Q2 2026 RETAIL MARKET UPDATE
- Colliers | Columbus
- 7 hours ago
- 2 min read
Written by: Stephanie Morris
Stephanie specializes in research capabilities, providing support for the Colliers Columbus Office, Industrial and Retail groups. She is responsible for executing data reports, maintaining a commercial property database, reporting quarterly trends, performing data analysis and utilizing statistical information to predict future behavior in the market. Keep reading for her take on market trends in the Columbus retail sector.
Regional Summary
The Columbus retail market rebounded during the second quarter as vacancy declined back below 3% following the temporary increase recorded in Q1. Much of the quarter's positive absorption was concentrated in the Polaris submarket, where Wayfair occupied the former Art Van Furniture space.
Retail investment activity accelerated during the quarter, with sales volume increasing to $88.3 million. The largest transaction was Continental Realty Corporation's acquisition of Delaware Community Plaza as part of a 38-property portfolio purchase, highlighting continued investor demand for grocery-anchored neighborhood centers.
Leasing activity remained active across a variety of retail formats. Discount Fashion Warehouse signed the quarter's largest new lease, while Performance Academies expanded into two properties in the East submarket totaling nearly 59,000 square feet, demonstrating continued demand from both traditional retailers and education-oriented users.
Construction activity increased during the quarter with seven projects breaking ground. Development remains concentrated in high-growth suburban communities, including New Albany, Powell, and Hilliard, where continued residential expansion is supporting new neighborhood-serving retail development.
Construction Activity
Retail development activity increased in the second quarter with seven buildings totaling 43,529 square feet delivered. The most notable completion was 3985 Truepointe Boulevard in Hilliard, the first building with a retail component to deliver within the mixed-use TruePointe development.
Five projects totaling 41,550 square feet broke ground during the quarter. Development activity continues to be concentrated in Columbus' fastest-growing suburban communities, with 44% of the active pipeline located in New Albany, Powell, and Hilliard. Storefront and mixed storefront/office projects account for 38% of space under construction, reflecting continued developer preference for neighborhood-serving retail formats supported by residential growth.
Check out the full Q2 2026 Retail Trends report here!