Renting retail space in Vienna's Mariahilfer Straße or Salzburg's Getreidegasse sounds promising - but carries high risks. The city centers of Austria's major cities are suffering from vacancies and a loss of footfall. This makes a well thought-out retail space strategy all the more important. We will show you the 5 levers you can use to future-proof your retail property.
1. location assessment: frequency, environment & target group
If you want to rent retail space, you need to know more than just footfall and prices per square meter. More important are:
| Criterion | Vienna: Mariahilfer Straße | Salzburg: Getreidegasse |
| Pedestrian frequency | > 50,000/day | around 30,000/day at tourist peak |
| Sector mix | Textiles, electronics, gastronomy | Luxury, souvenir, gastronomy |
| Target groups | Students, tourists, families | Tourists, day visitors |
| Rent level (m²/month) | €50 - €200 (depending on section) | €30 - €130 |
2. turnover-based rent & graduated models: stay flexible
A fixed rental agreement is a risk in volatile times - for tenants and Landlords. Turnover rents or graduated rent models are sensible Alternatives.
| Model | Advantage for tenants | Advantage for landlords |
| Turnover rent | Low fixed costs with weak sales | Higher income with good performance |
| Staggered model | Predictable increase, no rent shocks | Long-term commitment with increasing profitability |
3. frequency data & analysis: knowing what's going on when
No strategy without numbers: Frequency data helps to identify peak times and optimize personnel or marketing. Tools like Invenium Mobility Insights or MotionTag are increasingly being used in cities to evaluate movement data at street level.
| Tool | Advantage | Availability Vienna/Salzburg |
| Invenium | Real-time data, heat maps, forecasts | usable in pilot projects |
| MotionTag | App-based, detailed customer profiles | selectively in use |
4. fit-out & brand image: not just for flagship stores
A clever business premises strategy starts with the space: walls, lighting, signage - everything speaks for or against your brand. Invest in it:
- Modular interior fittings (e.g. click-in systems)
- Lighting concepts per time of day
- Smart changing rooms or self-checkout
Tip: Use Subsidy programs from the City of Vienna or the Province of Salzburg for conversion or accessibility!
5. pop-up tests & interim use: risk-free location testing
Before concluding a 5-year rental agreement, it is worth Pop-up: From the Interim use up to the temporary retail space there are many models today.
| Format | Typical duration | Advantage |
| Pop-up store | 2 weeks - 6 months | Market testing, marketing booster |
| Concept Space | daily/week | Flexible, short notice period |
| Interim use | 3-18 months | Special conditions, little risk |
Key Takeaways
- Rent retail space? Be sure to analyze location data and target groups.
- Flexible rental models protect against fixed cost traps.
- Use Frequency data tools for ongoing optimization.
- Fit-out determines brand impact and length of stay.
- With Pop-up stores Test new layers without risk!
Conclusion: Think strategically, stay flexible
Whether Vienna or Salzburg - if you want to rent retail space today, you need more than just a good lease. Successful retail space strategies rely on data, flexibility and targeted brand staging. Especially now: rethink city center locations - don't give up.
Get advice now: Kroy Real Estate
FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers
How much does it cost to rent a retail space in Vienna or Salzburg?
Prices vary greatly depending on location, size and condition. In central locations in Vienna (e.g. Mariahilfer Strasse), rents are usually between €50 and €200/m²in Salzburg between €30 and €130/m². Cheaper pop-up options or interim uses are available.
Which rental models make sense for new business premises?
In addition to traditional fixed rents Turnover rents or Graduated rents on. These reduce the risk for new concepts as they are geared towards business development.
How do I find out whether a location has enough frequency?
Use tools such as Invenium or MotionTagor use local frequency studies. Google Maps live visitor numbers or local chamber of commerce data can also be helpful.
What is a good business location strategy in the city center?
Combine the best strategies:
Situation assessment by target group
Flexible rental models
A strong brand presence in the fit-out
Test phases with pop-up stores
Data-based decisions
Can I test my business concept first?
Yes, pop-up stores or short-term interim uses enable a low-cost and low-risk start. Many space providers offer flexible short-term rentals - especially in Vienna and Salzburg.
