Definition
Strip Development (or Strip Shopping Center): A commercial land use arrangement characterized by retail establishments that line a major thoroughfare, each with its individual entrance from the street. Typically, such developments lack a central anchor tenant—unlike traditional malls—and rely heavily on visible signage to attract passing traffic.
Examples
- Retail Strip on Route 1: A stretch comprising various standalone outlets such as grocery stores, restaurants, and specialty shops that directly open onto the highway.
- Neighborhood Strip Center: A local series of small businesses including coffee shops, barbershops, and boutique stores on a busy neighborhood street.
- Fast Food Row: A lined collection of fast food restaurants each with direct driveway access on a main urban road.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is an anchor tenant?
An anchor tenant is a distinguished retail store (often a large department store or supermarket) intended to draw customers to a shopping center, usually found in malls rather than strip developments.
How does strip development differ from a mall?
Unlike shopping malls, strip developments do not have a centralized interior; each store opens directly to the outdoors and generally lacks a single major anchor tenant.
###Why are strip developments popular? Strip developments are favored due to their visibility, ease of access for vehicles, and lower construction costs compared to enclosed malls.
Do strip centers require substantial parking space?
Yes, ample parking is essential for strip centers to accommodate customers directly accessing each store.
What role does signage play in strip developments?
Signage is critical to attract passersby since the establishments rely on visibility from the road rather than foot traffic.
Related Terms
- Commercial Real Estate: Properties used for business purposes such as retail stores, offices, and industrial spaces.
- Anchor Tenant: The primary, large store intended to generate regular traffic to a shopping mall or center.
- Thoroughfare: A major road or highway.
Online Resources
- Urban Land Institute (ULI)
- Official Website
- Contains various resources on urban planning and commercial development.
- National Association of Realtors (NAR)
- International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC)
References
- “Real Estate Principles: A Value Approach” by David C. Ling and Wayne R Archer
- “Commercial Real Estate Analysis and Investments” by David M. Geltner and Norman G. Miller
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “The Complete Guide to Developing Commercial Real Estate” by Robert A. Wehrmeyer
- “Principles of Real Estate Practice” by Stephen Mettling and David Cusic
- “Property Development” by David Cadman and Rosalyn Topping
Real Estate Basics: Strip Development Fundamentals Quiz
### What distinguishes a strip development from a traditional mall?
- [x] Individual store entrances from the street
- [ ] An anchor tenant
- [ ] Indoor centralized layout
- [ ] Iconic architectural designs
> **Explanation:** Strip developments usually have stores with their own direct street access, unlike traditional malls that feature a centralized indoor area.
### Why is intensive signage important for strip developments?
- [x] To attract passing traffic
- [ ] For decorative purposes
- [ ] To meet regulatory requirements
- [ ] To show available parking
> **Explanation:** Signage is crucial as these businesses depend on visible advertisements to lure customers from the road.
### What type of tenant is generally absent in strip developments?
- [ ] Specialty stores
- [ ] Quick-service restaurants
- [ ] Coffee shops
- [x] An anchor tenant
> **Explanation:** An anchor tenant, usually found in malls, is typically absent in strip developments.
### Which of the following is a common characteristic of strip developments?
- [ ] Indoor shopping areas
- [ ] Centralized food courts
- [x] Direct access to a main road
- [ ] Multi-story layouts
> **Explanation:** Strip developments almost always have stores with direct access to a major thoroughfare.
### Which road feature is most likely associated with a strip shopping center?
- [x] A major thoroughfare
- [ ] A quiet residential street
- [ ] A cul-de-sac
- [ ] A dead-end road
> **Explanation:** Strip shopping centers are usually aligned along major thoroughfares to maximize visibility and accessibility.
### Why might strip developments be more cost-effective to construct than malls?
- [x] Lower construction costs without enclosed spaces
- [ ] Reduced interest rates
- [ ] Lesser zoning restrictions
- [ ] Lesser parking space requirements
> **Explanation:** Strip developments are cost-effective because they avoid the expense of constructing large enclosed areas.
### What primary role do strip centers serve in urban planning?
- [ ] Residential development
- [ ] Industrial operations
- [x] Retail and commercial convenience
- [ ] Educational institutions
> **Explanation:** Strip centers cater to retail and commercial needs, providing easy access points for everyday shopping.
### Which attribute is least significant in the success of a strip development?
- [ ] Visibility
- [ ] Ease of access
- [x] Height of the structures
- [ ] Signage
> **Explanation:** The height of the structures is typically not as crucial to the success of a strip development as factors like visibility and access.
### Which sector benefits the most from strip developments?
- [x] Retail
- [ ] Agriculture
- [ ] Manufacturing
- [ ] Residential
> **Explanation:** The retail sector gains the most from strip developments, where smaller businesses can thrive with direct street access.
### Are anchor tenants essential for the functionality of strip shopping centers?
- [ ] Yes, they are fundamental
- [x] No, they are rare in strip centers
- [ ] Only in certain areas
- [ ] If the developer insists
> **Explanation:** Anchor tenants are rare in strip centers, as these setups usually consist of smaller, independent retail outlets.
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