Retail Trends + Considerations: Part Two

SPACE NEEDS

The pre-COVID approach was to have as little space to accommodate operations and maximize occupancy and throughput due to high retail rents. Patio space was an added bonus for F&B tenants, but not a necessity to make numbers pencil. In today’s world and beyond, the need for more space to acclimatize to physical distancing of patrons, an increase in back of house operations to meet delivery, meal kit, and online demand, and new cleaning protocols can be seen across the industry. Patio or programmable outdoor space is a necessity today, as well as multiple egress points and operable windows, and will be sought-after in the years to come. Base building requirements are being reconsidered by landlords and developers to meet the increase in need and change to MEP’s.

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