Franklin Street's Whitney Kantor

MIAMI—Some retailers are struggling. Others are thriving. Where do we go from here?

You can still read parts one and two of this series: Why Shopping Centers Are Facing Disturbing Financial Challenges. And check out this retail market that many say has untapped potential.

GlobeSt.com: What other retail concepts should we look for in 2017 and beyond?

Smith: Boutique retail is thriving and we'll see even more expansion amongst this group. From independent clothing shops to specialized fitness retailers, we're going to see a lot more personalized shopping and service businesses in our neighborhoods.

Kantor: Food halls and urban markets continue to grow. Food halls are a viable option for landlords to fill vacant big boxes.

Halls and markets offer a mix of chef-driven concepts and independent operators that sell local produce and artisanal food in a market-type environment and are not just for large cities anymore. Concepts that are popular in Atlanta, Seattle, Nashville, as well as those seen in New York and Chicago, are finding their way into cities with strong foodie cultures.

GlobeSt.com: How can retailers capitalize on opportunities this year?

Smith: Retailers that have finally figured out the omni-channel model will lead the pack in 2017. It's undeniable now, that as a retailer you must have a model that connects costumers from a variety of different channels.

Luckily for those in commercial real estate, this model does include having a brick and mortar location. From Starbucks to Target, to the mom-and-pop-shop—retailers are connecting with their customers in a variety of ways to get them in the store. Internet-based companies, such as Amazon, are now looking for storefronts.

Franklin Street's Whitney Kantor

MIAMI—Some retailers are struggling. Others are thriving. Where do we go from here?

You can still read parts one and two of this series: Why Shopping Centers Are Facing Disturbing Financial Challenges. And check out this retail market that many say has untapped potential.

GlobeSt.com: What other retail concepts should we look for in 2017 and beyond?

Smith: Boutique retail is thriving and we'll see even more expansion amongst this group. From independent clothing shops to specialized fitness retailers, we're going to see a lot more personalized shopping and service businesses in our neighborhoods.

Kantor: Food halls and urban markets continue to grow. Food halls are a viable option for landlords to fill vacant big boxes.

Halls and markets offer a mix of chef-driven concepts and independent operators that sell local produce and artisanal food in a market-type environment and are not just for large cities anymore. Concepts that are popular in Atlanta, Seattle, Nashville, as well as those seen in New York and Chicago, are finding their way into cities with strong foodie cultures.

GlobeSt.com: How can retailers capitalize on opportunities this year?

Smith: Retailers that have finally figured out the omni-channel model will lead the pack in 2017. It's undeniable now, that as a retailer you must have a model that connects costumers from a variety of different channels.

Luckily for those in commercial real estate, this model does include having a brick and mortar location. From Starbucks to Target, to the mom-and-pop-shop—retailers are connecting with their customers in a variety of ways to get them in the store. Internet-based companies, such as Amazon, are now looking for storefronts.

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