I was wondering what type of square footage I out to look for in regards to retail space. Almost every site I have found that has decent exposure that I am needing are in the 1200-1400 sq, ft range. I just don't know if that is enough for floor space as well as storage. I have been looking for months and either find sites in that range or they are like 5400 sq ft and out of any reasonable monthly least. Average commercial lease rent is $14-$24 a sq ft here. Most all available rentals are in strip malls/centers. I found a couple of free standing places in the $9 sq ft range but their location is terrible and I would eliminate almost any drive by traffic. Of those of you that have started a shop, what type of sq ft needs am I looking at. My plan is to offer comprehensive all grain selection, wine kits, bulk extract as well as all of the other normal stuff.

You could get away with a really small shop if planned right. Figure a wall with shelvs for bulk grains 8' tall & about 12' long would be plenty. Bulk extract would be almost no space, 3' x 6' maybe. Maybe under the grains if need be?
Hops & yeast should be in a fridge. They take up little room. Equipment could be on a few shelves stacked. Use the top parts of your space for storage of extras. So if you have a few kits, put one on the shelf & stack the others up top. Most wholesalers only take 1 or 2 weeks so stocking alot isnt a huge deal.
All of the small stuff can be on a few shelves.
There is a shop in eugene oregon that is really small but they appeared to have everything when i was up there. I think the whole building was maybe 25' by 30 or 35'. & smaller would be doable for sure!! Its all about having the right products & placement of everything.
A consighnment place would be the ultimate to start. Pay them a percentage maybe. But it sounds like you have enough money, people, & possible customers to make a go of it in a decent sized shop. You could take advantage of this recession(yes, its here) we are going into also. People need to start doing stuff for themselves again. Making their own beer & wine is just the start. Groing food & making other stuff like bread, flour, whatever is a good idea to save some money too.
We are going to a green day here in town & i am planning on promoting my grain mills for bread, flour making. Most of the ingredients for beer can be used to make a ton of different foods.
Keep us updated on the plan!!

Just be ready to devote alot of time!! The best thing you can do is have the greatest customer service & support. You have to treat each & every customer like they are your best customer!! Because they are!! Without great customers you have no money. I will spend weeks & tons of emails or phone calls to sell a packet of yeast or a multikeg systemto somebody to make sure it is what they want & need. It doesnt matter what or how much they buy, as long as they are happy in the end & get what they needed.
It is very cool to have folks like on this board & ebay(over 500 so far) to be happy with all aspects of your service.

Makes me feel all warm & fuzzy!! Or maybe it is all of these rogue dead guy ales i have been drinkin?? Wow, i am buzzed!! I had to stay sober all weekend promoting at oktoberfest(got too drunk last year!!)!!