Retail Rents and Occupancy Rates Continue to Climb Going Into 2014

Heading into 2014, a robust demand for retail space continues to drive down vacancy rates and drive up rents across the nation, according to CoStar. After closing some stores in 2010, many national tenants have begun expanding again, seeking space to open new stores. For example, less than two years ago many commercial real estate analysts predicted the demise of Starbucks while the company braked growth and even closed some stores; but now Starbucks has resumed opening stores, including some it previously closed.