CBRE Report: San Bernardino Seeing Robust Retail Leasing Activity

Census Bureau numbers are showing a dramatic shift in population in Southern California with residents migrating from Los Angeles and Orange Counties into San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. The data indicates the Inland Empire now has the fifth fastest population growth among U.S. metro areas.

That surge is supporting San Bernardino County’s retail success.  According to CBRE, the region saw an increase in leasing activity of 105,410 square feet in the first quarter of 2022, led by supermarket and toy/crafts retailer expansion.  Job growth is also a reason for retail investment and expansion with the County’s unemployment rate now back to pre-pandemic levels.

CBRE’s Ryan Gast said in a news release, “Retailers continue to be innovative to attract foot traffic by partnering with e-commerce companies via branded kiosks or within department stores.” Gast also cited examples of brands that are expanding in the San Bernardino region, including Sprouts, Grocery Outlet, Popeye’s and Dutch Brothers.