More shopping center and mall space could be repurposed for industrial distribution as e-commerce continues to take market share from brick-and-mortar retailers, according to an analyst report from Fitch Ratings.

“Ongoing changes for retail real estate and industrial/distribution space have put the future role of shopping centers and lower-quality malls in question,” says the report “E-commerce continues to take share from bricks and mortar retail, resulting in tenant and retail property softness. We believe well-located retail properties and REITs with portfolios centered on consumer demographics will see continued demand as delivery and pickup services and an increased focus on demographics gain momentum.”

Community shopping center and regional mall values have historically been measured by their proximity to population density and the region's per capita income. While these measures will continue to determine the attractiveness of a site, last mile distribution and pickup purposes will also be considered in drawing consumer foot traffic and buying power.

“The function of the real estate is the same: providing a way to distribute goods to customers,” said Fitch Ratings.

More details here.

Source: Fitch Ratings