What Do Retail and Aviation CRE Have in Common?
Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport
When most people think of retail shopping centers and airport hangars, they picture two very different worlds: One is bustling with shoppers; the other humming with aircraft and maintenance crews. Yet, in commercial real estate (CRE), these seemingly disparate sectors share surprising similarities that savvy investors, brokers, and property owners should understand.
At Chandler James Retail Team & Aviation CRE, we specialize in both asset classes—and here’s why they have more in common than you might think:
1. Location Is Everything
Whether it’s a retail center on a busy highway or a hangar at a regional airport, success depends on strategic location. Proximity to traffic—be it foot traffic or air traffic—drives demand, occupancy, and ultimately, asset value.
2. Long-Term Leases Provide Stability
Both retail and aviation properties often benefit from long-term leases with established tenants. In retail, anchor tenants like grocery stores or national brands create stability. In aviation, fixed-base operators (FBOs) and corporate-aviation users commit to multi-year ground leases and hangar rentals, generating consistent cash flow. And in major hubs such as Nashville’s BNA, there have been a flurry of new restaurant openings in recent years, the majority of which are already well-established local, national, and regional brands.
3. Infrastructure Matters
Retail centers and aviation facilities share a need for specialized infrastructure: parking lots, lighting, utility capacity, and easy ingress/egress are critical for retail, while taxiways, ramp space, and airfield access are essential for aviation. Both require thoughtful design, ongoing capital investment, and sought-after amenities to remain competitive.
4. Niche Expertise Is a Must
Representing retail and aviation properties isn’t for generalists. Each sector demands deep market knowledge, familiarity with tenant expectations, and understanding of regulatory or zoning nuances. For example, retail brokers need to navigate co-tenancy clauses and exclusives, while aviation specialists must understand FAA regulations, airport authority policies, and ground-lease structures.
Tullahoma Regional Airport
5. Value-Add Opportunities Drive Returns
Investors in both sectors seek creative ways to add value—renovating storefronts or re-tenanting a shopping center in retail and expanding hangar space and improving amenities in aviation. These improvements can significantly increase rental income and property value.
Why It Matters for You
Chandler James offers our unique expertise in retail and aviation CRE, giving clients a competitive edge. By recognizing the shared fundamentals—and understanding the details that set them apart—we help owners, investors, and tenants achieve the best outcomes in both markets.
Whether you’re expanding your retail footprint or exploring aviation-property investments, our team is ready to guide you every step of the way.
