Matanky Realty Group, a leading commercial real estate firm, recently represented their client American Freight Furniture & Mattress in locating and leasing a new location in Waukegan, Illinois. Senior Broker Scott Levinson worked closely with American Freight and the landlord’s broker CBRE to secure this ideal location at favorable terms.
Customers will soon enjoy furniture and appliance shopping at 1700 North Lewis Avenue, amid the best retail district in Waukegan. Major retail traffic drivers, such as Aldi, Ross Dress for Less, DD’s, Burlington, Citi Trends, Burger King, Shoe Carnival, and more surround the area.
The location suits American Freight ideally because it fits the demographics of their typical customer. Waukegan has a dense population of homeowners and families with young children, which are key targets markets for the retailer.
In addition to the ideal location, American Freight also negotiated a very favorable deal with Tony’s Fresh Market, the landlord of the property and their new neighbor as they will share the building with the existing Tony’s store. Within the agreement, American Freight will also be able to share the pylon signage on Lewis Avenue with Tony’s Fresh Market, allowing for excellent visibility.
This tenant representation deal posed some challenges. Both American Freight and Tony’s Fresh Market are known for driving a hard bargain, and American Freight also has special requirements for fire suppression in storing and selling flammable items like mattresses. However, through careful negotiation, Levinson facilitated an equitable deal that met the requirements for both landlord and tenant.
The new American Freight store expects to open in the early fourth quarter of 2023 and will complement the Waukegan retail scene. The store will provide residents with a convenient location to shop for furniture, mattresses, and home appliances while creating approximately 50 new jobs and generating millions of dollars in economic activity for the municipality.
Levinson and his team have a proven track record of success in negotiating favorable deals for their clients, and they always look for new opportunities to grow their business. If you are a retailer, franchise, or other business seeking expansion in the Midwest, check out our tenant representation services, and contact Matanky Realty Group today!