For retail investors, brokers, and leasees in Mid-Michigan, understanding where and why growth is focused is crucial to identifying opportunities—whether you’re securing a new location or renegotiating an existing space. Here’s what the latest market data reveal and how businesses can act.
1. A Resilient Retail Market, Especially in Lansing East & West
Recent local reporting indicates that the overall retail vacancy rate in Lansing’s core urban area stands at approximately 13–14%, suggesting room for leasing momentum. The eastern portion of the city shows a stronger performance with around 10.1% vacancy, while the western zones track slightly better at about 8.5%. In contrast, the northern and southern areas continue to face elevated vacancy rates—hovering near 25%—but leasing interest is picking up along major corridors and nodes, such as Eastwood Towne Center and Jolly Road. (wilx.com)
Here’s what this means for leaseholders:
- High-demand zones (East and West) reflect tighter availability—spaces fill quickly and tend to be occupied by stable or experience-driven retailers.
- North and South Lansing remain underutilized but offer opportunities for lease deals, especially for tenants suited to trade-area demographics or willing to anchor redevelopment corridors.
2. Major Tenants Fueling Growth
Several high-profile leases are reshaping the market:
- Trader Joe’s opened on E. Grand River in East Lansing.
- Schuler Books relocated into a 30,200 SF former Bed Bath & Beyond space at Meridian Mall.
- Planet Fitness expanded by 27,000 SF at Meridian Mall.
- Crunch Fitness nearly doubled to 11,000 SF across from Trader Joe’s
- Dave & Buster’s opened its brand-new 22,000 SF entertainment restaurant at Eastwood Towne Center. It features over 100 arcade games, a full-service restaurant, sports bar, and event hosting space, creating a significant traffic driver in Lansing, MI.
In the West submarket, Bass Pro Shops unveiled plans for an 85,000 SF outdoor retail destination at Delta Crossings, projected to open in early 2026. (wilx.com)
3. Emerging Retail Formats: Bookstores, Dining, and Experience
- Barnes & Noble will open at the Frandor Shopping Center in Lansing in 2025, part of a national rollout of 60 new stores(wkar.org).
- Indie bookstores like Hooked in Lansing and Deadtime Stories, which are expanding to Charlotte, reflect the rising consumer demand for local retail experiences (wkar.org).
Mid-Michigan’s restaurant landscape continues to flourish in 2025—with over 28 new dining venues launching across the Lansing region by mid-year, spanning fast-casual chains, local specialty concepts, and immersive culinary experiences. Highlighted openings include Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, situated adjacent to Eastwood Towne Center, serving modern-American fare paired with in-house wines—making it a key draw in Lansing Township. Anna’s House is slated to debut a new location to complement their Meridian Township location on October 27, 2025, in Delta Township on Lansing’s west side, offering a menu filled with gluten‑free, vegan, and vegetarian-friendly breakfast and brunch options.
Local, independent dining also shines: smash burger favorite Smash Shack (offering mobile food-truck service around Lansing and East Lansing), Afro-Caribbean spot Jollof Lounge in downtown Lansing, and upscale D’Nulffo’s Seafood & Chophouse in East Lansing are drawing attention with curated menus and compelling brand themes. Adding to the region’s diversity, Chtoura Grill opened earlier this year in Hannah Plaza in East Lansing. The Mediterranean/Middle Eastern newcomer features charcoal-grilled kebabs, shawarma, falafel, hummus, and baked pita bread—filling a niche in a plaza already known for its diverse international dining options.
4. Economic & Policy Drivers Influencing Retail Tenancy
Retailers in Michigan are navigating a challenging economic environment marked by inflation, evolving trade policy, and supply-chain stress. These factors are heavily influencing tenant demand and space preference. (theshelbyreport.com )
In response, retailers are gravitating toward essential-service and experiential spaces—such as grocery, fitness centers, discount retail, and creator-driven retail—a trend well supported by investor demand for stability amid policy volatility.(REBusinessOnline)
5. Seizing Opportunities: Strategic Takeaways for Leasees
- Focus on the east & west corridors of Lansing for maximum exposure; these markets are active and well‑populated.
- For larger footprints, track upcoming anchor projects, such as Bass Pro Shops at Delta Crossings, Schuler Books, and Planet Fitness expansions.
- Dining and experiential tenants are increasing in popularity—spaces near Meijer off-lots, Eastwood Towne Center, and along Cedar Street are prime.
- Smaller format retail is in growing demand—local bookstores, boutique concepts, and build-to-suit single-tenant opportunities are gaining traction.
- Vacancy opportunities exist in both North and South submarkets, but they require strong trade-area demographics or underserved niche concepts.
Mid-Michigan’s retail scene is vibrant and diverse, featuring a blend of well-known brands and unique local stores. Businesses can thrive by choosing high-traffic locations and partnering with shops that offer exceptional experiences. Exploring custom spaces or popular shopping centers also presents great opportunities. By adopting these strategies, businesses can capitalize on current market trends and contribute to this flourishing community!
