New retail industry trends could be evolving into the exact opposite of what many have anticipated. How could this alter the real estate landscape, and what adjustments might it call for when making acquisitions for the best future equity growth?
Rather than disintegrating real world shopping, and putting small, local businesses out of business, technology and trends appear to be putting the virtual back in reality. This could change which properties will see the most value growth over the next 5 to 10 years. It could reveal new, highly profitable strategic partnership opportunities, and some of the most important clients real estate brands should be working to attract.
Brands Take to Investing in Real Estate
Since last year, momentum towards better serving offline consumers has been building in the retail industry, as has the recognition of the importance of real estate holdings for all types of corporations. As some retail sectors have been negatively impacted by their lack of embracing technology or other factors such as the economy hampering sales or profit margins, they may have found e-commerce essential for survival. They have also gained a new appreciation for real estate as a corporate asset. For some corporations, real estate may be what holds them afloat over the next 10 years.
At the same time, younger tech start-up founders are speaking up with their own voices. They love brick and mortar shopping, and aren’t giving up on it. In fact, many online stores and tech companies are increasingly attempting to make the jump to “real” retail again. This new breed of retail store may be digitally enhanced and offer a far different customer experience than we have come to expect in the past, but they are anchored in concrete.
Walkability, Remote Working and Hyper Local Retail
It’s not secret that real estate professionals and local governments have been paying a lot more attention to walkability. Thanks to new technology and counting methods, they are better able to measure it, improve it and determine its impact on property values. Despite a return to boutique retailing and shopping local, remote working is now the norm for a substantial percentage of American and global workers. They aren’t going to give up this freedom anytime soon.
Enhanced walkability, green and electric cars and even a growing popularity in electric bicycles, together with more personalized niche living communities, will likely only compound these trends even further. Together, these are expected to drive local shopping, and increased investment in retail.
What to Expect for Real Estate Investors
With the evolution of retail trends; more stores, demand for retail space, less centralized shopping, and a higher demand for business locations can all contribute to real estate investors who intend to cater to this niche. Doing so may require an advanced understanding of technology for these retailers to survive, but residential property values should witness a sizable increase as a result.
Consider these evolving trends when investing in real estate. They will impact where, when and what you should invest in. However, you also want to account for these trends when you are branding yourself and marketing to individuals. Who will be your target audience?
