General Article

How to Inspect a Retail Shopping Centre

As a local real estate agent specializing in retail property, it pays to concentrate your efforts within the market segment and monitor the activities and successes of all retail properties locally. This monitoring process involves local market assessment and regular property inspections.

The property market knowledge that you can gain from this process will help you with future leasing opportunities and sales. Retail property is of a type that needs special agent support and focus; inexperienced agents are of little value to the sale or lease of retail property.

So the properties you inspect should be broken up into three categories:

The properties that you manage now and can gain access to and get information from without any difficulty.

The properties that you do not manage or lease and that are competitive properties to your sales, lease, or management portfolio.

The new properties coming on to the market through any new retail shopping centre development.

Each of these three retail categories will give you trends to capture and monitor. Most particularly you should be gathering all the facts and information around rentals, lease types, tenancy mix strategies, tenant sales turnover, and anchor tenants, occupancy costs, and vacancy factors. This retail market knowledge is invaluable when helping your clients.

It can easily be said that these factors make the retail property industry quite special. That is why many real estate agents choose to specialize only within the retail sector. It is very difficult for an inexperienced agent to professionally service the managing, leasing, and sale of any retail property.

To inspect a retail property given all of the above information, it is wise to use some form of checklist covering all the required issues. Here are some of the key items to place within the checklist you can use:

The size of the subject property in gross lettable area should be identified. Plans of the property will also help here.

The number of retail properties in your local property precinct together with their gross lettable areas should be tallied so you can understand the gross vacancy factor of any given point in time.

The vacancy factors in each property together with the expected lease expiries coming up will allow you to address leasing opportunities. You will also be able to move tenants from property to property in specialised lease negotiations.

The details of market rentals will always be valuable across the property segment. Negotiating market rentals with new tenants and sitting tenants will be different and should be supported by up to date rental trends and evidence.

The outgoings or expenditure costs for each retail property will be valuable information. You can then see if the particular property is operating within the averages of industry expenditure trends. A property with high outgoings will always be difficult to lease.

The customer numbers and sales details for retail tenants for the shopping centre are usually held confidentially by the centre manager or landlord. This means that you will only be able to get accurate information for and from the properties that you manage. The information is however very valuable and should be captured wherever possible.

When you inspect a property, look at the traffic flow factors of customers through the property. The traffic flow will have impact on tenancy mix and placement, together with rentals and property design.

Given the above factors, it is easy to see why retail property is quite a specialised segment of the property market. Should you choose to work with in this part of the industry, take the time to fully understand these and other retail property indicators.…

Tips to Consider in Purchasing 10-Inch Tablets

There is no denying that the world today is characterized by an information-hungry society. This could be the reason why 10 inch tablets are all over the place and have even become fashionable to a certain extent. People utilize 10 inch tablets for accessing the world wide web, checking their electronic mails, reading a pre-downloaded electronic book or newspaper content and for other multi-tasking purposes. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you want to purchase the best tablet with 10 inch screen.

First thing that you should consider is the size and weight of a tablet. The device should be thin and light weight. It should also be easy and convenient to transport. Tablets today come in many different size variations and dimensions ranging from a 5 inch, 7 inch or 8.9 inch screen. However, many have agreed that the 10 inch tablet is just the right size to work with.

Next is the amount of internal storage of the device. In the end, this will limit how many applications you can install on your gadget. Inquire if the device is equipped with slots that can handle an expandable, removable storage. You will also want to examine the battery life of the device. Some can last for as long as 10 to 12 hours while others operate only for 2 hours or less.

Decide if you want a gadget that has 3G capabilities or a Wi-Fi only model. Although the Wi-Fi models will be easier on the pocket, the 3G models will offer more flexibility. Also take into account extra features such as a camera. This will be beneficial for video conferencing. Check the device’s price, the different applications available as well as compatibility issues.

The bottom line in choosing the best 10 inch tablet is that the device must match and be suitable for your lifestyle, budget and usage habits. Prior to buying, ensure that you will be able to maximize the different features and functions of your gadget so that your tablet will not end up as a paperweight.

Some models that come highly recommended as the best 10 inch tablet include the iPad and the Galaxy Tab. The Galaxy Tab functions as a phone and comes equipped with a 3 megapixel camera and a flash player. It can also play up to 7 hours of video playback. The iPad has no camera and does not work as a phone but it has excellent battery life of up to 10 hours and can play up to 10 hours of video playback.…

Wedding Gown Shopping – What to Expect

For most women, shopping for their bridal gown is one of the highlights of being engaged. It is usually a new and unfamiliar experience, so visiting the first shop can be a bit daunting at times. When you know what to expect when you begin wedding gown shopping, the whole process becomes more fun and productive.

The first thing to expect is that most bridal salons recommend appointments. If you walk in without an appointment on a Saturday afternoon, you may be put in the very disappointing position of being unable to try on any gowns that day. In most high end salons, your bridal consultant will go into the fitting room to help you in and out of dresses while your mom and the rest of your entourage await you by a pedestal and three way mirror. Be prepared to strip down to your skivvies in front of the bridal consultant! Wear modest undies for your appointment so you will not feel to exposed. As for the consultant, she has probably seen hundreds of brides in their underwear, so don’t feel embarrassed about being undressed in front of her.

Many brides walk into a bridal salon with an idea of what they think they want. If you have pictures of gowns you like, by all means bring them. Also bring along any bridal jewelry or a family veil you are definitely planning to wear. If there is a particular gown you are hoping to see, mention it when you make your appointment. Although the salon may carry the designer, it does not necessarily mean that they stock that sample. Sometimes it is possible for salons to borrow a sample from a designer with enough advance notice. There may be a fee for this service to cover the shipping and insurance costs, although the salon may apply the fee to your deposit if you decide to order that gown.

As you try on bridal gowns, some may fit and some may not. Brides who are fortunate enough to be a sample size will find wedding dress shopping to be easier; if your dress size is smaller or larger than the sample size (usually a bridal 8, which runs small), the consultant may hold or clip the back in place to give you a sense of how the style will look when it fits properly. Then it is out to the pedestal to let your mom ooh and aah over you! When you find a gown that is a serious contender, the consultant may help you try it with a veil and your bridal jewelry.

Be aware that you will have a limited time for your appointment, which can vary by salon (typically 1 -1.5 hours). There is a good reason for this: after about an hour or two, all the white dresses just start to blend together. If you haven’t found your dream dress by then, it is best to take a break and start fresh at another appointment. Due to the time limit, you may not be able to try on every dress that interests you at that first appointment. Part of it depends on how decisive you can be. If you know a dress is not “the one”, take it off and move on to the next option. That way you can see more bridal gowns within the time slot allotted to you.

Should you be fortunate enough to find your dream wedding gown, the next thing to expect is to be measured. Measuring for a bridal gown is an art, and the consultant or seamstress will take into account not only the standard bust, waist, and hip measurements, but may look at things like the length of the gown’s skirt and torso, whether you need a cup size adjustment for the bustline, if the neckline needs to be raised, and more. The beauty of ordering a made to order designer gown is that (for a fee), many pattern changes can be made to ensure the best possible fit. Any gown will still need alterations upon arrival, but in some cases pattern changes allow for a fit that would otherwise never be possible. Then it is time to make your deposit and order your wedding gown! When you leave the salon, go grab a drink with your mom and pat yourselves on the back for a job well done.…

Get Help With Your Overspending – How to Stop Your Shopping Addiction

Are you trapped in a cycle of overspending? Have you developed an addiction to shopping that you cannot seem to break even though you are filled with guilt and regret after each shopping binge? On top of it all, have you maxed out your credit cards or find it impossible to save for retirement or a rainy day? Overspending has become a modern day addiction. Read these vital tips to control your compulsive shopping addiction.

ARE YOU A CHRONIC OVERSPENDER? ASK YOURSELF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS

1. Do you fret about money all the time?

2. Do you have no savings?

3. Do you go on a big shopping binges, buying things you do not really need but telling yourself at the time that you do?

4. Do you have a wardrobe stuffed with clothes, shoes and bags and other items: some of which you haven’t even used?

5. Do you lie or avoid speaking to your family and friends about your money worries?

6. Are you spending more than you earn?

7. Are you missing key payments such as credit card bills?

8. Do you feel the urge to treat yourself by buying something even though you know you have no money?

9. Does your heart sink when another bill appears in your mail?

AFFLUENZA EPIDEMIC

It’s been called the “affluenza epidemic”, the painful accumulation of debt and money worries caused by overspending, excessive consumption and consumerism. Modern society’s focus on material wealth, adverts telling us to dress better, look better, drive nicer cars, live in nicer homes, have nicer holidays had caused a huge social stress as we buy things we don’t absolutely need and don’t have the money to pay for them.

WHAT TYPE OF SHOPPING ADDICT ARE YOU?

There are different types of compulsive shopping addicts and you need to take a hard, honest look at yourself to figure out which type you are:

1. You are desperately trying to ‘keep up with the Joneses’

2. You shop simply out of boredom

3. You consider shopping a way of giving yourself a little treat as you feel you deserve it.

4. You are buying what you think are ‘must have items’. The face cream that will banish away all items for example. Or the home bread maker since it will end up being cheaper and healthier to create your own bread. Or the dress that is the “IT” look of the season.

5. You are a compulsive bargain hunter, always adding more to your shopping trolley because of the ‘buy just 1 for $5, or for $7 you can have 3!’ upsells. People who look for the bulk discounts may also be over-eaters too as they buy more food that they need ‘because it was such a great deal’.

6. Because you hang out with a circle of friends who spend a lot too. You and your friends eat in fancy restaurants, order four courses, decent wine and follow it up with an after-dinner drink at the hottest bar in town.

HOW TO STOP YOUR SHOPPING ADDICTION

Make a resolution today that you will only buy things you absolutely need. Tell your family and close friends about it. If they are true friends, they will support you. Who knows, they could well be facing the same money anxieties themselves.

Think about which type you are from the above list and how you might go about fixing it.

If you shop compulsively because you are bored, or to fill an emotional need to give yourself a treat, think about free ways you might fill up your time and indulge. For example, you could set up a home spa day with your friends where you help each other do a manicure and create simple face masks from the contents of your fridge (an avocado and olive oil face mask always does the trick for me). Or go for a walk in a nearby park or wooded area.

Start by cutting up your credit cards. Only keep one debit card and then use cash for everything. Don’t have too much cash in your wallet at any one time. You might say you need to keep a credit card in your wallet ‘for emergencies’ but seriously, how often does an emergency happen in which a credit card on hand would make all the difference? If you do need money quickly, you could always phone a friend or family member to provide emergency relief.

Take a pause before you buy anything: consider if you absolutely need that item.

Analyze your spends: write down a spending diary. You will be surprised at all the little items that add up, such as the daily latte or the ‘occasional’ bottle of red to …

Nike Zoom Structure Triax+ 13 – Stability and Lightweight

The Nike Structure Triax 13 is one of Nike’s most popular running shoes. Why? It offers stability and support while maintaining flexibility. The shoe makes running comfortable and pleasurable due to its cushioning and lightweight nature.

Just like in the previous model, the Triax 13 provides stability due to the inclusion of a hard foam compound located on the internal side portion of the shoe. This feature provides support for the area where the foot may over-pronate. However, the Nike Structure Triax 13 extends this feature towards the center of the heel.

How does this shoe offer so much support to the over-pronator while still delivering a smooth ride? Well, this model contains Air Zoom units in the heel and in the forefoot and contains flex grooves in the forefoot to allow for natural foot movement. Another new feature in the Structure Triax 13 is the introduction of a Cuboid Pod, which assists in guiding the foot during the gait.

More New Features:

1. A heel strap overlap which keeps the foot in place during the run

2. Lightweight mesh upper with syntheric overlays which provides midfoot support without sacrificing breathability

3. A decoupled crash pad which provides a comfortable landing

4. The BRS 1000 heel gives a runner crash pad protection

The Nike Structure Triax 13 shoe battles over-pronating while still providing a well cushioned sole for smooth performance. Support and comfort for the moderate over-pronator not enough for you? The Nike Structure Triax 13 is also a gender specific engineered shoe. This means that the shoe is customized for the different needs of men and women. These features make it a great everyday running shoe. Considering the long lasting nature of this shoe, the price is fairly reasonable. The shoe comes in a variety of colors that will surely suit a multitude of runners.…

Is Online Shopping Better Than Actually Going to the Malls?

In the last few years, there has been a dramatic increase in online shopping. Despite difficult economic times, online shopping is thriving. There are a number of reasons why online shopping has become more popular than going to traditional ‘brick and mortar’ shopping malls.

Below are a number of reasons why online shopping is better than actually going to the malls:

1. Going to a traditional shopping mall requires getting ready, getting the proper clothing, doing your hair and make up, making sure you have your money, and getting in your vehicle and driving there. When you shop online, you just switch on the computer, connect to the internet, and start shopping. It is easy, convenient, and it does not matter what are wearing and what you look like.

2. Transportation can be a hassle when you shop at a traditional mall. You have to spend money on fuel, fight the traffic, locate a parking spot, and carry all your purchased items to the car. With online shopping, you don’t have to worry about transportation hassles and often your packages are delivered right to the door. If you don’t have a car, taking a bus can be a real hassle when going to a mall.

3. Shopping malls are well-known for the crowds. It can be frustrating trying to get the items you want to purchase. With online shopping, there are no pushy crowds and you can relax and enjoy your online shopping experience.

4. Shopping online is better for the environment. Most online retailers keep their items at a central distribution centre so there is less energy being used which is better for the planet. Retail stores have such energy consuming things as lights and heating and cooling units. As well, shipping from online stores is better on the environment. According to the Center for Energy and Climate Solutions, “shipping two 20 pound packages by overnight air – the most energy-intensive delivery mode – still uses 40 percent less fuel than driving 20 miles round-trip to the mall or store.”

5. Online shopping is a definite time saver. Most people shop on the weekends. Many shopping experiences at a traditional mall can take an entire day. Online shopping saves time so you can enjoy the rest of your weekend. Or, you may have the weekend free if you online shop during the weekday. You can shop any time of the day or night.

6. You can save a lot of money when you online shop. There are many deals on the internet just waiting to be scooped up. As well, most online shops offer free shipping on a certain amount purchased. You are also paying a cheaper price because online stores have less overhead.

7. Shopping online gives access to millions of different products. When you go to a shopping at a shopping mall, you only have access to what the stores have in stock so you end up going from store to store trying to find what you are looking for. Sometimes, it is not always available. When shopping online, you almost always find what you are looking for. You can also comparison shop to find the deals.

Online shopping is continuing to grow at astounding rates. With improvements in secure payment processing, the online shopping industry shows no signs of slowing down. More consumers are discovering that it is a great way to find exactly what you are looking for at a low price.…

Laval Tourist Attractions, Shopping, Nightlife and Travel Information

Laval is a beautiful town located on the River Mayenne. It is located in North Western France. The people of this beautiful city are called Lavallois. Itl is well known for its world famous racehorses. It is also famous for its agricultural also. It has a rich past and history.

Laval by Eurostar

Reaching Laval has now become an easy task. You can reach this wonderful city by a short and speedy journey. What you have to do is book your Eurostar ticket online and take your Eurostar train from St Pancras International station to Paris and then from Paris to Laval. By only one ticket you can travel to this charming city. So do not miss a chance to see the dream world of this wonderful city.

Laval Attractions

Laval is a home place of various amazing attractions. You can explore yourself in many historical as well as enjoyment places. Some most famous places are: –

Canoe- Kayak Laval: – It is situated in Halte Fluviale de Laval. It is a very beautiful place for outing.

Comite departmental de la Randonne Pedstre: – It is located in 84, avenue Robert Boron, Laval. Here you can enjoy riding trips and hikes.

Espace alain Gerbault: – It is a museum built in the memory of Alain Gerbault. It is situated in 10, rue du Douanier Rousseau, Laval.

Musee- ecole de la Perrine: – It is a world-class house of sculptures and arts made by local artists. It is situated in 10, rue du Douanier Rousseau, Laval.

Musee des Sciences: – It is a museum with a diversified collection of plants and animals. It is situated in 21, rue du Douanier Rousseau, Laval.

Bateau ‘Pays de Laval’: – It is a site seeing place of the countryside. It is situated in Halte Fluviale de Laval.

Espace Games: – An entertaining place and home for various adventurous games. It is situated in 28, Boulevard de l’lndustrie.

Le Monde des Petits Loups: – It is beautiful place situated in Rue Bruxelles, Laval.

Accommodations in Laval

You can enjoy living in relaxed resorts in Laval. Eurostar provides you the best hotels. So book your hotel along with your tickets. Save your money on booking your ticket and hotel online.

Hotel Kyriad Laval

La Gerbe de Ble

Marin hotel

Imperial

Citotel

Hotel Campanile Laval Ouest

Hotel du Centre

Laval nightlife

For a stunning nightlife you have to visit famous pubs, bars and discos of Laval. Here you will enjoy a real night fun. Some of the nightspots are as: –

O’Regans

Le Royal

Le Queen S Bar

L’Adventure Caf?�

Couleur Caf?�

Star Animation

Le Donjon

Archimaine- Tia

Shopping centers in Laval

Shopping in Laval is a very good experience. You can enjoy all kind of shopping in Laval. Various shopping centers in Laval are: –

Carrefour

Leclerc

Distri Center

Techi’logis

Complicite robe de mariee…