During the pandemic's e-commerce boom, some declared a "retail apocalypse," predicting the demise of brick-and-mortar stores. Yet, open-air shopping centers are now thriving, signaling what investors are calling a "retail renaissance."

A prime example is the recent $127 million acquisition of the fully leased Bridgepointe Shopping Center in San Mateo by Cohen & Steers and the Sterling Organization. With historically low vacancy rates—just 6.2%, the lowest since 2006—and minimal new supply, these necessity-driven centers are experiencing strong rent growth.

James Corl of Cohen & Steers highlights the resilience of internet-proof retailers, calling this shift a long-term opportunity for robust investment returns. The strongest players in retail have not only weathered the storm but are now thriving in a revitalized sector with solid fundamentals and growing demand.

President-elect Donald Trump is gearing up for his presidency with bold plans to shake up trade policies. Central to his agenda are steep tariffs on imported goods, ranging from 60%-100% for China, 25% for Mexico and Canada, and 10%-20% for other countries. Trump believes these tariffs will incentivize companies to manufacture in the U.S., boosting domestic industry.

However, retailers are warning that the added costs could lead to higher prices for consumers. Walmart, AutoZone, Best Buy, Dollar Tree, and Costco have all expressed concerns, outlining strategies to manage the potential impact of these tariffs. From negotiating with suppliers to adjusting product offerings, these companies are preparing for what could be a significant shift in the retail landscape. Will these policies deliver on their promise to invigorate American manufacturing, or will they place an extra burden on consumers? Time will tell.

The industrial real estate market is gearing up for a dynamic 2025, with trends like stockpiling, soaring rents, and a growing emphasis on quality. Looming federal tariffs are prompting companies to expand their storage needs, potentially driving up rents. However, with nearly 27% of leases set to expire in the next two years—and many tenants facing sharp rent increases—tenants may turn to newer, premium spaces, where more than 400 million square feet currently sit vacant. While this creates opportunities for upgrades, these premium spaces come at a cost.

Meanwhile, healthcare jobs top the list for turnover risk, according to a Payscale survey, with roles like registered nurses and pharmacy techs most likely to see departures due to stressful conditions worsened by the pandemic. As Amazon delays its return-to-office plans in select cities, and Lennar Corporation spins off $5 billion in land holdings to sharpen its focus on homebuilding, 2025 is shaping up to be a year of recalibration across industries.

Mitch Modell is gearing up to bring new life to two struggling retail giants. The former CEO of Modell’s Sporting Goods plans to submit bids to acquire Party City and Big Lots, both of which recently filed for bankruptcy and announced plans to shutter their stores. Modell envisions transforming the brands into budget-friendly retail powerhouses, with a focus on apparel, sporting goods, and $10-and-under treasures sourced directly from factories and farms.

Joined by retail veterans Demos Parneros and Larry Meyer, who would take on leadership roles in the revamped venture, Modell aims to save all 1,600 stores and their employees. “We’re gonna get the deal,” he confidently declared, promising a prototype store by mid-January and a shopping experience that’s “a treasure hunt on steroids.” Despite the bold claims, details on financing remain under wraps, and neither company has yet commented on his plans.

Florida’s industrial market, spanning from Jacksonville to Miami, is finding stability after years of rapid growth and rising vacancy rates. Moving into 2025, economic shifts are shaping a more predictable environment, easing the tension between supply and demand and boosting business optimism. While vacancy rates have risen in markets like Miami and leasing has slowed in Orlando and Jacksonville, demand for build-to-suit developments remains strong, offering long-term stability and customized solutions.

Catamount Constructors, a nationwide contractor with extensive Florida operations, is helping businesses navigate these fluctuations with strategic preconstruction planning, risk mitigation, and collaborative processes. By leveraging deep market insights and industry relationships, Catamount delivers efficient, cost-effective projects, from speculative warehouses to build-to-suit facilities.

Emerging markets in southwest and northwest Florida are also gaining traction, with projects like middle-mile distribution centers enhancing logistics networks. Despite challenges such as labor shortages and rising construction costs, Florida’s industrial sector continues to adapt and grow, driven by infrastructure improvements like Brightline commuter rail and innovative partnerships that create opportunities beyond construction.

The holiday shopping season started strong in November, despite a late Thanksgiving pushing key shopping days into December. Retail sales rose 0.7% month-over-month and 3.8% year-over-year, exceeding analyst expectations. Growth was driven by strong sales in auto dealerships (up 2.7%) and online shopping (up 1.8%), while clothing stores and grocery stores saw slight declines. Core retail sales, excluding autos, gas, and restaurants, increased 0.4% month-over-month and 3.8% year-over-year. According to the National Retail Federation, the results align with their holiday sales forecast of 2.5% to 3.5% growth over 2023, reflecting solid consumer spending fueled by job and wage gains, modest inflation, and healthy household finances.