Where should commercial land be marketed for retail buyers?

Commercial land targeted at retail buyers should be marketed through a strategic mix of digital platforms, local networks, brokerage channels, and direct outreach to reach active developers, franchise operators, and investor groups. The goal is to place the property where retail decision-makers are actively searching for sites, while also highlighting location advantages, traffic data, and zoning compatibility.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of where and how commercial land should be marketed for maximum visibility to retail buyers:

Online Commercial Real Estate Platforms

LoopNet

• The most widely used platform for retail land listings and property searches
  
• Offers high exposure to brokers, developers, and retailers nationwide
  
• Supports maps, traffic counts, zoning tags, and custom brochures
  

Crexi

• Popular with investors, developers, and brokers
  
• Allows you to list commercial land with analytics, comps, and marketing dashboards
  

Land.com Network (LandWatch, Lands of America, Land And Farm)

• Great for larger tracts or pad sites that may suit retail, mixed-use, or redevelopment
  
• Strong reach among franchise developers and expansion teams
  

CoStar (Broker-Only Access)

• Used by institutional buyers and national retailers
  
• Listing here requires a commercial broker subscription, but offers in-depth analytics and comparables

Targeted Outreach to Franchise and Retail Chains

• Contact site selectors or real estate managers for:
  
  • Fast food/QSR chains
    
  • Gas station operators
    
  • Grocery stores and convenience retailers
    
  • Pharmacies and healthcare clinics
    
• Include a custom site flyer or development package showing:
  
  • Traffic counts
    
  • Zoning and utilities
    
  • Radius demographics and competition map

Commercial Broker Network

• Partner with a local or regional commercial real estate broker who:
  
  • Specializes in retail site selection
    
  • Maintains relationships with active franchisees, developers, and REITs
    
• Brokers often conduct off-market matchmaking and have access to buyers not visible online
  
• Can help structure deals that appeal to build-to-suit or ground lease buyers

Local and Regional Economic Development Agencies

• List the property with the local economic development office or chamber of commerce
  
• Many municipalities maintain databases of available commercial sites to attract retailers and developers
  
• These channels appeal to businesses seeking expansion in incentive zones or redevelopment districts

Email Campaigns and Industry Newsletters

• Use tools like PropertySend, Buildout, or Brevitas to launch branded email campaigns targeting commercial brokers and developers
  
• Advertise in industry newsletters like:
  
  • RetailWire
    
  • ICSC Exchange (International Council of Shopping Centers)
    
  • BizBuySell (for owner-operator buyers)

Signage and Site Visibility

• Install high-quality signage at the property, especially at corners and main roads
  
• Include QR codes or texting options for mobile leads
  
• Many retail site decisions are made by drive-by observation, especially by franchisees scouting locations

Social Media and Paid Ads

• Promote the listing on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram, targeting:
  
  • Retail developers
    
  • Business owners
    
  • Real estate investors
    
• Use geofencing or location-based ads to target viewers near similar development zones or within industry events

Real Estate Investment Forums and Databases

• List in groups or forums like:
  
  • BiggerPockets (Commercial & Development Sections)
    
  • Connected Investors
    
  • Retail Lease Trac (for direct outreach)