What is the best unit of comparison for valuing the land of a retail store that requires a substantial display area?

In valuing the land for a retail store that requires a substantial display area, the front foot is often considered the most appropriate unit of comparison. This is primarily because retail properties are frequently valued based on their street visibility and access, which are heavily influenced by the frontage of the property. The front foot measurement focuses on the width of the property facing the street, which directly relates to its exposure and appeal for customers.

For retail establishments, particularly those that thrive on walk-in traffic and visibility, having a larger front foot measurement can enhance the attractiveness of the location, often translating to higher rental or purchase values. This is in contrast to other units of comparison. For example, the square foot measure might be useful for spaces where overall area is critical, but it fails to capture the specific advantage provided by valuable street frontage. Similarly, an acre or section may be too broad a measure for smaller retail sites, and unit area does not specifically address the importance of front visibility in a retail context.

Thus, using the front foot as a unit of comparison effectively highlights the characteristics that matter most in retail land valuation, specifically the exposure and access that impact a store's success.