What pitfalls should I avoid in signing a commercial lease for retail space?

Answer 1

There are so many possible "pitfalls" that I can't begin to describe them here. Most commercial leases I've seen are 30-40 pages of single-spaced typing on legal size paper. That means an awful lot of possible pitfalls.

I recommend that you have the lease reviewed by an attorney before you sign. The attorney will explain each of the provisions to you and may be able to negotiate some of those possible pitfalls with the landlord.

Answer 2

One good point, if you can get it. The ability to sublease, if you move before the lease expires. Not easy sometimes.