What's in store for the Boise retail market?

BOISE, Idaho - Sept. 1, 2015 - PRLog -- With no large developments slated for completion in the second half of 2015, vacancy will tighten and absorption will remain positive. Retail centers with high traffic counts and good visibility will see lease rates rise. Properties with longstanding vacancies should continue to see suppressed rents.

Residential growth in North Meridian has increased the retail appetite in this area dramatically and new development is underway. The Broadway corridor will continue to attract new retailers as Boise State University and downtown Boise grow.

Recent mergers and closures of national retailers will impact the local market. Radio Shack closed four local stores earlier this year and more could be in the works. Staples and Office Depot recently announced their merger and with some of their stores located close together, eventual consolidation seems inevitable.

The new buzzword in the retail world is omni-channel marketing, where retailers combine the personal touch of in-store service with the convenience of online shopping. E-commerce has commonly been viewed as a threat to brick and mortar stores, but retailers are discovering ways to tap into both offerings. Most consumers are still seeking a full-service experience where they can see the product and ask questions prior to a making a purchasing decision.