The U District Partnership uses a data-driven approach to improve the district-wide business landscape by supporting existing businesses and attracting new business for the purpose of further building and sustaining a vibrant, diverse and healthy U District. This includes pursuing an optimal business mix and recruiting businesses that complement existing U District businesses. In 2018, the UDP commissioned Land Econ Group to determine retail store sector demand and growth in the U District from 2018-2028. The Retail Saturation Study is valuable data for property owners, developers, real-estate agents, and business operators currently operating or evaluating reasons to locate in the U District.
72,300 Square Feet of Retail Demand Growth in the Next Ten Years
Between 2018 and 2028, the growth in retail demand will sustain an additional 72,300 square feet of retail space. As expected, the increase in square footage isn’t the same across all retail categories. To the right is a graph summarizing the demand growth in terms of retail square feet. The largest increases in sustainable demand are:
- 22,300 square feet of grocery stores;
- 11,300 of restaurants; and
- 10,700 of general merchandise.
Computation of Retail Demand 2018-2028
Over the next decade, changing demographics, accessibility and a multitude of other factors will impact retail demand in the U District. Read the projections here.
The Retail Saturation Study
The Retail Saturation Study includes more details about projected demand. Download the report.
For more information about the market outlook, business mix, or opportunities in the U District, please contact Daniel Lokic at daniel@udistrictpartnership.org.