Retail leasing FAQ7: What percentage of my gross turnover should occupancy costs be?
What percentage of my gross turnover should occupancy costs be?
Benchmarks vary among different categories of retail and different levels of turnover (size of business)
May be as low as 6-8% or up to 10-12% but sadly, many retail businesses operate at above 20% which indicates either their turnover is too low or their rent is simply too high. Either way, these businesses are operating in a state of ‘financial distress’
Aim for no more than 10-12% of forecast turnover when agreeing to a new lease
If in a lease and OCR is >18%, you need to make drastic changes including seeking realignment of rent to turnover