When we first started buying commercial real estate 15 years ago, our process looked a lot different than it does today. Our 15 year head start positions us as the experts of small town America. When retailers want to scale in small towns they know that we are the right partner to help them achieve that goal.

At Midwest Retail Properties (MRP), our real estate journey didn’t take the conventional path. Our approach was not grandiose or ostentatious; it was practical, rooted in the daily needs of small-town communities. This article unveils how the seemingly unsexy yet foolproof model of focusing on the daily needs of small communities became the cornerstone of our success.

As MRP ventures into new initiatives, our current achievements play a crucial role in shaping our long-term vision. By uncovering a huge opportunity in an untapped market ahead of other players, we are uniquely positioned as the expert for scaling in small towns.

Small towns offer distinct advantages for the success of essential service businesses. Unlike the saturated and competitive metropolitan markets, small towns have a reliable customer base for daily necessities. These businesses enjoy less competition and attract customers as far as 60 miles away.

As small towns across America continue to experience growth and revitalization, commercial real estate investors have a unique opportunity to capitalize on this trend. “Opportunities increase in suburbia and rural markets as brands look to expand outside of urban areas,” explained MRP’s VP Real Estate, John Cusumano. “Modernizing and enhancing retail strip centers in small towns attracts these high-quality brands to expand their footprint in this overlooked asset class.”

These property enhancements will boost value for retail real estate tenants in small towns, ensure your investments remain competitive in today’s market, and maximize returns.