
Office Space Requirements Tumble in April as Markets React to Tariff Uncertainty
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
For over 25 years, Atlantic Commercial Group (ACG) has helped national, regional, and local retailers and office tenants successfully expand, relocate, and secure prime commercial spaces throughout South Florida. We understand that a lease agreement is a long-term financial commitment, which is why we focus on mitigating liabilities while negotiating the most advantageous lease terms for our clients.
With nearly two decades of experience in office tenant representation, ACG specializes in helping businesses of all sizes find the perfect office space. Whether you're a corporate headquarters, regional branch, or startup, we treat every client with priority and personalized attention.
✔ Market Analysis & Space Evaluation – We identify the best office locations based on your business goals, employee accessibility, and financial considerations.
✔ Lease Negotiation & Liability Reduction – We ensure you secure favorable terms while minimizing long-term risks.
✔ Strategic Relocation & Expansion Support – Whether expanding, downsizing, or relocating, we help you navigate the process seamlessly.
✔ Industry Expertise & Market Insights – With a deep understanding of the South Florida office market, we provide data-driven recommendations to optimize your leasing strategy.
Retail has evolved significantly in the past decade, making site selection, demographic analysis, and lease negotiations more critical than ever. At ACG, we leverage cutting-edge market insights and extensive experience to align retailers with the best real estate opportunities for maximum visibility and profitability.
Walmart • Edwin Watts • Jenny Craig • Sally Beauty Supply • Ashley Stewart • Fashion Cents • Shoe Show • Edward Jones • Burger King • McDonald's • Blue Martini & More
✔ Retail Market Positioning & Competitive Analysis – We evaluate consumer trends, demographics, and economic factors to secure high-traffic locations.
✔ Strategic Lease Negotiations – We go beyond rent and operating expenses to negotiate tenant-friendly lease provisions that maximize profitability.
✔ National & Regional Expansion Support – We assist retailers in entering new markets, scaling operations, and optimizing site selection.
✔ Comprehensive Market Insights – Our dual expertise in working with both landlords and tenants provides a competitive advantage in securing prime retail spaces.
✔ 25+ Years of Commercial Leasing Experience
✔ Proven Track Record in Office & Retail Tenant Representation
✔ Data-Driven Market Research & Site Selection
✔ Negotiation Expertise to Secure the Best Lease Terms
✔ Personalized, Client-Focused Service
Tenant demand for office space took a sharp downturn in April 2025, echoing the steep declines seen during the 2023 banking crisis, according to VTS Data. Leasing activity dropped in 17 of 19 major markets, with a 23.2% fall in tenant inquiries and a 26.4% plunge in square footage — the steepest since 2021. Analysts link this slowdown to economic uncertainty following new U.S. tariff policies. While some markets like Austin and suburban Maryland showed resilience, others, including Boston and Silicon Valley, were hit hard. Despite the grim numbers, history offers hope: office demand rebounded quickly in 2023, suggesting a similar recovery could be on the horizon — if policy conditions stabilize.
Franchise Group has officially emerged from bankruptcy as a leaner, debt-restructured company focused solely on two core brands: Pet Supplies Plus and Buddy’s Home Furnishings. After selling The Vitamin Shoppe and shuttering American Freight, the company has rebranded under a new parent entity, Fusion Parent, with the same leadership team in place. This streamlined structure allows the company to refocus on growth, with over 200 new franchise agreements already signed. While the path forward looks more stable, experts note that both remaining banners must sharpen their competitive edge to thrive in a challenging economy.
Tariffs be damned — retail is moving full steam ahead. Despite all the buzz about tariffs at this year’s ICSC Las Vegas, developers and retailers are largely shrugging off the uncertainty. Industry leaders say retailers simply can’t afford to pause expansion, with store openings planned years in advance. The consensus? Tariffs are just another hurdle, not a deal-breaker. Strong sales, aging store fleets, and limited high-quality retail space are driving urgency. Retailers with diversified supply chains are best positioned to weather the storm, and investor appetite remains strong as lenders return to the sector. As one exec put it: “We need 50 new stores — let’s go.”