Where is the best place to open a business in Salt Lake City (Sandy: leases)

[bvboomen]

I am moving to SLC, and would like to know the best location to open a small business which specializes in bathroom remodelling. I want to be near similar type businesses to make sure that people who are out shopping are attracted to this area for their remodelling needs. I understand that State Street is quite popular. Are there any other locations which would be better, like Draper or Sandy?

Your inputs are appreciated!

[voxclamantis]

Draper/Sandy are very suburban and lack well-defined "city centers..." You'd be unlikely to find a well-trafficked cluster of similar businesses in either of those communities. State Street, on the other hand, experiences heavy traffic and stretches for miles right through the center of town. If it's visibility you're looking for State Street is the place to get it, unless of course you get a lot next to I-15 and put up a monstrous sign or something, in which case Draper and Sandy would be alright as well...

Have you ever used the street view function on Google Maps? I find it very helpful for scoping out new areas. Just open up Google Maps and zoom in very close to where you want to go, or simply click the little orange man icon near the top left of the map and drag him to any location on any roadway highlighted in blue. From there you can look around in all directions to see if the area looks decent to you. I'd check out State Street as well as the stretch of I-15 that runs along the western border of Draper and Sandy, first.

[bvboomen]

Thank you Vox. I do know the Google feature you speak of and have used this. I have also visited Utah a couple of times. State street just seems to be getting tired looking in some areas, whereas Sandy, Draper seem more vibrant. Agreed HWY 15 would be ideal.

[skibarbie]

I would also check out 300m West between 33rd and 2100 South. It is referred to as the Tile Mile and has lots of remodeling/supply shops.

[videoman]

Go east side and as far away from downtown as you can. Go where people have money and are willing to part with it for such things as bathroom remodeling. SLC now has some good and bad spots. I have seen many people come to SLC and open restaurants in the wrong part of town because leases are cheaper. Wrong move. Pay the higher leases to be where people who have money are.

[bvboomen]

Thank you to all who responded. This is extremely helpful information. Skitbarbie, I will check out 300M West and 2100. Hopefully the economy will be in better shape come next year.