If you are looking for a perfect rental space for your business, you’ve likely browsed through several property listings. In the process, you’ve probably come across terms like commercial, industrial, or business spaces.
You just want a rental space for your business, but every other business property ad talks in these terms. No need to get confused, as we are going to explain each one individually.
If you are a startup owner looking for a small rental space, or a manufacturer looking for a big industrial unit, or just an investor looking for a formal place, let’s clear the confusion between these three types of spaces.
Commercial Spaces
Commercial spaces come to mind as retail units, restaurants, stores, and shopping centers. And yes, it’s right. As the name “Commercial” suggests, these places are designated to serve customers directly.
Think of a small café, a clothing store, or even a dentist’s clinic; all of these fall under the category of commercial spaces. Every place where business is directly linked with customers is commercial.
Characteristics of Commercial Spaces
- Customer-oriented places: These spaces are built to attract foot traffic, provide easy access, and offer decorative aesthetics.
- Flexibility in Size: Commercial spaces can range from small retail stores to huge shopping malls.
- Zoning Laws: These spaces are covered by local regulatory bodies that prioritise safety and allow easy movement of the public.
Ultimately, if your business is in a kind where it’s directly linked with customers, you need to rent a commercial space.
Industrial Spaces
Next, we have industrial spaces, quite different from usual commercial spaces. These spaces are where the goods are manufactured, assembled, stored, or even to distribute the products. Which means there won’t be any direct involvement of customers.
The businesses that these spaces cater to are factories, warehouses, distribution centres, and cold storage facilities. Aesthetics are overlooked because they aim to provide functionality, safety, and durability for large-scale operations.
Key Features of Industrial Spaces
- Expanded structures with high ceilings: They make industrial spaces ideal for you if you deal in heavy machinery and bulk storage.
- Transportation access and loading docks: Perfect for large trucks, containers, and the handling of freight.
- Zoning Needs: These spaces are meant to be located away from the residential areas due to noise and traffic issues.
You need to have an industrial space if your business deals with making, storing, and moving goods on a large scale.
Business Spaces
Lastly, we have business spaces on the list. Business spaces are specifically designed for administrative, managerial, and service-based tasks. These are the places where ideas are planned, strategies are developed, and meetings with clients happen.
Characteristics of Business Spaces:
- Professional Structure: Meeting rooms, reception sites, and open-plan workstations.
- Amenities: HVAC systems, IT management, conference rooms, and often on-site gyms and cafes.
- Locations: These spaces are strategically built in the locations where convenience and networking are preferred.
These spaces would make the best choice if your business is based on a professional setting for clients and staff.
If your operations are service-based, or you need a professional setting for clients and staff, a business space is ideal.
Final Thoughts
Now we have understood the difference between commercial vs industrial, vs business spaces. You can choose whatever your business fits into. These places have distinct differences when compared side by side, but also have a bunch of similarities.
So, next time you browse a property list and see these names appearing, you know what exactly each term means and which space best fits your business.
In case you are looking for the perfect commercial, industrial, or business rental space for your business, 25 Van Zant is the name to trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a commercial space the same as an industrial space?
No, they are both different. Commercial spaces directly cater to customers; however, industrial spaces are where the goods are manufactured and assembled.
What is a commercial business?
Commercial business is any sort of business where you directly sell the product to the consumers.
What are the four types of business organisations?
The four types of business organisations include:
- Sole proprietorship
- Partnership
- Corporation
- Limited Liability Company (LLC).


