Score: 72.5/100. 2.8M people. $55K income.
Best Retail Store Location in St. Louis
The St. Louis market combines a 293K population base, $22/sqft lease rates, and moderate competitive pressure—yielding distinct dynamics for retail store operators.
St. Louis retail store economics: $120K investment, $55K target demographic, 2.2x cost-to-income.
Find the Best Retail Store Location in St. Louis
Our location intelligence platform analyzes St. Louis's commercial landscape. Explore the map to identify high-potential streets with demand-supply gaps.
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St. Louis, United States
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How St. Louis Scores for Retail Stores
What makes St. Louis distinct for retail store operators
Market Opportunity
Based on 7 comprehensive market factors
Financial Overview
Get Your St. Louis Location Analysis
Access detailed foot traffic data, competitor locations, and demographic breakdowns for every St. Louis neighborhood.
Why St. Louis for Retail Store?
detailed market profiling
Market Position
St. Louis positioning
St. Louis retail store economics: $120K investment, $55K target demographic, 2.2x cost-to-income.
Real estate: $22 per sqft, pedestrian index 70/100, projecting $22,000 monthly occupancy cost.
2.8M metro residents earning $55,000 on average create a $155B addressable market.
Competitive landscape shows moderate density with moderate momentum (2.2x investment ratio).
Viability assessment: 2.2x capital needs, 70/100 exposure, $22/sqft overhead yields 81/100 score.
Local economy driven by Healthcare, Biotechnology—households averaging $55K.
Baseline 2.5% expansion against moderate competition. Standard entry dynamics.
$120K startup. 26 local income-months to break even.
Competitive Position
National ranking for retail stores
Score: 72.5/100. 2.8M people. $55K income.
Retail Store costs $120K to open. Income ratio: 0.46x.
Traffic: 70. Rent: $22/sqft. Income: $55K.
Moderate growth. Moderate competition. Score: 72.5.
2.8M metro. $22/sqft rent. 70 foot traffic.
$120K startup. $22,000/mo rent. 26 income-months to recoup.
Score 72.5. Average conditions. Execution decides success.
$155.1B total income across 2.8M people.
Strategic Recommendations
Actionable strategies tailored for St. Louis
Moderate growth. Moderate competition. Plan accordingly.
Traffic: 70. Rent: $22/sqft. $22,000/mo for 1000 sqft.
$55K income. Standard pricing. Test and adjust.
Retail Store: $120K to open. 26 income-months to recoup.
Traffic 70. Balanced. Mix storefront and digital.
2.8M metro. $55K income. 2-3 locations possible.
$264,000/yr rent. 480.0% of local income. Factor that in.
Moderate growth. Moderate competition. Execution decides success.
Launch Timing & Momentum
Align your opening window with market-ready signals
Entry Signal
Cautious - High Preparation
Current conditions in St. Louis favor waiting over rushing. Spend 6-12 months building relationships, studying successful operators, and refining your concept. Enter when you can identify a clear opening that competitors haven't filled.
- ⚖️ Moderate competition - balanced market entry
Seasonal Levers
- Holiday shopping
- Back-to-school
- Seasonal merchandise
How St. Louis exceeds
scaled across 2.8M consumers
St. Louis's $55,000 average income runs 36% above the $40,492 national benchmark, supporting premium pricing.
St. Louis's $22/sqft lease rates undercut the $33/sqft benchmark by 32%.
St. Louis's 70/100 walkability index runs 11% lower than typical (79/100).
Regional reach of 2.8M positions St. Louis 27% below the 3.8M standard.
Retail Store Market Analysis for St. Louis
Why St. Louis for Retail Stores?
- Metro population of 2,820,000 provides large customer base
- Average income of $55,000 supports retail store spending
- Moderate business density indicates healthy economic activity
- Strong foot traffic opportunities throughout the city
- Strong demographics opportunities throughout the city
Retail Store Success Factors
Seasonal Considerations for St. Louis
Holiday shopping
Back-to-school
Seasonal merchandise
Where to Set Up in St. Louis
Where $22/sqft meets 70/100 foot traffic in St. Louis
Downtown St. Louis
High PotentialBusiness District
Strong WeekdaySuburban Areas
Growth AreaSt. Louis vs Other United States Cities for Retail Stores
| City | Population | Avg Income | Market Score | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis ⭐ | 2,820,000 | $55,000 |
|
Current City |
| Atlanta | 6,307,000 | $71,000 |
|
Details → |
| Plano | 7,760,000 | $102,000 |
|
Compare → |
| Frisco | 7,760,000 | $127,000 |
|
Check it → |
| Fort Lauderdale | 6,166,000 | $73,000 |
|
Review → |
Retail Store Insights Unique to St. Louis
Every business + city URL now shows a different mix of ratios, rent dynamics, and demand levers.
In St. Louis, Shopping patterns becomes the tiebreaker.
St. Louis outperforms Atlanta by -18 points on the opportunity index, highlighting why the city commands premium rents.
Our retail store opportunity index scores St. Louis at 72/100—reflecting $55,000 resident earnings and 70 traffic rating.
2.8M metro residents earning $55,000 on average create a $155B addressable market.
Retail Store FAQs for St. Louis
Each answer references real St. Louis data so this section is unique across the site.
What operational lever matters most for retail stores in St. Louis?
Shopping patterns should lead your playbook when launching in St. Louis.
How does St. Louis compare to other retail store markets?
St. Louis outperforms Atlanta by -18 points on the opportunity index, highlighting why the city commands premium rents.
What playbook works best for retail stores in St. Louis?
Traffic 70. Balanced. Mix storefront and digital.
What makes the St. Louis market distinctive?
2.8M metro residents earning $55,000 on average create a $155B addressable market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Our analysis combines multiple authoritative data sources
Economic Data
- World Bank Open Data
- International Monetary Fund (IMF)
- National Census Bureaus
Business Intelligence
- Ease of Doing Business Index
- Global Innovation Index
- Industry Association Reports
Demographics
- UN Population Division
- Municipal Open Data Portals
- Consumer Expenditure Surveys
Real Estate
- Commercial Real Estate Listings
- CoStar Market Analytics
- Local Zoning Databases
Methodology Note: Our opportunity scores are calculated using a weighted algorithm that considers population density, income levels, competition saturation, commercial rent costs, and industry-specific success factors. Data is refreshed quarterly from authoritative sources. Individual results may vary based on specific business circumstances, local regulations, and market conditions not captured in aggregate data.
Ready to Open Your Retail Store in St. Louis?
Cautious - High Preparation with a 72/100 opportunity score, moderate competition, and a 70/100 foot traffic index. Current conditions in St. Louis favor waiting over rushing. Spend 6-12 months building relationships, studying successful operators, and refining your concept. Enter when you can identify a clear opening that competitors haven't filled.