Professionals in commercial real estate are looking to find new ways to win over buzzy brands to smaller markets or older development, in a time when closure of traffic drivers likeJoann, Party City and Rite Aid means more vacancies. In the second quarter of 2025, nationwide retail availability increased to 4.9%, largely due to retailer bankruptcies and companies reducing their store counts. Developers are shifting from traditional anchors, such as movie theaters, to a mixed-use outdoor amenity environment, including pickleball, VR, putting greens, and activated outdoor space. Moreover, they are carving up big box vacancies to smaller pieces to be leased out separately or into food halls with stalls and stands inside. Meanwhile, smaller cities are looking into relative value, affordability, and speed. Towns like Manteca, CA are growing rapidly and have already landed big brand names like Ikea and Top Golf, while places like Fairfield can approve permits in about two to three months instead of most of a year in big cities. For brands who want to make the most of up and coming locations, relationships built with property owners, tenents, and the community is crucial.