SAN DIEGO—A large destination retail environment that provides an experience that shoppers can't get at Fashion Valley Mall will both draw vendors and justify the parking expenses in Downtown San Diego, JLL's EVP, retail brokerage lead Craig Killman told RealShare San Diego attendees Wednesday. Panelists for the session “Retail: The Next Chapter” talked about the retail trends that are taking hold now and which have legs for the future in this market.

Moderator Pamela Flora, director or retail research for Cushman & Wakefield, said e-commerce is growing faster than traditional retail, but still only represents 8% or 9% of total retail sales. She also pointed out that San Diego has maintained a lower vacancy rate than many markets in the region. She asked the panelists for some of the trends they are noticing.

Jason Wood, project principal for Cisterra Development, said there has been a transition to more food and beverage tenants. “The real thing is going out and posting about it—what you're eating or doing—on social media. It's all about entertainment, fun and experiential.”