13/03/2026
A few headlines recently that have stood out regarding Retail Investment Properties:
(1) “A New Generation of Mall Rats” by the Wall Street Journal
“Gen Z’s retail-spending growth is outpacing all other generations, according to data firm NielsenIQ, with the generation’s global annual retail spending expected to exceed $12 trillion by 2030. The cohort also spends a greater proportion of their discretionary dollars in physical stores than older generations, according to data firm Circana. Shoppers between the ages of 18 and 24 bought 62% of their total general merchandise purchases in stores last year. Shoppers ages 25 and older, by contrast, made 52% of their purchases in person, according to Circana.
For Gen Z, whose members grew up in the smartphone era and spent formative years under pandemic lockdown, buying clothes and bubble tea in person feels novel and exciting. Meeting up with friends, rubbing fabric between their fingers and the overall vibe of wandering through a bustling shopping center are experiences they can’t get online.”
(2) “It’s official: Fitness centers, pickleball courts, other services now dominate retail real estate” by Costar
“Retail leasing reached a structural turning point in 2025. For the first year on record, service-based retailers leased more space than traditional goods-based tenants. Retail concepts tied to recreation, immersive experiences and social interaction are playing a larger role in tenant mixes as landlords look to differentiate centers and extend the time customers remain onsite. Growth in this segment reflects both evolving consumer preferences and increased owner flexibility regarding nontraditional retail uses.”
(3) “Banks Tiptoe Back Into Retail CRE Lending” by CRE Daily
“Retail real estate is helping bring banks back into the CRE lending market. After years of caution, lenders are gradually increasing exposure as property performance proves more resilient than expected. Retail, especially grocery-anchored centers, has been a standout performer, with open-air centers entering 2026 strong amid rising consumer spending and renewed investor interest, highlighted by GBT Realty’s $1.3B investment.”