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JACKSONVILLE-The retail market will benefit from the city's diverse economy and population gains, according to Marcus & Millichap's National Retail Research Report for 2006.

According to the report, the city will add 15,100 jobs in 2006, an increase of 2.5%. Retail sales are projected to increase 5.4% this year, fueled by rising incomes and a 2.4% increase in the number of households.

"Residential growth is surging, especially south of the city toward St. Johns County and to the southwest on the west side of the St. Johns River," says Steven Ekovich, a first vice president of Marcus & Millichap and regional manager of the firm's Jacksonville office. "These high-growth areas are generating strong retailer interest and expansion."