Retail

— By Patrick Dempsey, senior managing director of JLL Capital Markets — The Phoenix retail capital markets environment is showing signs of resilience in the face of current economic conditions. While the market has experienced a period of lower transaction volume, recent drops in interest rates have begun to bridge the gap between buyer and seller expectations, potentially paving the way for increased activity. Notably, Phoenix stands out with impressive positive rent growth, recording the highest rate at 7.4 percent among major metros and Sun Belt markets. Phoenix’s robust employment market, especially in the semiconductor sector, continues to be a major advantage. The city boasts a strong base of major employers, contributing to its ongoing economic vitality.  Investor demand remains concentrated on grocery-anchored properties and premium retail locations, highlighting the enduring value of strategically positioned assets. This trend is especially pronounced in high-growth submarkets. For example, the Southeast Valley is experiencing significant suburban and residential growth, driving the development of new grocery centers to serve the expanding population. Similarly, Northwest Phoenix with areas like Peoria and Glendale are seeing strategic investments from grocers anticipating future population growth.  Looking ahead, there’s increasing optimism for a stabilization of retail capital markets transactions …