Location is key, as stated.
I'm with Anne... yes, the internet is hot for buying, and I, too, buy things online. However, nothing substitutes for the actual merchandise being right before the customer. You can then appeal to all five senses (well, four in my case anyway, since I will be a bit worried if someone comes into my truck and starts tasting the tools.)
How is your inventory levels? Sometimes, you can sell on a website with just a picture. Do you have product enough to fill a ??? square foot store?
Who is your clientelle? Do you have enough local target market to make it work? Is your business niche enough, with enough of a powerful draw that your customers will come to you? If so, a downtown location, or a strip mall location might work. You will be able to save on the rent by relying on this. However, much of your rent savings could be consumed by the increased need for marketing to get people to your door. If you need solid impulse buying from a large amount of traffic, maybe a mall location will work better. Yes, you will pay a premium for rent, but don't skimp here if you need that impulse traffic. Particularly if your target market is younger.
Again, in my case, I take my store to the customer. Is that an option for you?
Perhaps a bit more information will allow us to help you a bit more.
I welcome you in your move to a "real" (not a virtual) store. I do not think that online retailing will be replacing brick and mortar retailing any time soon. Sure, the web can augment your business, and will do so, but that impulse buying in a store, where they take it home with them right then and there is really hard to beat.
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