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Tag Archives: retail


Big Box Retail Stores Set to Close Across US in 2023

America is bracing for a mass exodus of retail stores across the nation this year, with more than 800 big box locations set to close from California to New York

Among the iconic names to announce they are downsizing includes Bed Bath & Beyond, Walmart, Gap and Party City. 

At least 803 stores are set to be shuttered over the rest of 2023, with many forced into desperate cost cutting measures amid rampant inflation and declining bottom lines. 

The move comes as numerous industries continue to struggle, including Silicon Valley’s ‘tech wreck’ which has seen over 70,000 jobs lost in recent months

*Article courtesy of SmartNews

For more information about New Jersey or Philadelphia health care space, industrial space, retail space, office space, land or other New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial properties, please call 856-857-6300 or send an email to info@wolfcre.com. Wolf Commercial Real Estate, is a leading New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate broker that specializes in healthcare, office, retail, land, industrial, and investment spaces.

Wolf Commercial Real Estate, a full-service CORFAC International brokerage, and advisory firm that provides a full range commercial real estate listings and services and property management services for landlords, owners, investors, tenants and more.

As experts in both Philadelphia and New Jersey commercial real estate listings and services, the WCRE team provides ongoing detailed information about commercial properties to our clients and prospects to help them achieve their real estate goals.

Five Below Store Openings are Slow but Moving Forward

Discount retailer Five Below’s store expansion slowed a bit this year, but the retailer still expects to be just about on target to debut 1,000 brick-and-mortar sites in the next four years.

“We are gaining momentum going into ’23,” Joel Anderson, president and CEO of the Philadelphia-based chain, said Wednesday during a conference call with analysts. The call followed the release of Five Below’s third-quarter earnings for the period that ended Oct. 29.

The chain reported that net sales increased by 6.2% to $645 million during the quarter compared with $607.6 million in sales in the third quarter of the 2021 fiscal year. Comparable sales decreased 2.7% compared with the third quarter of 2021. 

*Article courtesy of Costar

For more information about New Jersey or Philadelphia health care space, industrial space, retail space, office space, land or other New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial properties, please call 856-857-6300 to speak with Jason Wolf (jason.wolf@wolfcre.com) at Wolf Commercial Real Estate, a leading New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate broker that specializes in both New Jersey and Philadelphia cannabis, healthcare space, office space, retail space, land and New Jersey and Philadelphia industrial space.

Wolf Commercial Real Estate, a full-service CORFAC International brokerage, and advisory firm, is a premier New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate brokerage firm that provides a full range of New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate listings and services, property management services, and marketing commercial offices, medical properties, industrial properties, land properties, retail buildings and other New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial properties for buyers, tenants, investors, and sellers.

A New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate broker with expertise in New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate listings, Wolf Commercial Real Estate provides unparalleled expertise in matching companies and individuals seeking new New Jersey and Philadelphia office space, New Jersey and Philadelphia retail space, or New Jersey and Philadelphia industrial space with the New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial properties that best meets their needs.

As experts in both Philadelphia and New Jersey commercial real estate listings and services, the team at our commercial real estate brokerage firm provides ongoing detailed information about Philadelphia and New Jersey commercial properties to our clients and prospects to help them achieve their real estate goals.  

Please visit our websites for a full listing of South Jersey, Philadelphia, and New Jersey commercial properties for lease or sale through our Philadelphia commercial real estate brokerage firm.

Retailers Cautiously Optimistic About Holiday Shopping

Covid-19 concerns are diminished, inflation worries are high. But consumers are ready to celebrate what’s for many the first so-called normal holiday season in three years, which experts say should keep sales relatively strong and ultimately bolster the retail real estate sector.

In fact, despite high inflation and growing concerns about a recession, consumer spending has continued to grow through the fall.

The U.S. Department of Commerce reported Wednesday U.S. retail and food services sales for October 2022 totaled $694.5 billion, up 1.3% from the previous month and 8.3% higher than October 2021. Total sales between August and October 2022 were up 8.9% from the same period a year prior.

The National Retail Federation, meanwhile, forecasted on Nov. 3 retail holiday sales will grow between 6% and 8% from 2021 levels, to between $942.6 billion and $960.4 billion.

Some retailers, though, are bracing for consumers to spend less this holiday season. Big-box retailer Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) out of Minneapolis posted disappointing earnings results for the third quarter on Wednesday and cut its forecast for the holidays, citing continued weakness in consumer shopping habits.

*Article courtesy of Philadelphia Business Journal

For more information about New Jersey or Philadelphia health care space, industrial space, retail space, office space, land or other New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial properties, please call 856-857-6300 to speak with Jason Wolf (jason.wolf@wolfcre.com) at Wolf Commercial Real Estate, a leading New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate broker that specializes in both New Jersey and Philadelphia cannabis, healthcare space, office space, retail space, land and New Jersey and Philadelphia industrial space.

Wolf Commercial Real Estate, a full-service CORFAC International brokerage, and advisory firm, is a premier New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate brokerage firm that provides a full range of New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate listings and services, property management services, and marketing commercial offices, medical properties, industrial properties, land properties, retail buildings and other New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial properties for buyers, tenants, investors, and sellers.

A New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate broker with expertise in New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate listings, Wolf Commercial Real Estate provides unparalleled expertise in matching companies and individuals seeking new New Jersey and Philadelphia office space, New Jersey and Philadelphia retail space, or New Jersey and Philadelphia industrial space with the New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial properties that best meets their needs.

As experts in both Philadelphia and New Jersey commercial real estate listings and services, the team at our commercial real estate brokerage firm provides ongoing detailed information about Philadelphia and New Jersey commercial properties to our clients and prospects to help them achieve their real estate goals.  

Please visit our websites for a full listing of South Jersey, Philadelphia, and New Jersey commercial properties for lease or sale through our Philadelphia commercial real estate brokerage firm.

Amazon’s Strategy for Big Industrial Space Cuts

Retail behemoth Amazon is generally tight-lipped about its real estate strategy, and it didn’t say much about its decision to trim its industrial portfolio earlier this year. Still, through its actions, a strategy is coming into focus: Small spaces go first.

A new analysis of the 48 Amazon distribution centers across the United States listed as available for lease on CoStar through October this year found that Amazon’s efforts to trim its industrial portfolio have concentrated on shedding smaller facilities, often in secondary markets. In fact, a CoStar review found that smaller distribution facilities of less than 100,000 square feet are disproportionately represented in the space Amazon has put up for sublease in 2022 by a ratio of two-to-one.

While the company’s cancellation of plans to construct tens of millions of square feet of distribution space has been widely reported, the review looks at existing facilities Amazon has either put up for sublease or allowed to go back on the market by choosing not to renew existing leases approaching expiration. Together these properties total 7.8 million square feet around the country.

*Article courtesy of Costar

For more information about New Jersey or Philadelphia health care space, industrial space, retail space, office space, land or other New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial properties, please call 856-857-6300 to speak with Jason Wolf (jason.wolf@wolfcre.com) at Wolf Commercial Real Estate, a leading New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate broker that specializes in both New Jersey and Philadelphia cannabis, healthcare space, office space, retail space, land and New Jersey and Philadelphia industrial space.

Wolf Commercial Real Estate, a full-service CORFAC International brokerage, and advisory firm, is a premier New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate brokerage firm that provides a full range of New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate listings and services, property management services, and marketing commercial offices, medical properties, industrial properties, land properties, retail buildings and other New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial properties for buyers, tenants, investors, and sellers.

A New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate broker with expertise in New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate listings, Wolf Commercial Real Estate provides unparalleled expertise in matching companies and individuals seeking new New Jersey and Philadelphia office space, New Jersey and Philadelphia retail space, or New Jersey and Philadelphia industrial space with the New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial properties that best meets their needs.

As experts in both Philadelphia and New Jersey commercial real estate listings and services, the team at our commercial real estate brokerage firm provides ongoing detailed information about Philadelphia and New Jersey commercial properties to our clients and prospects to help them achieve their real estate goals.  

Please visit our websites for a full listing of South Jersey, Philadelphia, and New Jersey commercial properties for lease or sale through our Philadelphia commercial real estate brokerage firm.

WCRE SECOND QUARTER 2022 REPORT

With Omicron In The Rear-View Mirror, Southern New Jersey & Philly Markets Face New Obstacles

Uncertainty Returns to Commercial Real Estate in Q2 After a Strong First Quarter

WCRE SECOND QUARTER 2022 REPORTCommercial real estate brokerage WCRE reported in its analysis of the second quarter that new challenges, including fear of a recession, knocked the post-pandemic recovery off course. Although some sectors and indicators remained strong, others were dragged down by persistent inflation, the war in Ukraine, and the ubiquity of hybrid and remote work models, among other pressures. 

“Only a few months ago we were impressed by the unexpected strength of many indicators, but Q2 felt much more like a roller coaster with unpredictable twists, turns, and unfortunately some drops,” said Jason Wolf, founder and managing principal of WCRE. “As usual, industrial stayed far ahead of the pack, and retail leasing in the suburbs was strong, but the office market is still well below pre-pandemic levels, and vacancy is increasing.”

In the second quarter there were approximately 311,271 square feet of new leases and renewals executed in the three counties surveyed (Burlington, Camden and Gloucester). This is a decrease of about 35% from Q1. New tenant leases comprised approximately 215,554 square feet, or about 69% of all deals for the three counties. 

Download Printable Report (PDF) >>>

Other office market highlights from the report:

  • Overall vacancy in the market is now approximately 15.7 percent, a setback compared with the previous quarter. 
  • The sales market-maintained momentum, with 1,296,020 square feet actively on the market or under agreement.
  • Both the total dollars and square feet of completed sales increased in the second quarter, with $114,300,111 in completed sales comprising 906,903 square feet.
  • Average rents for Class A & B product remain unchanged, as they continue to show strong support in the range of $10.00-$15.00/sf NNN or $20.00-$25.00/sf gross for the deals completed during the quarter. These averages have hovered near this range for more than a year.

WCRE has expanded into southeastern Pennsylvania, and the firm’s quarterly reports now include a section on transactions, rates, and news from Philadelphia and the suburbs. Highlights from the second quarter in Pennsylvania include:

  • Vacancy in Philadelphia’s office leasing market is still nearly 20% below the three-year average before the pandemic. There were modest gains in 2021, but those have largely been erased in the past few months. Net absorption was negative 300,000 SF for the past 12 months, which is a marked improvement.
  • The industrial sector in Philadelphia continues its incredible run. Over the past 12 months, 17.5 million new square feet of inventory became available, and the sector saw 15.6 million square feet in net absorption. Rents grew an average 12.2%.
  • Retail remains the sector most responsive to market conditions, but it has also proved to be the most adaptable. Average retail net absorption in Philadelphia continues to improve and was at 1.7 million square feet for the 12 months just concluded. Average rents grew a modest .7%.

WCRE also reports on the Southern New Jersey retail market. Retail highlights from the report include:

  • Retail vacancy in Camden County posted an improvement to 9.0 percent, while average rents were essentially unchanged, in the range of $13.18/sf NNN.
  • Burlington County retail vacancy ticked up slightly to 8.4 percent, while average rents increased by a dime, to the range of $14.41/sf NNN.
  • Gloucester County improved slightly, to 11 percent, building on a solid improvement last year, with average rents inching up further, to the range of $16.53/sf NNN.

The full report is available upon request.

About WCRE

WCRE is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage and advisory firm specializing in office, retail, medical, industrial and investment properties in Southern New Jersey and the Philadelphia region. We provide a complete range of real estate services to commercial property owners, companies, banks, commercial loan servicers, and investors seeking the highest quality of service, proven expertise, and a total commitment to client-focused relationships. Through our intensive focus on our clients’ business goals, our commitment to the community, and our highly personal approach to client service, WCRE is creating a new culture and a higher standard. We go well beyond helping with property transactions and serve as a strategic partner invested in your long-term growth and success.

Learn more about WCRE on Twitter & Instagram @WCRE1, and on Facebook at Wolf Commercial Real Estate, LLC. Visit our blog pages at www.southjerseyofficespace.com, www.southjerseyindustrialspace.com, www.southjerseymedicalspace.com, www.southjerseyretailspace.com, www.phillyofficespace.comwww.phillyindustrialspace.com, www.phillymedicalspace.com and www.phillyretailspace.com

Here’s why CRE deal volume may not see dramatic slowdown in second half of 2022

Capping off what’s looking to be a robust first half of 2022 for commercial real estate deal flow, at least one major firm is betting on a continued strong outlook for the rest of the year.

London-based PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP this week found, in the first three months of 2022, total volume in the U.S. was up 68% compared to the same period for 2021, reaching $172 billion. With Thursday being the final day of the second quarter, Q2 data isn’t complete yet, but early indicators suggest transaction volume held up, amid surging interest rates and new questions about the broader economy.

Retail and hospitality have rebounded strongly in 2022, with transaction volume in Q1 2022 for retail up 104% on an annual basis and hospitality deal volume volume up 101% in that same time period.

*Article courtesy of Philadelphia Business Journal

For more information about New Jersey or Philadelphia health care space, industrial space, retail space, office space, land or other New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial properties, please call 856-857-6300 to speak with Jason Wolf (jason.wolf@wolfcre.com) at Wolf Commercial Real Estate, a leading New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate broker that specializes in both New Jersey and Philadelphia cannabis, healthcare space, office space, retail space, land and New Jersey and Philadelphia industrial space.

Wolf Commercial Real Estate, a full-service CORFAC International brokerage, and advisory firm, is a premier New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate brokerage firm that provides a full range of New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate listings and services, property management services, and marketing commercial offices, medical properties, industrial properties, land properties, retail buildings and other New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial properties for buyers, tenants, investors, and sellers.

A New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate broker with expertise in New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate listings, Wolf Commercial Real Estate provides unparalleled expertise in matching companies and individuals seeking new New Jersey and Philadelphia office space, New Jersey and Philadelphia retail space, or New Jersey and Philadelphia industrial space with the New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial properties that best meets their needs.

As experts in both Philadelphia and New Jersey commercial real estate listings and services, the team at our commercial real estate brokerage firm provides ongoing detailed information about Philadelphia and New Jersey commercial properties to our clients and prospects to help them achieve their real estate goals.  

Please visit our websites for a full listing of South Jersey, Philadelphia, and New Jersey commercial properties for lease or sale through our Philadelphia commercial real estate brokerage firm.

WCRE FIRST QUARTER 2022 REPORT

After a Pause, Southern New Jersey & Philly Markets Appear to have Overcome Omicron

Commercial real estate brokerage WCRE reported in its analysis of the first quarter that the post-pandemic recovery is back on track.

WCRE FIRST QUARTER 2022 REPORTNow that the highly transmissible Omicron variant of COVID-19 is finally declining, there has been a rapid expansion of economic activity that has had positive impacts on many CRE sectors.

Download Printable Report (PDF) >>>

“What a difference one quarter can make. Just a few months ago, the Omicron variant was dampening demand, increasing vacancy, and generally creating uncertainty. Now, we’re seeing a CRE market that is much improved on many indicators, and continuing to strengthen.” said Jason Wolf, founder and managing principal of WCRE. “Employment, retail sales, and industrial production all expanded throughout Q1, and CRE is in a strong position as a result.”

In the first quarter there were approximately 479,886 square feet of new leases and renewals executed in the three counties surveyed (Burlington, Camden and Gloucester). New tenant leases comprised approximately 296,152 square feet, or about 62% of all deals for the three counties. These totals represent more than 50 percent improvements over the fourth quarter of 2021, which itself had improved significantly over the third quarter.

Other office market highlights from the report:

• Overall vacancy in the market is now approximately 12.15 percent, a significant improvement over the previous quarter. 
• The sales market maintained momentum, with 1,167,321 square feet actively on the market or under agreement.
• Both the total dollars and square feet of completed sales were more than double the totals for the fourth quarter, with $78,365,469 in completed sales comprising 956,596 square feet.
• Average rents for Class A & B product remain unchanged, as they continue to show strong support in the range of $10.00-$15.00/sf NNN or $20.00-$25.00/sf gross for the deals completed during the quarter. These averages have hovered near this range for more than a year.

WCRE has expanded into southeastern Pennsylvania, and the firm’s quarterly reports now include a section on transactions, rates, and news from Philadelphia and the suburbs. Highlights from the first quarter in Pennsylvania include:

• Vacancy in Philadelphia’s office leasing market is still 20% below the three-year average before the pandemic. There were modest gains in 2021, but those have been all but erased in the past few months. Net absorption was negative 1.3 million for the past 12 months.
• As expected, the industrial sector in Philadelphia led all sectors. Over the past 12 months, 14.8 million new square feet of inventory became available, and the sector saw 15.6 million square feet in net absorption. Rents grew an average 12.3%.
• Retail remains the sector most responsive to market conditions, but it has also proved to be the most adaptable. Average retail net absorption in Philadelphia continues to improve and was at 1.6 million square feet for the 12 months just concluded. Average rents grew at 2.1%.

WCRE also reports on the Southern New Jersey retail market. Retail highlights from the report include:

• Retail vacancy in Camden County posted an improvement to 9.7 percent, while average rents jumped $1.70, in the range of $13.13/sf NNN.
• Burlington County retail vacancy improved to 8.2 percent in Q1, giving back improvements from the previous quarter. Average rents fell slightly, to the range of $14.31/sf NNN.
• Gloucester County stayed unchanged at 11.3 percent, building on a solid improvement last year, with average rents inching up further, to the range of $16.38/sf NNN.

The full report is available upon request.

About WCRE

WCRE is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage and advisory firm specializing in office, retail, medical, industrial and investment properties in Southern New Jersey and the Philadelphia region. We provide a complete range of real estate services to commercial property owners, companies, banks, commercial loan servicers, and investors seeking the highest quality of service, proven expertise, and a total commitment to client-focused relationships. Through our intensive focus on our clients’ business goals, our commitment to the community, and our highly personal approach to client service, WCRE is creating a new culture and a higher standard. We go well beyond helping with property transactions and serve as a strategic partner invested in your long term growth and success.

Learn more about WCRE online at www.wolfcre.com, on Twitter & Instagram @WCRE1, and on Facebook at Wolf Commercial Real Estate, LLC. Visit our blog pages at www.southjerseyofficespace.com, www.southjerseyindustrialspace.comwww.southjerseymedicalspace.comwww.southjerseyretailspace.comwww.phillyofficespace.comwww.phillyindustrialspace.comwww.phillymedicalspace.com and www.phillyretailspace.com

Backed by private equity, car wash operators scour Philadelphia market for locations

Scott Caplan turned his sights on the car wash business six years ago, raising a total of $11 millionin two investment rounds that has helped fund the rapid expansion of EverWash with 800 locations across 49 states. 

EverWash is growing a network of car washes that provide unlimited washes at locations within the company’s system for a monthly membership fee. Caplan envisions adding 30 new car washes a month in what is a highly fragmented industry owned by mostly mom-and-pop operators. Caplan’s goal is to control 5,000 car washes as quickly as possible. 

“When I was looking to get into the car wash space it was to get in on the real estate side,” he said. “I wanted to buy and own a bunch of car washes and create a membership. I come from a brick-and-mortar world.”

The car wash business has turned into a race for the best real estate with multiple companies working to secure prime locations throughout Philadelphia and other metropolitan areas across the country. Retail brokers started to see an uptick in inquires about zoning and available sites about two years ago with it picking up in recent months. 

*Article courtesy of Philadelphia Business Journal

For more information about New Jersey or Philadelphia health care space, industrial space, retail space, office space, land or other New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial properties, please call 856-857-6300 to speak with Jason Wolf (jason.wolf@wolfcre.com) at Wolf Commercial Real Estate, a leading New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate broker that specializes in both New Jersey and Philadelphia cannabis, healthcare space, office space, retail space, land and New Jersey and Philadelphia industrial space.

Wolf Commercial Real Estate, a full-service CORFAC International brokerage, and advisory firm, is a premier New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate brokerage firm that provides a full range of New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate listings and services, property management services, and marketing commercial offices, medical properties, industrial properties, land properties, retail buildings and other New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial properties for buyers, tenants, investors, and sellers.

A New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate broker with expertise in New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate listings, Wolf Commercial Real Estate provides unparalleled expertise in matching companies and individuals seeking new New Jersey and Philadelphia office space, New Jersey and Philadelphia retail space, or New Jersey and Philadelphia industrial space with the New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial properties that best meets their needs.

As experts in both Philadelphia and New Jersey commercial real estate listings and services, the team at our commercial real estate brokerage firm provides ongoing detailed information about Philadelphia and New Jersey commercial properties to our clients and prospects to help them achieve their real estate goals.  

Please visit our websites for a full listing of South Jersey, Philadelphia, and New Jersey commercial properties for lease or sale through our Philadelphia commercial real estate brokerage firm.

Retail sales will grow this year, but at a slower rate than in 2021

Retail sales in the U.S. are expected to grow between 6% and 8% this year, as Americans shift more of their spending to restaurants and trips and cope with sticker shock at the grocery store and gas station, the National Retail Federation said on Tuesday.

That would total between $4.86 trillion and $4.95 trillion in retail sales, the trade group said, with some of the sales gains coming from inflation-fueled prices. Those sales numbers exclude automobile dealers, gas and restaurants.

*Article courtesy of CNBC

For more information about New Jersey or Philadelphia health care space, industrial space, retail space, office space, land or other New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial properties, please call 856-857-6300 to speak with Jason Wolf (jason.wolf@wolfcre.com) at Wolf Commercial Real Estate, a leading New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate broker that specializes in both New Jersey and Philadelphia cannabis, healthcare space, office space, retail space, land and New Jersey and Philadelphia industrial space.

Wolf Commercial Real Estate, a full-service CORFAC International brokerage, and advisory firm, is a premier New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate brokerage firm that provides a full range of New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate listings and services, property management services, and marketing commercial offices, medical properties, industrial properties, land properties, retail buildings and other New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial properties for buyers, tenants, investors, and sellers.

A New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate broker with expertise in New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate listings, Wolf Commercial Real Estate provides unparalleled expertise in matching companies and individuals seeking new New Jersey and Philadelphia office space, New Jersey and Philadelphia retail space, or New Jersey and Philadelphia industrial space with the New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial properties that best meets their needs.

As experts in both Philadelphia and New Jersey commercial real estate listings and services, the team at our commercial real estate brokerage firm provides ongoing detailed information about Philadelphia and New Jersey commercial properties to our clients and prospects to help them achieve their real estate goals.  

Please visit our websites for a full listing of South Jersey, Philadelphia, and New Jersey commercial properties for lease or sale through our Philadelphia commercial real estate brokerage firm.

Announced Store Closings in 2021 Approach an All-Time Low

Despite rising cases of breakthrough coronavirus infections and the resulting uncertainty over the efficacy of current vaccines against variants, the retail property market shows impressive signs of recovery at year-end. 

Retail sales have moved well above pre-pandemic levels for months, retailer profitability has been improving and consumption is setting all-time highs even as foot traffic at stores has improved significantly from last year’s levels. However, perhaps the most compelling sign of recovery in 2021 is the sharp drop observed in announced store closings.

Following 2020, a year that retailers set the all-time high for the amount of square feet announced for closing, 2021 is on track to set a new low, marking an encouraging reversal for this leading indicator of the health of the retail sector. 

Also, perhaps even more encouraging, the amount of space and number of stores retailers said they plan to open during 2021 is well above announced store closings, the first time that has happened since 2014. As of mid-December, just over 3,300 stores have been announced for closing, accounting for 37 million square feet of retail space. At the same time, retailers have announced more than 5,800 store openings, accounting for 53 million square feet. 

The most significant store closure news this year came from CVS in November when the company announced it would be closing 900 stores over the next three years, totaling nearly 10 million square feet. Meanwhile, announced store openings were led by discount stores, which continue to expand. Dollar General said it plans to open 1,000 stores in the coming years, and Dollar Tree is expecting to add 600 stores, including 200 Family Dollar locations.

As expected, this has translated to much-improved leasing, including both new leases and renewals. In fact, November marks the ninth consecutive month where the amount of retail space leased outpaced the average from 2017 to 2019. And, while leasing in 2020 was 21% below the historic national average, the recovery in 2021 has pushed it 11% above the historic average. 

Although shortages in both labor and inventories will be a drag on sales for many retailers and may slow expansion plans for some, the positive signs in the retail market suggest a relatively positive outlook. In addition to the expansion plans announced by Dollar General and Dollar Tree, some of the largest leasers of new retail space in 2021 also include Planet Fitness, Burlington, At Home, Floor & Decor and Target.

Retail trends, such as announced store closings, will be important for retail owners and investors to track as obstacles and uncertainty are still present in the market. While metrics such as foot traffic and retail sales are useful, they are backward-looking. Tracking announced store closings and openings can shed light on future retail demand, which can be valuable in predicting the future health of the market.

*Article courtesy of Costar

For more information about New Jersey or Philadelphia health care space, industrial space, retail space, office space, land or other New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial properties, please call 856-857-6300 to speak with Jason Wolf (jason.wolf@wolfcre.com) at Wolf Commercial Real Estate, a leading New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate broker that specializes in both New Jersey and Philadelphia cannabis, healthcare space, office space, retail space, land and New Jersey and Philadelphia industrial space.

Wolf Commercial Real Estate, a full-service CORFAC International brokerage, and advisory firm, is a premier New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate brokerage firm that provides a full range of New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate listings and services, property management services, and marketing commercial offices, medical properties, industrial properties, land properties, retail buildings and other New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial properties for buyers, tenants, investors, and sellers.

A New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate broker with expertise in New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate listings, Wolf Commercial Real Estate provides unparalleled expertise in matching companies and individuals seeking new New Jersey and Philadelphia office space, New Jersey and Philadelphia retail space, or New Jersey and Philadelphia industrial space with the New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial properties that best meets their needs.

As experts in both Philadelphia and New Jersey commercial real estate listings and services, the team at our commercial real estate brokerage firm provides ongoing detailed information about Philadelphia and New Jersey commercial properties to our clients and prospects to help them achieve their real estate goals.  

Please visit our websites for a full listing of South Jersey, Philadelphia, and New Jersey commercial properties for lease or sale through our Philadelphia commercial real estate brokerage firm.

ICSC Sees Holiday Retail Spending Rising Nearly 9% This Year

A major trade group for the U.S. retail real estate industry is projecting a roughly 9% rise in holiday spending this year as shoppers return to brick-and-mortar stores and buy gifts earlier, a development that would support retail property values in the pandemic.

ICSC released on Tuesday the results of its annual Holiday Shopping Intentions Survey, which found that the average American shopper is planning to spend $637 on gifts and other holiday-related items this year. That would mark an 8.9% increase in November through December sales versus a year earlier to $923 billion, boosting retailers “as consumers make use of multiple shopping channels,” according to the organization.

“Strong retail spending has driven a significant economic recovery this year despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and consumers continue to return to pre-pandemic behaviors in the face of uncertainty,” Tom McGee, ICSC’s president and CEO, said in a statement. “Consumers have remained resilient throughout 2021, which I am confident will continue during and after the holiday shopping season.” 

*Article courtesy of Costar

For more information about New Jersey or Philadelphia health care space, industrial space, retail space, office space, land or other New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial properties, please call 856-857-6300 to speak with Jason Wolf (jason.wolf@wolfcre.com) at Wolf Commercial Real Estate, a leading New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate broker that specializes in both New Jersey and Philadelphia cannabis, healthcare space, office space, retail space, land and New Jersey and Philadelphia industrial space.

Wolf Commercial Real Estate, a full-service CORFAC International brokerage, and advisory firm, is a premier New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate brokerage firm that provides a full range of New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate listings and services, property management services, and marketing commercial offices, medical properties, industrial properties, land properties, retail buildings and other New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial properties for buyers, tenants, investors, and sellers.

A New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate broker with expertise in New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial real estate listings, Wolf Commercial Real Estate provides unparalleled expertise in matching companies and individuals seeking new New Jersey and Philadelphia office space, New Jersey and Philadelphia retail space, or New Jersey and Philadelphia industrial space with the New Jersey and Philadelphia commercial properties that best meets their needs.

As experts in both Philadelphia and New Jersey commercial real estate listings and services, the team at our commercial real estate brokerage firm provides ongoing detailed information about Philadelphia and New Jersey commercial properties to our clients and prospects to help them achieve their real estate goals.  

Please visit our websites for a full listing of South Jersey, Philadelphia, and New Jersey commercial properties for lease or sale through our Philadelphia commercial real estate brokerage firm.

WCRE THIRD QUARTER 2021 REPORT

SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY & PHILLY MARKETS’ ANTICIPATED COMEBACK DELAYED BY DELTA VARIANT

Investment Activity & Large Transactions Regained Steam, While Industrial Continued To Lead The Way

Commercial real estate brokerage WCRE reported in its analysis of the third quarter that the Southern New Jersey and Southeastern Pennsylvania markets will have to wait a bit longer for the post-pandemic recovery. While CRE seemed to rebound along with the broader economy earlier this year, the Delta variant caused havoc in recent months.

Download Printable Report (PDF) >>>

At the beginning of 2021, with vaccines and optimism becoming widespread, many employers looked ahead to the week after Labor Day as the beginning of the official return to the office. The emergence of the Delta variant and breakthrough infections pushed the return date into 2022. The effects of this shift have reverberated throughout the economy, including the office and retail CRE markets.

“A few months ago, CRE performance was trending in a positive direction and seemed poised for a return to pre-pandemic levels,” said Jason Wolf, founder and managing principal of WCRE. “While we are in a very positive investment transaction market, the Delta variant has put the office and retail markets into a holding pattern, but a comeback should still be on the horizon.”

In the third quarter there were approximately 225,717 square feet of new leases and renewals executed in the three counties surveyed (Burlington, Camden and Gloucester), a bit below the previous quarter.
New tenant leases comprised approximately 119,213 square feet, or about 53% of all deals for the three counties.

Other office market highlights from the report:

● Overall vacancy in the market is now approximately 12.75 percent, an improvement of .85 of a point from the previous quarter.

● The sales market maintained momentum, with 1,200,393 square feet actively on the market or under agreement.

● There were $70,164,500 in completed sales comprising 709,032 square feet during Q3.

● Average rents for Class A & B product remain unchanged, as they continue to show strong support in the range of $10.00-$15.00/sf NNN or $20.00-$25.00/sf gross for the deals completed
during the quarter. These averages have hovered near this range for more than a year.

WCRE has expanded into southeastern Pennsylvania, and the firm’s quarterly reports now include a section on transactions, rates, and news from Philadelphia and the suburbs. Highlights from the third quarter in Pennsylvania include:

● The vacancy rate in Philadelphia’s office market remained unchanged in Q3, still at 10.3% after hovering near a 20-year low for months. For the past few months, nearly 15% of the total office space in Philadelphia has been listed for sale or lease.

● As in many recent reports, the industrial sector in Philadelphia continued its impressive run, buoyed by its integral role in e-commerce. The last year saw a remarkable 15.8 million SF of net absorption and 11.7% rent growth.

● Retail remains the sector most responsive to market conditions, but it has also proved to be the most adaptable. Average retail net absorption in Philadelphia went into a tailspin when the pandemic began, but for the 12 months just concluded, it is back in positive territory, at 273,000 square feet.

WCRE also reports on the Southern New Jersey retail market. Highlights from the retail section of the report include:

● The Consumer Confidence Index declined steadily throughout the third quarter after posting five consecutive months of increases.

● Retail vacancy in Camden County posted a huge improvement of more than three points to 10.7 percent, while average rents fell more than one dollar, in the range of $11.81/sf NNN.

● Burlington County retail vacancy improved more than a point to 8.3 percent. But it is still above 7.6 percent, where it stood a year ago. Average rents dropped to the range of $13.93/sf NNN.

● Gloucester County posted a decrease of two points, to 14.5 after increasing throughout last year, with average rents virtually unchanged in the range of $14.04/sf NNN.

The full report is available upon request.

About WCRE

WCRE is a full-service commercial real estate brokerage and advisory firm specializing in office, retail, medical, industrial and investment properties in Southern New Jersey and the Philadelphia region. We provide a complete range of real estate services to commercial property owners, companies, banks, commercial loan servicers, and investors seeking the highest quality of service, proven expertise, and a total commitment to client-focused relationships. Through our intensive focus on our clients’ business goals, our commitment to the community, and our highly personal approach to client service, WCRE is creating a new culture and a higher standard. We go well beyond helping with property transactions and serve as a strategic partner invested in your long term growth and success.

Learn more about WCRE online at www.wolfcre.com, on Twitter & Instagram @WCRE1, and on Facebook at Wolf Commercial Real Estate, LLC. Visit our blog pages at www.southjerseyofficespace.com, www.southjerseyindustrialspace.com, www.southjerseymedicalspace.com, www.southjerseyretailspace.com, www.phillyofficespace.com, www.phillyindustrialspace.comwww.phillymedicalspace.com and www.phillyretailspace.com