Retail Market: Tampa to Sarasota

The retail market from Tampa to Sarasota has been steadily adding space during the past four years, even as overall vacancy has fallen and rental rates have increased. This stems, in large part, from the regional economy's recovery and population growth.

While many new stores are service-oriented outlets like fitness centers, and there is generally less traditional development occurring, new retail centers are attempting to capture changing consumer preferences and capture shoppers' desire for both value and experience.

Desirable properties, meanwhile, have gained in value, pushing capitalization rates down to levels not seen in a decade.