New Hampshire has a big story to tell: a lower than average unemployment rate, low poverty and crime rate, high median household income and a well-educated population. We are among the healthiest and safest states in which to live. All of these factors contribute to continued population growth which will drive the goods and services sectors. New Hampshire also benefits from its proximity to Massachusetts and Maine as well as Canada whose shoppers are eager to take advantage of the absence of a sales tax. Prior to 2009, the Northern New England retail market was vibrant and active. However, retail expansion in the market came to a halt in 2009 and 2010 while the economy tried to dig itself out of stagnation. This year has seen a moderate uptick in activity both from a local and national perspective. Demand for retail space in northern New England is slowly returning. For the past several months, national retailers have been focusing on major metropolitan markets rather than peripheral markets. If retailers have a limited open to buy, chances are smaller cities such as Portsmouth may not be on their initial target list for expansion. However, quality retail space is continually being absorbed. …