Cost Plus World Market scouting for sites in Tampa Bay
By Ashley Gurbal Kritzer
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: Apr 21, 2015

The newest retailer to scout sites in Tampa Bay combines a furniture store with a limited grocery selection.

Cost Plus World Market Inc. is looking for sites for its store, which average 18,700 square feet, said Patrick Berman, senior director of retail brokerage at Cushman & Wakefield of Florida Inc. Berman was a speaker at Westshore Alliance's annual development forum on Tuesday morning.

The problem is that there's almost no vacancy in retail real estate in the region's hottest areas. Berman told the audience that World Market is one of several retailers new to Tampa that would love to be in Westshore, but there's no suitable space for them - and development sites are few and far between in prime spots.

Other retailers looking for sites in Tampa Bay include specialty grocers Earth Fare and Sprouts Farmers Market, Cabela's and Academy Sports + Outdoors.

When retailers enter a new market, it has the potential to create hundreds of new jobs and spur millions in capital investment. It can also lead to warehouse deals, as retailers sometimes have to expand their supply chains to accommodate the new stores.

Ashley Gurbal Kritzer is a reporter for the Tampa Bay Business Journal.