{"id":1004697743,"date":"2026-01-29T02:29:59","date_gmt":"2026-01-29T10:29:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/?p=1004697743"},"modified":"2026-02-01T13:41:24","modified_gmt":"2026-02-01T21:41:24","slug":"retail-market-trends","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/retail-market-trends\/","title":{"rendered":"What Will Power Retail\u2019s Next Act in 2026?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The U.S. retail real estate sector enters 2026 with another demonstration of resilience, though performance continues to diverge sharply by asset quality and location. Growth is increasingly concentrated in new and recently renovated properties in prime locations, followed by necessity-based retail, while mid-tier and aging assets struggle to remain competitive amid rising costs and shifting consumer behavior.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a20576e83a5b&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"alignright size-large is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"1004782833\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/rendering-ovation-in-orlando-fla-2\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2026\/01\/Rendering-Ovation-in-Orlando-Fla-edited.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"3763,2825\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Rendering Ovation in Orlando, Fla\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Rendering courtesy of Accesso, attached to the press release.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Ovation will include retail, entertainment, music hubs, condos and hotels.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2026\/01\/Rendering-Ovation-in-Orlando-Fla-edited.jpg?w=1024\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" height=\"769\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2026\/01\/Rendering-Ovation-in-Orlando-Fla-edited.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"Aerial rendering of Ovation, a 670,000-square-foot mixed-use project in Orlando, Fla.\" class=\"wp-image-1004782833\" style=\"aspect-ratio:4\/3;object-fit:cover;width:400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2026\/01\/Rendering-Ovation-in-Orlando-Fla-edited.jpg 3763w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2026\/01\/Rendering-Ovation-in-Orlando-Fla-edited.jpg?resize=300,225 300w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2026\/01\/Rendering-Ovation-in-Orlando-Fla-edited.jpg?resize=768,577 768w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2026\/01\/Rendering-Ovation-in-Orlando-Fla-edited.jpg?resize=1024,769 1024w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2026\/01\/Rendering-Ovation-in-Orlando-Fla-edited.jpg?resize=1536,1153 1536w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2026\/01\/Rendering-Ovation-in-Orlando-Fla-edited.jpg?resize=2048,1537 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Aerial view of Ovation, a 670,000-square-foot mixed-use development in Orlando, Fla., designed to integrate retail, office and lifestyle experiences in a single destination. <em>Rendering courtesy of Accesso <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>That bifurcation became especially apparent in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/top-retail-trends-uncertainty-shifts-demand-dynamics-in-2025\/\">early 2025<\/a>. Elevated operating expenses, persistent inflation and tariff pressures weighed on the sector, contributing to negative net absorption in the first half of the year, according to Colliers data. It marked the first time retail absorption declined for two consecutive quarters since 2020, as store closures accelerated, consumer sentiment softened and many retailers paused expansion plans to reassess their portfolios.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Momentum began to return by midyear. Leasing activity improved, closures slowed and demand turned positive as retailers adopted more disciplined, experience-driven strategies, noted Anjee Solanski, Colliers\u2019 national director for retail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By the third quarter, the recovery was more evident. Retail posted 1.1 million square feet of positive net absorption, signaling that occupier confidence had largely returned, Newmark found in a recent report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity has-very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray-gradient-background has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>READ ALSO: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/rethinking-the-map-the-rise-of-tertiary-retail-markets\/\">The Rise of Tertiary Retail Markets<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity has-very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray-gradient-background has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;The story of 2025 is simple: Demand held firm, supply stayed constrained and retailers continued to lean into physical stores,\u201d said Mark Masinter, chairman of Global Retail at Newmark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Consumer behavior played a central role in that rebound. Despite higher prices and newly imposed tariffs on goods, retail sales per square foot increased 4.4 percent year over year, according to the same real estate advisor and service provider\u2014reflecting continued willingness to spend, particularly in experiential formats and top-tier locations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe year marked a shift from broad expansion to precision investment, with brands pulling back from generic rollouts and instead reinvesting in flagship streets, open-air destinations and high-performing corridors,\u201d said Rich Johnson, principal at Odyssey Retail Advisors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-quality-curation-take-center-stage\">Quality, curation take center stage<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Open-air centers, lifestyle-driven corridors and mixed-use developments emerged as preferred retail destinations in 2025, a pattern expected to strengthen in the year ahead. Within this \u201cflight to quality,\u201d co-tenancy has become a critical differentiator. Luxury and contemporary brands that align with neighboring tenants sharing a similar aesthetic and customer base have reinforced the dominance of top-tier districts such as Fifth Avenue, Rodeo Drive and the Miami Design District.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a20576e856cf&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"1004784464\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/whats-in-store-for-retail-in-2025\/106courtstreet\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2026\/01\/106CourtStreet.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1275,1075\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"106CourtStreet_Colliers\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;image provided by Colliers&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;In 2025, brands shifted from broad expansion to targeted investment, focusing on flagship streets and high-performing corridors like Brooklyn Heights. Image courtesy of Colliers&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2026\/01\/106CourtStreet.jpg?w=1024\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" height=\"863\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2026\/01\/106CourtStreet.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"A corner retail building featuring many windows, showcasing a modern architectural design.\" class=\"wp-image-1004784464\" style=\"aspect-ratio:4\/3;object-fit:cover;width:400px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2026\/01\/106CourtStreet.jpg 1275w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2026\/01\/106CourtStreet.jpg?resize=300,253 300w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2026\/01\/106CourtStreet.jpg?resize=768,648 768w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2026\/01\/106CourtStreet.jpg?resize=1024,863 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Brands are shifting from broad expansion to targeted investment, focusing on flagship streets and high-performing corridors like Brooklyn Heights. <em>Image courtesy of Colliers<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Technology is accelerating this shift. Retailers are moving away from one-size-fits-all strategies toward \u201cmass-to-micro\u201d personalization, increasingly using AI to optimize inventory, improve demand forecasting and boost conversion rates during peak shopping periods, according to Doug Ressler, manager of business intelligence at Yardi Matrix. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In high-performing locations, data-driven insights are helping brands fine-tune assortments while preserving the experiential qualities that draw foot traffic. As a result, retail environments that combine immersive experiences, curated tenant mixes and personalization with high-quality physical space are gaining a clear competitive edge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In major metros, private membership clubs are emerging as a new class of anchor tenant. These hybrid concepts blur the boundaries between retail, hospitality and culture, transforming shopping districts into multidimensional social ecosystems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Private-membership concepts\u2026provide the sense of exclusivity, consistency and community that modern luxury consumers are craving,\u201d said Johnson. &#8220;Clubs have become the new anchors of retail environments in major markets like Dallas and Miami, acting as dependable traffic drivers and reinforcing high-end corridors as all-day destinations for shopping, dining and social engagement.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In this environment, the most successful retail districts are no longer defined solely by transactions\u2014they are defined by belonging, identity and sustained engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-challenges-that-will-carry-into-2026\">Challenges that will carry into 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even as top-tier corridors and experience-driven retail destinations continue to outperform, several structural pressures are expected to persist into 2026. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/will-construction-costs-go-up-in-2026\/\">High construction and operating costs<\/a>, tariff-driven price volatility and ongoing labor constraints are forcing both retailers and landlords to reassess budgets, back-of-house operations and tenant mix decisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Retailers are focusing on efficiency, flexible logistics and operations that can respond to both consumer expectations and cost pressures,\u201d Solanski noted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the same time, consumer behavior is accelerating polarization across the sector. High-income households are expected to continue supporting luxury brands and curated experiences, while more value-conscious shoppers will gravitate toward discount formats, grocery-anchored centers and everyday necessity retail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThe U.S. retail landscape will continue to polarize, with top\u2011tier districts performing strongly while underperforming assets will face continued headwinds,\u201d said Johnson. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure data-wp-context=\"{&quot;imageId&quot;:&quot;6a20576e86388&quot;}\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/image\" class=\"aligncenter size-large wp-lightbox-container\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"1004707874\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/can-adaptive-reuse-revitalize-us-cities\/sundy-village_office-and-retail\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2024\/03\/Sundy-Village_office-and-retail-.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"1200,676\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Sundy Village_office and retail\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Rendering of the three-story office and retail building. Image courtesy of Pebb Capital. &lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Rendering of the three-story office and retail building. Image courtesy of Pebb Capital. &lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2024\/03\/Sundy-Village_office-and-retail-.jpg?w=1024\" data-wp-class--hide=\"state.isContentHidden\" data-wp-class--show=\"state.isContentVisible\" data-wp-init=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\" data-wp-on-async--load=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" data-wp-on-async-window--resize=\"callbacks.setButtonStyles\" height=\"577\" width=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2024\/03\/Sundy-Village_office-and-retail-.jpg?w=1024\" alt=\"Rendering of the three-story office and retail building. Image courtesy of Pebb Capital\" class=\"wp-image-1004707874\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2024\/03\/Sundy-Village_office-and-retail-.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2024\/03\/Sundy-Village_office-and-retail-.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2024\/03\/Sundy-Village_office-and-retail-.jpg?resize=768,433 768w, https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/46\/2024\/03\/Sundy-Village_office-and-retail-.jpg?resize=1024,577 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><button\n\t\t\tclass=\"lightbox-trigger\"\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\taria-haspopup=\"dialog\"\n\t\t\taria-label=\"Enlarge\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-init=\"callbacks.initTriggerButton\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.showLightbox\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--right=\"state.imageButtonRight\"\n\t\t\tdata-wp-style--top=\"state.imageButtonTop\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" fill=\"none\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\">\n\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#fff\" d=\"M2 0a2 2 0 0 0-2 2v2h1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 1 .5-.5h2V0H2Zm2 10.5H2a.5.5 0 0 1-.5-.5V8H0v2a2 2 0 0 0 2 2h2v-1.5ZM8 12v-1.5h2a.5.5 0 0 0 .5-.5V8H12v2a2 2 0 0 1-2 2H8Zm2-12a2 2 0 0 1 2 2v2h-1.5V2a.5.5 0 0 0-.5-.5H8V0h2Z\" \/>\n\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t<\/button><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Sundy Village in Delray Beach, Fla., is part of a broader move toward mixed-use developments that combine office, retail and dining. <em>Rendering courtesy of Pebb Capital<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Given the high cost of new construction, owners will be increasingly prioritizing renovation, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/the-rise-of-retail-to-office-conversions\/\">redevelopment and repositioning<\/a> over ground-up projects. Today, capital is being directed toward amenities that enhance foot traffic, flexible leasing strategies and targeted reinvestment in underperforming space. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With limited new supply and relatively low overall availability, net absorption is expected to stabilize, supported by grocers, discount retailers and service-oriented tenants maintaining their physical footprints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That steadier footing underpins a cautiously optimistic outlook. Masinter expects retail\u2019s \u201cmeasured, steady strength\u201d to extend into 2026, driven by sustained demand for prime locations, aggressive repositioning of older assets and more balanced leasing conditions in secondary markets. His view points to a sector that remains resilient, but increasingly selective and strategic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity has-very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray-gradient-background has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>READ ALSO:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/whats-driving-mixed-use-design\/\">Mixed-Use Design Trends<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity has-very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray-gradient-background has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>Spending patterns will further shape growth trajectories. Solanski anticipates sales growth slowing by roughly 30 basis points amid inflationary pressure and trade uncertainty, with mid-tier retailers continuing to feel squeezed between value chains and luxury brands. She also expects experience-led and authenticity-focused retailers to outperform, particularly specialty grocers and regional concepts, as younger consumers pull back on discretionary spending.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Against that backdrop, mixed-use environments are emerging as the blueprint for long-term success. As Johnson frames it, next-generation retail centers will feel less like standalone shopping hubs and more like community \u201cvillages\u201d\u2014places where people live, work, shop and socialize in a seamless, integrated way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-future-proofing-retail-strategies\">Future-proofing retail strategies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As the industry looks to 2026, retail success will be increasingly defined by actionable strategy. With consumer expectations evolving and technology reshaping operations, performance is no longer determined by location alone. How properties function, adapt and engage shoppers is becoming just as critical. Across the sector, stakeholders are prioritizing reinvestment, differentiation and operational excellence to compete in a more selective market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cLuxury and contemporary retail in the U.S. is not shrinking. It\u2019s refining,&#8221; Johnson said. &#8220;Success will come from intention\u2014choosing the right streets, the right partners and the right experiences.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That intent is translating into targeted capital deployment. Strategic demolition of obsolete space, reinvestment in amenities, footfall drivers and technology-enabled operations are emerging as central tools for maintaining relevance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cOccupancy for assets built before 2000 has declined steadily, while centers built after 2000 have seen occupancy rise 157 basis points. Redevelopment and repositioning of aging centers\u2014that\u2019s the biggest lever to unlock demand,\u201d said Masinter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity has-very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray-gradient-background has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>READ ALSO:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/icsc-special-report-upbeat-buzz-about-retail-plus-some-caveats\/\">Upbeat Buzz About Retail, Plus Some Caveats<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity has-very-light-gray-to-cyan-bluish-gray-gradient-background has-background is-style-wide\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>At the same time, the role of the physical store will continue to evolve. Retail environments are no longer viewed as purely transactional. They are increasingly designed as storytelling platforms that blend experiential retail with brand identity and community engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Physical retail stores will continue their rebirth\u2026they create trust and loyalty through authentic interactions, foster personal connections and build community around the brand,\u201d Ressler said. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Flexible leasing structures, pop-ups and rotating brand experiences are helping centers stay dynamic and culturally relevant, while AI-driven personalization is expanding retailers\u2019 ability to engage shoppers across generational cohorts. AI agents and digitally influenced sales tools are also expected to play a growing role, personalizing recommendations and automating service and inventory functions\u2014part of a broader shift toward more integrated digital and physical shopping ecosystems in 2026 and beyond.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Additional trends shaping retail strategies going forward include <a href=\"https:\/\/www.commercialsearch.com\/news\/cpe-asks-is-ai-the-best-strategy-for-operational-efficiency\/\">labor optimization<\/a>, ESG integration and deeper collaboration between landlords and tenants. Taken together, these forces point to a clear conclusion: In 2026, community-oriented platforms\u2014supported by disciplined investment and technology\u2014are likely to define the winners in a retail landscape shaped by selectivity, innovation and changing consumer expectations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From mixed-use environments to data-driven personalization, this year will reward focus, flexibility and reinvestment. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":741,"featured_media":1004785555,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21808,23891,21749,51037],"tags":[50647,35498,50999,32785],"class_list":["post-1004697743","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-national","category-retail","category-trends","tag-keypredictions","tag-colliers","tag-newmark","tag-yardi-matrix"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v23.4 (Yoast SEO v24.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>What Will Power Retail\u2019s Next Act in 2026? 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