Founder-Led Commercial Lease Negotiations For Retailers & Brands Across The GCC, Middle East And Global Markets

A Strong Location Can Still Underperform If The Lease Terms No Longer Work

Market conditions change. Store performance changes. Landlord priorities change. Yet many retailers enter a rent review or lease renewal without first establishing what the location is worth today or where they have commercial leverage. RCD represents retailers and brands in rent reviews, lease renewals and existing lease renegotiations, using market knowledge, landlord relationships and commercial experience to establish the negotiation strategy and lead discussions directly with the landlord. The objective is simple: protect the location where it makes commercial sense, improve the terms wherever possible and ensure the lease continues to support the business.

Discuss Your Lease

What Are Some Of The Decisions That Shape A Successful Lease Negotiation?

A renewal should not simply roll forward the commercial terms that were agreed years earlier. Before negotiations begin, RCD looks at how the location, market, landlord relationship and economics have changed and determines where there is genuine room to negotiate.

  • Is The Current Rent Still Aligned With The Market?

    Assess the existing rent against current market conditions, comparable opportunities and the commercial reality of the location.

  • Are The Occupancy Costs Sustainable?

    Consider rent and other occupancy costs against store performance and the long-term value of retaining the location.

  • What Commercial Leverage Does The Brand Have?

    Understand the brand’s performance, landlord relationship, strategic value and alternative options before entering negotiations.

  • What Can Be Negotiated Beyond The Rent?

    Identify opportunities around incentives, rent-free periods, contributions, payment structures and other commercial terms.

  • Should The Existing Terms Be Restructured?

    Determine whether elements of the existing commercial agreement need to change to better reflect the current operating environment.

  • Is Renewal Still The Right Commercial Decision?

    Evaluate the value of retaining the location against alternative locations, relocation opportunities and the wider portfolio strategy.

A Lease Renewal Is A Negotiation Opportunity, Not An Administrative Exercise

What Our Commercial Negotiation Service Includes

  • Commercial Terms Review

    RCD reviews the existing commercial structure, current obligations and upcoming negotiation points to identify where terms may need to change.

  • Rent Reviews & Market Benchmarking

    We assess current rent against relevant market conditions and comparable retail opportunities to establish a commercially grounded position before discussions begin.

  • Lease Renewal Negotiations

    RCD develops the renewal strategy and leads negotiations directly with the landlord on behalf of the retailer or brand.

  • Landlord Engagement & Negotiation

    We engage directly with landlord decision-makers, present the commercial case and manage negotiations through to agreed commercial terms.

  • Incentives & Commercial Concessions

    Where relevant, RCD negotiates beyond headline rent, including incentives, rent-free periods, contributions, payment structures and other commercial concessions.

  • Existing Lease Renegotiations

    Where an existing lease is no longer commercially sustainable, RCD works with the brand to establish the required changes and leads negotiations with the landlord.

The Right Commercial Terms Can Protect The Long-Term Value Of A Great Location

Who We Help

  • Retailers Approaching Lease Renewal

    For brands preparing to renew an existing store and wanting to establish their commercial position before landlord negotiations begin.

  • Brands Facing Rent Reviews Or Rental Increases

    For retailers seeking market context and experienced representation before agreeing revised rental terms.

  • Retailers Renegotiating Existing Lease Terms

    For businesses whose existing commercial terms no longer reflect store performance, market conditions or operating requirements.

  • Multi-Site Retailers Managing Multiple Leases

    For brands that need a consistent commercial approach across a wider portfolio of upcoming renewals and negotiations.

Commercial Experience That Creates Leverage

We Know The Landlords. We Know The Market. We Know The Numbers. We Lead The Negotiation. We Secure The Terms.

  • Our Markets

    13+ Regional & International Markets

  • Our Network

    25 Landlords | 170+ Retail Destinations

  • Our Clients

    Fashion | Hospitality | Luxury | F&B | Wellness | FEC

About The Founders

Youssef and James bring a combined 25+ years of retail and landlord experience across the Middle East, helping to shape some of the region's most recognised retail destinations and brands.

  • Youssef Bounaga

    Co-Founder

  • 600+ Stores Managed

    Together, they have led leasing for 600+ stores at GMG (including Nike) and held senior roles at Emaar and Aldar.

  • James Poole

    Co-Founder

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does A Retail Lease Negotiation Consultant Do?

A retail lease negotiation consultant represents the retailer or occupier when negotiating commercial terms with a landlord.

RCD reviews the commercial position, develops the negotiation strategy and leads discussions directly with the landlord on behalf of the brand.

When Should We Start Lease Renewal Negotiations?

Ideally, well before the existing lease expires.

Starting early gives the retailer time to assess current market conditions, establish its negotiating position, understand alternative options and enter landlord discussions without unnecessary time pressure.

Can RCD Help With Rent Reviews Or Proposed Rent Increases?

Yes. RCD assesses the existing rent against current market conditions and relevant comparable opportunities, develops the commercial strategy and leads negotiations with the landlord.

What Can RCD Negotiate Besides Rent?

Depending on the lease and circumstances, negotiations may extend beyond headline rent to incentives, rent-free periods, contributions, payment structures and other commercial terms that affect the economics of the store.

Can RCD Renegotiate An Existing Retail Lease?

Yes. Where the existing commercial structure no longer reflects market conditions, store performance or the retailer's operating requirements, RCD can develop a renegotiation strategy and lead discussions with the landlord.

Does RCD Lead The Negotiation With The Landlord?

Yes. RCD does not simply advise from the sidelines.

The founders engage directly with the landlord and lead the commercial negotiation on behalf of the client, from establishing the negotiating position through to agreeing the commercial terms.

Does RCD Provide Legal Advice On Retail Leases?

No. RCD leads the commercial negotiation and provides commercial input into lease terms. Legal advice and review of the legal lease documentation should remain with the client's appointed lawyers.

Can RCD Support Commercial Negotiations Across Global Markets?

Yes. RCD supports retailers and brands across global markets, while bringing particularly deep landlord relationships and market experience across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and wider GCC.

Time To Renegotiate Your Lease?

Tell Us Which Locations Are Approaching Rent Review Or Renewal And What You Want The Next Commercial Cycle To Achieve.

What Do You Need Support With?

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