For brick-and-mortar retailers, scaling quickly requires more than a good location—it demands shelves, POS systems, lighting, display units, and more. This case study explores how one growing brand used equipment leasing to open new locations faster, avoid debt, and boost revenue without sacrificing cash flow.
How can equipment leasing help retail businesses expand?
Leasing allows retailers to equip new locations quickly without large upfront costs, preserving capital for inventory and marketing.
Type: Eco-conscious clothing & lifestyle boutique
Location: Chicago, IL (Flagship); Now in 4 cities
Challenge: Demand for new store openings but limited working capital
Expansion Goal: Open 3 new locations in 18 months
Urban Threads had built a loyal following through its flagship store and social presence. But replicating the shopping experience meant replicating the in-store atmosphere—and that required expensive display fixtures, lighting systems, checkout counters, and security setups.
Each new store would require:
Custom shelving and wall racks
Smart POS systems
LED lighting upgrades
Dressing rooms and seating
Surveillance and inventory management tech
Estimated cost per store: $68,000
Opening three stores at once would require over $200,000 upfront—a budget stretch even with strong sales.
Urban Threads worked with a specialty retail leasing provider to finance store setup across all three new locations. They secured a 48-month lease agreement that included:
Monthly lease payment: $5,400 total
Equipment financed: $204,000
Maintenance & service: Included
Buyout option: $1 per unit after lease term
Related: How Leasing Equipment Can Boost Your Company’s Cash Flow
✅ Modular shelves & hanging racks
✅ Interactive displays and LED lighting
✅ Touchscreen POS stations
✅ Security cameras and digital signage
✅ Break room & staff office equipment
Over the next 12 months:
Opened all 3 stores on schedule
Revenue increased by 138% YoY
Hired 22 new employees
Earned local press coverage and new partnerships
Broke even on each location in under 9 months
Leasing let them keep inventory well-stocked, invest in launch campaigns, and grow with confidence.
“Without leasing, we would’ve opened one store at best. Instead, we tripled our footprint, doubled our staff, and built momentum we’re still riding today.”
— Maya Sinclair, Founder, Urban Threads Collective
Leased $204K in store equipment with no upfront drain
Opened 3 stores in 18 months
Increased brand visibility and revenue by 138%
Protected working capital for operations and marketing
Built equity with low-risk lease-to-own structure
Leasing made it possible for Urban Threads to grow faster, maintain aesthetic consistency, and deliver memorable in-store experiences—without maxing out credit lines or delaying progress.
Opening a new store—or multiple?
Explore retail equipment leasing options today and launch with the setup you need, the look your customers love, and the flexibility your cash flow deserves.