Many times in regional reports, there is usually at least one submarket that slumps and at least one that thrives. But Des Moines is seeing consistent demand across the board for retail, as noted in CBRE's latest market report analyzing the market and asset class.

Overall, net absorption was positive at 70,000 square feet in the fourth quarter and 241,292 square feet for the full year. In Des Moines, CBRE tracked six submarkets — Ankeny, Northwest, Northeast, South, CBD, and Western Suburbs — all of which saw positive demand. Most of the activity happened in the western suburbs, where 59,214 square feet was absorbed in the final three months and 132,287 for the entire year.

Vacancies saw a small decrease in the fourth quarter to 3.5 percent, down from 3.6 percent in the previous three months.