SVNIC’s 2016 Market Outlook Reports assess the current state of the national commercial real estate market, and identify micro-trends within specific geographic regions and industries for 2016. Today we are delving into the 2016 Top Retail Markets to Watch. Not the largest or the most actively contested markets, the 2016 Retail Markets to Watch are each at an important juncture that presents unique opportunities for investment. Together, they reflect the diversity of trends that is driving the economy and commercial real estate performance in markets across the country.
Top Retail Market to Watch: Spokane, WA
The economy of Spokane is attempting to recreate itself from a natural products producer to a more high tech and business-focused cluster but, so far, the results remain mixed. Unemployment has grown recently to 7.7% in January ‘16 but new job creation is occurring at a 1.7% annualized rate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Top sectors adding jobs include Information, Professional and Business Services, and Educational and Health Services, which are growing at annualized rates of 13.8%, 6.3%, and 3.6%, respectively. Population grew 4.2% from 2010 to 2015, according the Census Bureau, which means that overall demand for retail could grow. Still, sustained reductions in unemployment will need to be seen for significant growth to occur. As the tech industry grows, this is possible.
Stay Updated…
Over the next few weeks, the SVN Blog will be featuring posts that will focus on each of the top markets to watch for industrial, multifamily, office, and retail properties. SVN Advisors from selected top markets have provided their industry expertise regarding what to look out for in their specific market in the coming months. Don’t miss out on these important insights – subscribe to the SVN Blog on the right side of the blog homepage.
To read more on other top retail markets, download the full version of the 2016 Retail Market Outlook report here.
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San Francisco has been the iconic American boomtown for centuries and this trend continues today as technology firms have helped lead record job growth that has brought the unemployment rate down to 3.9% in January ‘16 as employment continues to grow at a 3.6% annualized rate, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. San Francisco is also a major port and tourist destination, thus the demand for retail real estate should grow strongly in 2016 and beyond. According to the Census Bureau, population has grown by 5.9% from 2010 to 2014, which is quite impressive given the limited land mass of the city and topography of the Bay Area. As rents and home prices rise, expect San Francisco retail real estate to continue gentrifying as well, causing rent spikes in many sub markets.
Charlotte has expanded its employment base steadily since the recession bottomed in 2010 and currently has a relatively low 5.3% unemployment rate, as of January ‘16, and 2.8% annualized growth of new jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The region has also grown population by 10.1% from 2010 to 2014 according to the Census Bureau, making it prime for expansion and development of retail real estate. Major growing employment segments include Mining, Logging, and Construction, Financial Activities, and Leisure and Hospitality with 6.4%, 4.8%, and 4.6% annualized growth, respectively. As Charlotte continues to be a popular place to work and live, more firms are likely to enter the market, including those seeking to establish corporate headquarters. Despite these positive forces, North Carolina’s recently enacted “bathroom law” threatens to reverse economic growth as businesses and consumers look elsewhere to avoid the perceived discriminatory law; this could cause pain to the retail sector for the rest of 2016 and beyond if not fixed.
Looking for more examples? Have you ever noticed that most neighborhood centers have a card store right near the supermarket? Or, for that matter, have you ever wondered why neighborhood centers typically have take-out focused restaurants like Chinese or pizza shops near the supermarket? It’s all about convenience.
Mixed-use properties in Cook County offer a unique tax advantage over strictly commercial properties. A mixed-use property’s assessed value is based on 10% of market value while a commercial property’s assessed value is based on 25% market value. Based solely on classification, two properties with identical market values may have dramatically different real estate tax liability.
SVN Advisor 
