Retail Space Vacancy Rate Falls

The vacancy rate for retail properties in central Arkansas fell slightly in the second quarter of this year compared with the year-ago period, to 7.5 percent from 7.8 percent. But the second-quarter 2013 rate inched a bit higher when compared with first-quarter 2013, when it stood at 7.3 percent.

“Central Arkansas is still trending well below the national vacancy rate of 10.5 percent,” said Brooke Miller of Flake & Kelley Commercial. “This past quarter, the most significant change locally was represented by the sale of the former Harvest Foods (about 41,000 SF) on East Kiehl in Sherwood.”

(Also see: Sherwood Retail Project Recycled in $1.2M Sale)

“Retailers really begin focusing on sales and bringing in their year-end goals in third and fourth quarters. Good reports there may mean same-store expansions with relocation and the introduction of more new stores in our market,” said Miller.

To read the full article by Arkansas Business.