The pandemic hasn't hindered growth in Phoenix's retail market. Although the city had temporary business closures during the pandemic, demand has continued to support retail activity, and design and architecture firm Nadel Architecture and Planning is working on new projects that will deliver in a post-pandemic world. Outdoor dining and gathering spaces and daily needs retailers will be the focus at these projects.

"A healthy and growing market, Phoenix is positioned to echo the retail trends seen in other markets throughout the country," Greg Lyon, chairman and principal of

Nadel, tells GlobeSt.com. "Daily-needs retail has been a strong area of the retail sector that has been consistently thriving throughout the pandemic and will continue to be even after COVID-19. Grocery stores, pharmacies, and many other retailers in this category have found ways to operate safely and efficiently all these months—implementing contactless curbside pick-up and delivery to meet the needs of consumers. These services are likely to continue post-pandemic as consumers become accustomed to this convenience."