09/09/2026
How are leasing priorities evolving in the commercial retail real estate leasing market?
By 2026, retail leasing is moving away from just grabbing a prime spot toward picking locations that actually drive business performance.
Retailers are now prioritizing the right type of foot traffic, customer experience, and brand fit instead of just snagging a flashy address. In Vietnam, the lack of quality space in city centers is pushing brands to look at spots outside the CBD or standalone buildings that still get the right customers.
A few big changes are driving these decisions:
✅️ From “high footfall” to “right footfall”:
Just having a lot of people walk by isn't enough anymore. It’s about whether the location brings in the right customers who are ready to buy.
✅ From “more space” to “more efficient space”:
Retailers want flexible, budget-friendly layouts that actually fit how they run their business.
✅ From “point of sale” to “point of experience”:
Things like food, pop-up shops, and brand events are key to keeping customers engaged.
✅ From “prime at any cost” to “right location”:
Ease of access, transit links, reaching target customers, and the surrounding business scene are becoming way more important.
CBRE notes that the market is moving past basic leasing toward creating destinations where the mix of stores, services, and entertainment is what really matters.
In 2026, retail leasing isn't just a scramble for the best-looking space. It’s about finding a spot that works for your specific customers, business model, and budget.
As commercial retail leasing picks up, we’ll likely see residential rental rates start to climb too.
