WASHINGTON, DC-Without abandoning malls, retailers are diversifying their real estate options, entering downtowns and opting for more lifestyle center locations. In addition, aided by technology, they are taking a more holistic approach to managing their real estate portfolios throughout the entire lifecycle.

These are among the conclusions revealed during a preview of the 2007 Retail Real Estate Study, sponsored by the National Retail Federation and Conducted by AMR Research Inc. The full report will be unveiled during NRF's annual convention, January 13-16 in New York City.

The 43 retail executives surveyed said they planned to have 11% of their stores located in urban street-front locations by the end of this year. This compares with 8% a year ago. Lifestyle center locations are also inching ahead to take 9% of store locations by year-end, compared with 8% in the previous year's study.