Retail Real Estate Market - Winter/Spring 2007

The retail real estate market has always marched to its own beat.  Unlike industrial uses where singular zoning dictates location or office where proximity to government and financial centers attracts users; retailer’s are more fluid and responsive to populous buying habits and evolving residential hubs.  Not at all capricious, the changes in retail locations are reasonable and predictable.  Look for roof tops.  The tremendous residential development in Lakewood Ranch coupled with the massive residential development in south Manatee County west of I-75 and south of St. Rd. 70 generates retail demand.  Roof tops  dictate retail location and median household income dictates the retail mix.  Surprised to hear of massive retail developments planned for I-75 and University Parkway or significant retail at the Bayside (formerly the Quay)?  All the neighboring residential development of 2002-2005 was presage.