Bro, as you know, I've worked in both. Off site shops are hit and miss. You have the advantage of not being associated with a certain center, but it's a haul. And if you're talking like a Fox Valley mall type mall, then you will probably go under within a year. No one wants to drag their stuff thru the mall.

Now, if it's a strip mall, you have a chance, but remember, unlike a center, you are probably going to lose your shirt in the summer while there is hardly any business, and your landlord doesn't really care about it. Centers at least can understand that and help.

But if you can do it, then go, boy. I know that if I could support my family working in a shop, I would be. I just don't see the money I need to actually see it working for me. But to each their own, buddy. 

If you aren't doing enough business to make a reasonable profit, why would you need to be in the shop for 60 hours a week? Unless it's a condition of your lease of course.

My local pro shops are open 6 days a week from 12 to 7 and closed on Sunday. Both shops do good business and make the owners a decent living.

Because you need to have your doors open in case someone walks in. If you aren't there they will just go down the street. If you are in a high volume bowling market like I am there are 20 pro shop options in 10 square miles. Tough to make a profit if your doors are closed. Tough to put in 60 hours a week hoping someone walks in too.

It isn't a very good business to be in honestly. The profit margin on the retail mark up has been beaten back for years now. I can find shoes and bags online for about $10 more than my cost. Balls too. Difference on balls is I at least make the money for drilling. But....that is my labor too. So, I would advise most against it unless they can negotiate a great lease in a high volume center or they are in a market that doesn't have a very good shop around.