Investors continue to be attracted to Atlanta, due in part to the area's continued economic expansion, evidenced by the anticipated job growth in nearly every sector, according to a third quarter retail research report by Marcus & Millichap Real Estate Investment Services.

According to a Colliers Spectrum Cauble fall retail market report, Atlanta had experienced $2.41 billion in shopping center sales year-to-date. This compares with a total of $1.26 billion in sales for 2006. In 2007, the average price per sf for the sales was $140 and the average median cap rate was 6.6%. This compares with an average price of $154 per sf and median cap rate of 7.34% in 2006.

"The investment outlook for Atlanta retail properties is positive, providing investors with healthy initial yields and prospects for long-term future revenue growth," says Marcus & Millichap Atlanta office regional manager John Leonard.