"Central Florida will remain among the most attractive retail markets in the nation," says Steven M. Ekovich, vice president/regional manager, Marcus & Millichap. The reason: Ongoing population and employment growth.

"Unlike many regions, Central Florida has the luxury of continued population growth without relying completely on job creation," Ekovich says. "While the tourism industry has experienced some difficult times, the population shifts that have tilted the country to the south will continue to fuel the region's economy."

Another retail watcher, John M. Crossman, senior vice president/retail services director, Trammell Crow Co., Orlando, tells GlobeSt.com "overall, the (retail) market is surprisingly steady."