Michigan Business Beat | Carson Patten & Samantha Le, Martin Commercial Properties Retail Trends

Originally uploaded August 14, reloaded August 28th. Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Carson Patten, CCIM, Vice President, Retail Advisor, Martin Commercial Properties, along with Samantha Le, Senior Associate, Retail Advisor, Martin Commercial Properties, They share the latest Martin Commercial Properties Retail Advisory What are you seeing in Greater Lansing’s retail market right now, and what is driving the demand you’re seeing? Restaurant, service, and experiential businesses appear to be expanding. What types of retailers are best positioned to grow in the current market? Retailers are facing higher construction, tenant improvement, and occupancy costs. How are those costs affecting where businesses choose to locate? With retail vacancy at 17.1%, what are you seeing among properties that are leasing successfully versus those that are struggling to attract tenants? Looking ahead to the second half of 2026, what should retail owners, investors, and business operators be watching most closely? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Watch MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: X.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ EAST LANSING, Mich. – Martin Commercial Properties has released its H1 2026 Greater Lansing Market Insights reports, providing an in-depth analysis of the region's industrial, office, and retail commercial real estate markets. The reports show a commercial real estate market that remains stable despite continued economic uncertainty. While inflation, tariffs, elevated construction costs, higher financing costs, and evolving workplace strategies continue to influence decision-making, leasing activity has remained steady and long-term market fundamentals continue to support investment throughout the region. "The first half of 2026 was characterized by thoughtful decision-making rather than rapid expansion," said Van W. Martin, SIOR, CCIM, CRE, President and CEO of Martin Commercial Properties. "Businesses continue to move forward, but they're taking more time to evaluate space needs, capital investments, and long-term operating costs. That's reflected across each property type in different ways." The industrial market remained one of Greater Lansing's strongest sectors, with vacancy declining modestly to 12.3%. However, much of the available inventory remains concentrated within a small number of large vacant facilities, while modern industrial space, particularly in the West Submarket, continues to be in limited supply. Leasing activity was active but driven primarily by renewals and lease extensions rather than major expansions or relocations. About Martin Commercial Properties: Martin Commercial Properties is one of Michigan’s leading independent commercial real estate firms, with a legacy spanning over 60 years. Renowned for its unparalleled expertise, influence, and client-centric approach, Martin Commercial Properties offers a complete range of commercial real estate services, including brokerage, property development, property management, investment services, and corporate solutions. Full reports can be found at https://martincommercial.com/marketinsights/ ####