Strip Centers Are No Longer the Underdog
For years, strip centers were treated like the quieter side of retail real estate.
Institutional capital chased malls, mixed-use developments, and large urban projects while neighborhood shopping centers were often viewed as smaller, less exciting investments.
That perception is changing.
In this month’s Criterion newsletter, we break down why strip centers are increasingly outperforming, how tightening retail supply is impacting the market, and what current tenant trends may signal moving forward.
We also cover:
Why necessity-based retail continues attracting capital
What slowing retail development means for landlords
How restaurant sales growth may not tell the full story
Early signs of stabilization across commercial real estate pricing
Portfolio and project updates across Criterion properties
The broader retail narrative still focuses heavily on closures and struggling legacy brands. But underneath the headlines, a different trend is taking shape. Demand for well-located, service-oriented retail remains strong, while very little new supply is being added in many markets.
For investors, that combination continues creating opportunities in assets that were once overlooked.
Read the full May 2026 Criterion Newsletter here:
