Over the years there have been a wide selection of shopfront improvement programs adopted by Councils and mainstreets. The quality of buildings and shops facing a mainstreet can have an impact on the market position of the street and the customer appeal. Shopping centres are very disciplined in this area as they implement clauses that call for a fitout of the shop on a periodical basis. The result is an upside for the Centre because modern, fresh, colourful and bright retail stores tend to attract more customers. In a mainstreet many property owners do not include a fitout clause in the lease and some shops can fall behind because they look old and tired. Often some fresh paint, a new sign and some bright lighting can give the store a lift.

Please consider some of the aspects detailed in this resource developed by the NYC Small Business Services Department.