The first half of 2025 brought encouraging momentum to the Greater Lansing retail real estate market, according to insights from Carson Patten and Samantha Le of Martin Commercial Properties, who recently joined the Michigan Business Beat.

Vacancy improved to 17.9%, with absorption trending upward compared to late 2024. While the national market has seen continued closures from big-box and specialty retailers, Lansing has demonstrated resilience—quickly backfilling vacated spaces with new tenants.

Recent highlights include:

• Ashley Furniture signing a 95,000 SF lease at Meridian Mall
• New arrivals such as Barnes & Noble, Shake Shack, Wingstop, Smoothie King, and Dollar Tree
• Ongoing redevelopment projects like Delta Crossings, which continues to reshape West Lansing’s retail corridor

The trend toward experience-driven retail, dining, and fitness tenants is also driving renewed consumer engagement and repositioning opportunities for aging centers.

📺 Watch the full interview here:

Is the Retail Market Recovery an Opportunity for You?

Lansing’s retail market is showing fresh momentum in 2025, with national brands expanding locally and redevelopment projects fueling new activity. For tenants, this means greater choice in high-traffic locations. For landlords, it signals renewed leasing potential and repositioning opportunities. And for investors, the sector’s resilience offers a chance to reenter the market with confidence.

At Martin Commercial Properties, our retail advisors specialize in guiding tenants, landlords, and investors through shifting retail dynamics. Whether you’re looking to secure space, lease vacancies, or identify your next investment, our team can help you capitalize on the opportunities emerging in Greater Lansing’s retail landscape.