By Ryan Sarbinoff, First Vice President, Regional Manager, Marcus & Millichap Retail metrics in the Valley have soundly improved after enduring some turbulence during the health crisis. Through the first nine months of 2021, net absorption totaled roughly 1.6 million square feet, putting the market on a trajectory to record its highest annual count since 2017. More than half of that absorption was logged between July and September, indicating that momentum is building. Phoenix retail market is in a much stronger position heading into 2022 Several factors are driving the uptick in retail space demand. Metro employment surpassed the pre- pandemic peak by August 2021, spearheading consumers’ ability to spend. At the same time, more seasonal residents are returning to the Valley after many chose not to travel in 2020, while tourism is also progressing. According to the City of Phoenix Aviation Department, passenger counts at local airports increased by 67 percent year-to-date through September relative to the same period last year. All these underlying forces benefit retail spending, and ultimately fuel tenant demand. Longer-term outlook is robust, piloted by growth trends Phoenix is expanding at a swift pace, with the metro’s favorable climate, quality of life and job availability attracting new residents. From the beginning of …
