A retail leasing consultant represents a retailer or brand when identifying, evaluating and securing commercial locations. This can include location strategy, site sourcing, landlord engagement, commercial assessment and lease negotiation.

RCD combines these services with direct access to landlords, developers and decision-makers across the markets in which its clients are expanding.

Retail tenant representation is the process of representing the retailer or occupier, rather than the landlord, during the search for and negotiation of retail premises.

RCD acts on behalf of retailers and brands, helping identify appropriate locations, evaluate opportunities, engage landlords and negotiate commercial terms aligned with the tenant's objectives.

This terminology is particularly common in markets such as the United States, although the underlying service is relevant to brands expanding internationally.

RCD combines active market intelligence with established relationships across landlords, developers and leasing decision-makers to identify locations that fit the brand’s customer, positioning, operational requirements and commercial model.

Through these relationships, RCD often hears about prime retail opportunities before they are publicly marketed or widely available, giving clients earlier access to sought-after locations and the ability to engage before wider competition.

Each opportunity is then assessed across location, visibility, adjacencies, unit configuration, commercial terms and long-term strategic fit before RCD recommends whether to proceed.

Yes. RCD has particularly strong landlord and developer relationships across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and wider GCC and supports retailers seeking locations across major malls, mixed-use developments, lifestyle destinations and other retail environments.

Yes. RCD's location and expansion capabilities extend beyond the GCC and Middle East.

Where a brand is expanding internationally, RCD can use its global network and market relationships to identify relevant opportunities and coordinate market, landlord and partner engagement across multiple territories.

No. RCD's role goes beyond introductions.

We help define the location strategy, identify suitable opportunities, assess individual sites, engage landlords, evaluate commercial terms and support negotiations through to commercial agreement.

Yes. RCD can negotiate the commercial terms of a new retail lease, including rent, service charges, fit-out periods, CAPEX contributions, landlord works, incentives and other relevant commercial provisions.

For rent reviews, renewals and renegotiations involving an existing lease, RCD also provides a dedicated Commercial Negotiations service.

Ideally before approaching individual landlords or committing to a specific destination.

Engaging RCD early allows the brand to define its location criteria, understand the relevant market and landlord landscape, compare opportunities and establish a commercial strategy before negotiations begin.