I read one of the few silver lining stories today on the weakening US economy.  Reuters ran a story today about the commercial real estate leasing opportunities created by the fall out of many national retailers.  Starbucks was one of the bigger stories earlier in the year where they actually planned to shutter a bunch of stores.  That certainly does not bode well for the landlords – but that also really depends on the terms of lease.

The weakening overall retail demand has supposedly created opportunities for the Mom & Pops who typically compete and lose out to the chains.  This part makes sense.  The part that doesn’t make is that the weakening economy is likely having the same or similar impact on the Mom & Pops.  And when that happens these companies tend to retreat a little and refrain from making real estate commitments.  However, in soft markets you will see companies upgrade their space via subleases.

That all said, this company seems to be capitalizing…

I look forward to getting Rofo launched in that market so companies do not have to rely on calling on signs. .