the mall For kiosks fabricated off-site: 1-2 weeks. For inline spaces doing only cosmetic upgrades: 2-8 weeks For inline spaces doing a full buildout: 4-16 weeks For restaurants: 8-24 weeks
TIMELINE: 4–24 WEEKS
STORE CONSTRUCTION
TIP: For inline stores, the GC will install a barricade in front of the store before construction. EXTERIOR Sign installation may occur when the storefront work is complete
Once installation is complete, the city will inspect, and tenant will receive a Certificate of Occupancy.
TIMELINE: 1–2 WEEKS
COMPLETION DOCUMENTATION
TIP: Leave some wiggle room for corrections required during inspections.
Tenant stocks the store, trains their staff, and opens their doors for business.
STORE OPENS
