If you don't own the lot, you should get worker on there automatically every time you go there with your active Sim.
If you want the stores owned by your active Sim, you need to have your Sim buy it first through the phone and then you can go on the lot with the Sim and hire staff.
I'm having a similar issue to the original poster. I created a doughnut shop in New Crest. I gave it complete furnishings and a cash register, however when I visit it with my sim it's completely empty of employees. There does not seem to be any way to manage employees for the unowned business. Is this a bug?
As said above, you should get them.
Can you check the permade lots in Magnolia Promenade ? Do they have employees ?
How long are you waiting for NPCs to show up? Are other NPCs coming to the lot when you visit with your active sim? Have you double checked the requiremtnys for a retail lot and made sure the path to any required items is not blocked? Is there actually enough space at the front of the lot for 3-4 sims to lad in? Sometimes no room there can cause NPCs not to show up.
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