In response to a pandemic that has hit the retail industry particularly hard, Weston’s Azor Advisory Services is leading a unique solution.
Today, Beth Azor, the retail real estate management and development firm’s owner, will host Space Tank for entrepreneurs and mom-and-pop businesses who need retail space. True to the inspiration behind its name, the businesses will use the social media platform Clubhouse to pitch to more than 50 landlords nationwide for a chance to be donated a currently vacant donated retail space for no charge for at least three months. The small businesses will pay for capital improvements and utilities and pay for a one-month security deposit.
Weston-based Azor Advisory Services joins an extensive list of landlords listening to pitches, including Westfield Group, Tanger Outlets, Brookfield, Kimco, Phillips Edison, Urban Edge, Brixmor, Simon Property Group, Sona Investments, Federal and more.
“Small independent businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, and as landlords, we have the opportunity to help some achieve the American Dream and stimulate the economy like no $1,200 check can,” Azor said in a release. “The pandemic has hurt a lot of mom-and-pop retailers and has left us with some unexpected vacancies, so why not put the space to good use and do our part to get the economy moving again?”
She adds, “We can help get them started and if things work out and they do well, then we can talk about a longer-term lease deal. It’s a win-win for us all.”
This isn’t the first time Azor has created ways to support mom-and-pop businesses. Her South Florida Independent Retailers Awards honored retailers in 2018 in an Oscars-like event and has earned the nickname Canvassing Queen. She hosts a podcast as well as workshops and training sessions for commercial real estate professionals throughout the country.
Small businesses must join Clubhouse to participate in the event at 7:30 p.m. Contact Azor for more information at beth@azoradvisoryservices.com.
