By: Business in Tucson, AZ

Tucson, AZ is a diverse city with a growing population and a thriving economy. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the discount store industry in Tucson, suggesting potential locations for a new discount store, and offering insights into the financial investments and return rates.

Population Distribution:

Tucson has a population of approximately 547,000 people, making it the secondlargest city in Arizona. The population is spread across various neighborhoods and residential areas. Some of the key residential areas in Tucson include:

  1. Catalina Foothills: Located on the northern edge of Tucson, this area is known for its affluent neighborhoods and highincome residents.
  2. Downtown Tucson: The heart of the city, downtown Tucson is characterized by a mix of residential and commercial buildings. It attracts a diverse population, including young professionals and students.
  3. Rita Ranch: Situated in the southeastern part of Tucson, Rita Ranch is a familyfriendly neighborhood with a growing population.
  4. Oro Valley: Located to the north of Tucson, Oro Valley is a highly desirable residential area with a wellestablished community.

Commercial Zones:

Tucson’s commercial zones are strategically scattered across the city, offering entrepreneurs various options for starting a discount store business. The following areas are particularly prominent:

  1. Park Place Mall: Situated on the east side of Tucson, Park Place Mall is the largest shopping mall in the city. It attracts a significant number of shoppers, making it an ideal location for a discount store.
  2. Tucson Mall: Located on the northwest side of the city, Tucson Mall is another popular shopping destination. Opening a discount store in this vicinity would provide access to a diverse customer base.
  3. El Con Center: Positioned in midtown Tucson, El Con Center is a wellknown shopping plaza that would provide ample opportunities for a discount store business.

Financial Investments and Return Rates:

Starting a discount store in Tucson, AZ requires careful financial planning. The initial investment is dependent on factors such as store size, location, and inventory. On average, setting up a discount store can cost between $50,000 to $150,000.

The success of a discount store largely depends on the pricing strategy, product selection, and customer service. A wellmanaged discount store can expect a return on investment within 1.5 to 3 years, with an average profit margin of 20% to 30%.

Ideal Locations for a Discount Store:

Considering the population distribution and commercial areas, the following locations are wellsuited for a discount store in Tucson, AZ:

  1. East Tucson: The presence of Park Place Mall, several residential areas, and easy access to major roads makes this area highly favorable for a discount store.
  2. Northwest Tucson: The vicinity of Tucson Mall and the surrounding neighborhoods provide an excellent customer base for a new discount store venture.
  3. Midtown Tucson: The presence of El Con Center, along with its central location, would attract a diverse range of customers and ensure steady foot traffic.

With its growing population, diverse neighborhoods, and thriving commercial zones, Tucson, AZ offers promising prospects for starting a discount store business. By strategically selecting a location and managing the financial investments wisely, entrepreneurs can tap into this market and achieve satisfactory returns on their investments. The discount store industry in Tucson is poised for success, given the city’s dynamic economic landscape and consumer demands.