National Chain Closures Fuel Opportunities for New Tenants
Retail vacancy edged down to 17.9%, while absorption improved from -24,996 SF in H2 2024 to just -6,449 SF in H1 2025. National brand closures (Jo-Ann, Big Lots, Rite Aid) opened the door for new tenants, including Shake Shack, Dollar Tree, and Barnes & Noble, to backfill space quickly—especially in the East Submarket. Redevelopment and re-tenanting of aging centers continue to unlock value and drive momentum, with West Lansing’s Delta Crossings leading as a hub for retail expansion.