30 Businesses That Benefit From Using Flex Commercial Space

In the last 5 years, we’ve seen a surge in businesses that require more flexibility when it comes to commercial real estate options. Suppliers, contractors, creative businesses, research and development firms, and startups in a variety of industries are focusing on versatile spaces that provide a higher level of flexibility both in the lease terms and in the building itself. Because of this, it’s no surprise that flex space usage has soared. Commercial flex space blends warehouse and office space into one building, giving users the opportunity to make better use of the area.

Although the demand for flex space has increased all over the country, the greater Charlotte areas in North Carolina and South Carolina continue to shine with prime flex spaces amidst a burgeoning economy, efficient interstates, and a welcoming community.

What is Flex Space?

Flex space is a type of commercial property that combines office space and warehouse space in one building. These properties typically offer:

• Short-term leases
• Easily-accessible, key locations
• Adaptable, multi-functional space
• Affordable rates
• A single-story building, typically including a warehouse with loading capabilities and a front-facing office and collaboration area

For small businesses, companies that are continuously evolving, or those who need different types of space for various uses, flex space provides a strategic option.

Benefits of Flex Space

Typical Flex Building Space Layout

What are some of the benefits of flex space? Here are 5 of the top reasons why an array of businesses are choosing the flex route.

1. Cost savings. Flex spaces typically cost a fraction of the price per square foot of traditional offices, which can add up to major annual savings, especially for companies who don’t need excessive or class A office space.
2. One rent payment. With only one building, not only do businesses save money, but employees or owners can easily move from hands-on to administrative or communication tasks, without having to travel.
3. Adaptability. Flex spaces often have flexible layouts, making it easy for companies to adjust during peak seasons or as the business model changes.
4. Collaboration. Flex buildings are sometimes shared by multiple tenants, which promotes collaboration and can provide more options for businesses to adjust within the space.
5. Less commitment. With shorter leases, flex spaces make a great option for startups who aren’t sure how the business will change in the near future.

30 Businesses That Benefit From Using Flex Commercial Space

As flex space continues to rise in popularity, more industries are capitalizing on its many benefits. Here are 30 businesses that are taking advantage of the adaptability, affordability, and convenience that flex commercial properties have to offer.

Distribution and Warehousing Businesses

1. E-commerce Fulfillment Centers

E-commerce fulfillment and distribution centers rely on flex space to provide warehouse storage as well as flexible office space for administrative tasks. These businesses need room to manage and prepare orders, store inventory, and process returns. But they also require dedicated work zones for customer service and admin work.

In addition, smaller fulfillment hubs in different cities and states allow for faster fulfillment times.

2. Wholesale Suppliers

Wholesale suppliers generally need a significant amount of warehouse storage space for bulk product storage and shipping processes. At the same time, they also require some margin of office space for sales reps, admin tasks, and other administrative business operations.

3. Logistics and Freight Companies

Logistics and freight companies – large and small – need a combination of warehouse and office space to keep operations going. From major transportation services such as UPS, FedEx, and Amazon Logistics, to smaller transporters, most logistics companies can’t work without both types of space (office and warehouse).

Industrial flex space gives these types of businesses the open floor plan, higher clear heights, and loading docks that they need for storage and staging, while offering easy access to a combined flex office space for dispatch and operations management.

Service & Repair Companies

4. General Contractors

General contractors benefit from flex space as they’re able to not only combine their needs into one building, but also enjoy convenient locations that allow for easy access to a wide customer base.

For contractors, flex space provides enough room for storing materials and equipment, staging, and more, while also having a designated area for project management (quoting, planning, budgeting, scheduling) and client communications.

5. Construction Companies

For construction companies, flex property can be a valuable asset. For these types of businesses, flex space offers enough warehouse square footage for meeting the specific needs of the company, without the business also having to lease a separate space for planning, budgeting, and other project management tasks.

6. HVAC and Plumbing Contractors

For HVAC companies and plumbers, flex space allows the business to both store products and equipment while also completing admin tasks and client communication in the same building.

For smaller companies especially, flex space offers the benefit of leasing just one space for conducting all of the business operations.

7. Electricians

For electricians, flex space means that there’s room for an office, workshop, and for storing equipment all under the same roof. Flex spaces are also typically close to highways and other major transportation hubs, which makes it easy for electricians to quickly travel to a wide client base, as well as to easily send and receive products when needed.

8. Appliance Repair Services

The warehouse portion of flex real estate makes it easy for appliance repair businesses to store appliances and equipment, as well as to have plenty of space to work in the shop when needed. Of course, the attached office space means that client communication and other business needs can happen too, without having to leave the building.

The lower cost of flex space units – compared to traditional commercial office spaces – makes it more feasible for the same employee or business owner to bounce back and forth between the warehouse and office while still keeping costs down.

9. Roofers

Flex space offers roofing contractors the ability to stage, store equipment and materials, and complete office tasks (such as estimating, project management, and dispatch) all in the same building. Most flex spaces come with a loading dock, which also makes it simple to quickly and easily move materials in and out of the building.

In addition, the flexibility that this type of space provides often means that the business has the opportunity to expand or contract as the seasons ebb and flow, storing more materials during peak season and perhaps saving a bit on rent during the off season.

10. Cleaning Companies

With flex space, cleaning companies have room to store supplies, keep laundry machines, and still perform client communication and billing tasks.

For cleaning service companies, timeliness is everything. The closer to clients, the more income can be generated in a day. The convenient locations of flex properties align perfectly with this need.

11. Pest Control Companies

For residential and commercial pest control companies, wildlife management companies, and specialized pest control businesses, flex space provides easily-adjustable spatial layouts that fit the company’s needs. From chemical and equipment storage to handy loading ramps, these buildings make it easy to adjust the space to the business’s needs, rather than vice versa.

12. Mobile Workforces

Flex space allows mobile workforces to be highly adaptable while also keeping costs low. The ability to synchronize the space to the company’s current needs allows mobile employees to thrive, whether they need individual workspaces, team meeting rooms, or open lounges.

Many flex spaces are equipped with essential amenities such as high-speed internet, printers, and conference rooms, which allow mobile employees to jump-start their productivity from day 1 in the office.

13. IT and Tech Service Companies

For IT and tech companies, flex space provides the office space that’s needed for client interaction, managing accounts, and more, while the warehouse offers room for storing servers, parts, cables, and other equipment.

Flexible spaces also allow companies to expand or reduce as needed.

Production & Creative Businesses

14. Event Planning and Production Companies

Event planning and production companies use flex space to handle both planning and storage in the same building. While the front of the building can be used for client meetings and planning, the warehouse portion offers space for equipment, props, and décor storage.

15. Film and Photography Studios

While photographers and filmmakers need office and studio space for editing and planning, using traditional office spaces to store lighting, gear, and props can be expensive. The warehouse portion that flex space offers makes it much more affordable to store gear and manage office tasks.

16. Printing and Signage Businesses

Printing services and signage companies need plenty of space for materials, machinery, and completing printing processes. However, most also need a customer-facing area for interaction and sometimes for design meetings. Flex space offers both portions in one building, as well as flexible building orientations that allow for companies to customize the space.

17. Marketing and Promotional Companies

For marketing companies who are creating lots of materials, displays, and signage, having a warehouse gives room for production and storage at a more affordable rate. At the same time, flex buildings offer offices where teams can collaborate and create, as well as meet with clients.

Research & Development Firms

18. Biotech and Pharmaceutical Startups

In the pharmaceutical industry, flex space gives companies the ability to have lab room and office space joined together under one roof. Flex warehouses also offer secure storage right on site for products and supplies, with at least one warehouse door for easy loading.

19. Product Development Companies

Flex space benefits product development companies by providing an adaptable environment for collaboration, brainstorming, R&D labs, prototyping, and even small-scale production.

The blend of industrial infrastructure (roll-up doors, high ceilings, and robust utilities) with office square footage and a customer-facing area allows all elements of the business to be completed in the same building – with only one monthly rent payment.

20. Engineering Firms

Engineering firms like using flexible spaces since they offer both office space (for planning and engineering) and adjacent warehouse space for prototyping, testing, and other product development tasks.

Flex spaces also offer adaptable rooms for collaboration and can often be adjusted as the business expands.

Fitness & Recreation Businesses

21. Sports Training Facilities

Sports trainers and athletic facilities often take advantage of flex space by adapting the warehouse portion for use as a training center. These large areas provide adequate and affordable space for equipment and coaching, and warehouse doors also make it easy to move equipment in and out when needed.

On the front end, they also offer offices for administration and coaching staff.

22. Gyms and CrossFit Studios

Large warehouses can easily be transformed into gyms and CrossFit studios at an affordable monthly rental rate. And not only do these properties cost-effectively offer gym space and administrative space together, but they also provide flexibility for maximizing the space during peak seasons, such as at the start of the new year.

23. Yoga Studios

Flex spaces give yoga studios versatility. With a flexible space, it’s easy to reconfigure for different class sizes and types of yoga (i.e. hot yoga, meditation, workshops), as well as for special events.

Food & Beverage Operations

24. Catering Companies

In flex real estate spaces, catering companies can conduct client relations and event coordination tasks in the office, while the flex warehouse space is used for storing equipment, inventory, and even for kitchen areas.

25. Meal Prep and Delivery Services

Meal prep and meal delivery services use flex warehouse space for kitchen work and cold storage, while reserving the office for operations management. Having both types of space in one building makes it easy for employees to bounce back and forth between tasks if needed.

26. Food Product and Distribution Companies

Flex warehouses can often be easily equipped with refrigerator and freezer space for storing packaged or perishable products. At the same time, administrative offices allow for coordination in the same building.

Flex properties are usually located near major highways or interstates, making it easy to disperse products to clients.

Art & Specialty Trades

27. Interior Design Companies

Interior design companies who need space for staging, storing products, and showrooms benefit from the adaptability that flex space offers, while also reserving offices for design meetings and client consultations.

28. Custom Furniture Businesses

Warehouses give custom furniture businesses room to store tools and equipment and build custom designs, as well as provide overhead doors for moving equipment and large pieces of furniture in and out easily as needed.

At the same time, a front-facing office leaves room for design consults, administrative tasks, and possibly even showroom pieces.

29. Cabinetry Shops

With flex space, cabinetry shops can complete administrative tasks and client communication all while cabinets are being built, assembled, finished, and stored just on the other side of the door.

Loading docks and doors also make it easy to send and receive heavy or delicate cabinetry shipments.

30. Specialty Trade Showrooms

Products and styles are always evolving, and the open floor plans that flex spaces offer allow businesses to continually customize a visually appealing showroom while also providing back-end storage and workshop areas.

The ability to store products, create display rooms, and have office space in the same building streamlines operations and cuts costs, too.

FAQs About Businesses That Benefit from Charlotte Flex Space

What are the main benefits of leasing flex space?

Combining office and warehouse space into one building, some of the top benefits of leasing flex space include:

• Shorter leases
• Prime locations near transportation hubs 
• Adaptable indoor square footage
• Affordable pricing

What types of businesses use flex space?

Top businesses benefiting from flex building leases include:

1. E-commerce fulfillment
2. Wholesale suppliers
3. Logistics and freight
4. General contractors
5. Construction companies
6. HVAC and plumbing
7. Electricians
8. Appliance repair services
9. Roofers
10. Cleaning companies
11. Pest control companies
12. Mobile workforces
13. IT and tech service companies
14. Event planning and production
15. Film and photography studios
16. Printing and signage 
17. Marketing and promotional
18. Biotech and pharmaceutical
19. Product development
20. Engineering firms
21. Sports training facilities
22. Gyms and CrossFit studios
23. Yoga studios
24. Catering companies
25. Meal prep and delivery services
26. Food product and distribution
27. Interior designers
28. Custom furniture builders
29. Cabinetry shops
30. Specialty trade showrooms

How long is a typical flex space lease?

Flex leases are shorter than traditional commercial leases, ranging from month-to-month or quarterly to 1-3-year leases. 

These shorter lease terms give businesses more versatility and are especially popular with startups and companies that anticipate quickly-changing business needs.

Can flex space be used for retail?

Flex space is especially popular in retail businesses that also do e-commerce, as it provides warehouse square footage for storage needs. 

Flex is also a good choice for showroom businesses (such as interior designers, custom furniture makers, and cabinetry shops), as it provides areas for showroom setup, retail, and office space.

Why do so many service businesses in Charlotte use flex space?

General contractors, construction companies, HVAC, cleaning companies, and others benefit from the warehouse + office setup that flex space provides. In addition, the convenient flex locations along Charlotte’s highways and interstates offer quick access to a broad client base.

Find Your Flex Space in Charlotte, NC

Our Charlotte-based team at Regent Commercial Real Estate understands the ins and outs of the flex market in the greater Charlotte area. No matter your industry, we can help you find the best space to fit your needs.

Using comprehensive search database tools, a deep understanding of the metro Charlotte neighborhoods, and a web of industry connections, we’re here to guide you on your search so that you can focus on your business. With nearly 1000 sales and lease transactions under our belt, we understand that your real estate property directly impacts the success of your company.

Request a free market report or contact us to get started.