2025 Retail Real Estate Trends

 
 

2025 Retail Real Estate Trends:

What We’re Seeing (And Why We’re Excited)

Let’s talk retail real estate in 2025—specifically, what’s happening right now in the Sunshine State. If your asset is in need of a tenant refresh or you’ve been thinking about opening your first storefront or expanding into a new market, this is your sign: Now might just be your moment.

From lifestyle centers to creative reuse, the market is moving—and we're here for it.


First, the Big Picture: Retail in Florida Is Still Strong

Despite some national headlines painting a different story, brick-and-mortar is not dead. In fact, in Florida markets, we’re seeing strong demand in the retail sector, especially for well-located centers and spaces with the right community fit. The Sun Belt migration trends haven’t slowed down, and that population growth fuels retail. Think: more rooftops, more foot traffic, more opportunity.

Cities like Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Miami, and even smaller surrounding areas are seeing solid leasing activity—especially in neighborhoods with high walkability, mixed-use development, and good parking access.


What’s Hot Right Now

Here’s what’s trending in 2025:

  1. Lifestyle-Driven Retail Hubs
    We’re seeing a big push toward retail spaces that feel like experiences. Customers want to shop, grab coffee, maybe take a workout class, and meet a friend for a drink—all in the same destination. Landlords are prioritizing tenant mixes that foster this kind of all-day flow.

  2. Food & Beverage Concepts Are Booming
    Restaurants, cafes, juice bars, and dessert shops continue to drive retail leasing. What’s changed in 2025? Brands with hyper-local menus, curated aesthetics, and a “third place” vibe are leading the charge.

  3. Health, Wellness, and Beauty
    From pilates and cryotherapy to brows, facials, and med spas—this category is thriving. These tenants bring high traffic, loyal clientele, and often work well as anchor tenants in boutique retail centers.

  4. Sustainability and Storytelling
    Shoppers are drawn to brands with meaning. Retailers that emphasize ethical sourcing, sustainability, and clear storytelling are resonating deeply with the modern Florida shopper.


What’s Cooling Off

Let’s be honest—2025 hasn’t been kind to every category.

  • Big box retail continues to face challenges unless repurposed creatively. We’re seeing lots of old department stores being carved up into smaller spaces, coworking, wellness, or even residential conversions.

  • Over-saturated fitness concepts without a unique hook are slowing. The market is still strong for fitness, but generic gym models need a refresh to compete with more experiential wellness brands.

  • High-end fashion retail chains are choosing to shrink footprints in favor of online and flagship-only models. Independent and emerging brands, however, continue to thrive with the right real estate strategy.


What This Means If You're Thinking About a Storefront…

 

So, what if you’re dreaming about opening your first location—or growing your footprint?

Here’s the good news:
Florida is a great place to do it. We’re seeing opportunity in both primary and secondary markets, and if you have a clear brand identity and a loyal customer base, now is an ideal time to plant your roots (or expand your reach).

Tip: Think beyond the traditional shopping center. Creative infill spaces, walkable neighborhood strips, and mixed-use developments are where retail is really thriving right now.

And don’t worry if you don’t know where to start—we do. Helping Landlord’s create a perfect destination and retailers navigate their first (or next) real estate move is our bread and butter.


Let’s Make This Year the One You Grow

At the end of the day, commercial real estate is about more than just square footage. It’s about community, brand expression, and bringing your vision to life that helps your business thrive.

Whether you’re scoping out spots in St. Pete, eyeing Orlando, or setting your sights on Savannah, we’re here to help you navigate the market with confidence and clarity.



Ready to create that unique destination and find the perfect space? Let’s talk.
The 2025 market is calling—and we’re here to help you answer it.



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Megan Atkin