Market Insights

As we near the second half of 2025, the US retail CRE sector is standing firm—resilient in the face of market disruption, redefined by experience-driven and mixed-use formats, and regionally-driven, with growth clustered in suburban and Sun Belt markets.

While the national economy has shown uneven performance entering 2025, Rock County's Q1 economic dashboard tells a more optimistic story.

As trade tensions between the U.S. and China escalate once again — with President Trump threatening a new 50% tariff on Chinese imports — most headlines focus on markets, manufacturing, or consumer prices. But one often-overlooked sector at serious risk is real estate. Tariffs aren’t just a foreign policy issue — they can impact everything from industrial warehousing to the home next door.

A long-standing business owner in Edgerton, WI, faced the complex challenge of simultaneously selling their existing commercial property while needing to secure new industrial space to accommodate the relocation and potential expansion of their operations.

Buyers continue to wait and hold firm in conservative pricing models either hoping for desperate sellers or lower rates, in order to help transactions move forward.

If you’ve driven around Janesville lately, you’ve probably noticed a few familiar retail spots going dark. Joann Fabrics is closing, Big Lots has already shuttered, and the former Slumberland space remains vacant. For many longtime residents, that can feel like a blow. These stores were part of our shopping routines—and their closures may seem like signs of retail decline.

After analyzing the Q4 Rock Ready Index, I'm seeing a clear picture of Rock County's economic landscape. We need more housing, and the Beloit Ho-Chunk Casino project is a game-changer.

For years, the former GM site in Janesville has been a reminder of the past, but beneath its industrial shell lies an untapped opportunity for logistics, distribution, and manufacturing. With direct rail access, immediate proximity to I-39/I-90, and ample space for large-scale operations, this site is a prime contender for companies looking to optimize supply chains—including Amazon.

Rock County's retail market continues to outperform with near zero vacancies in strip centers. Entertainment venues, adaptive reuse, and strategic redevelopment are strengthening Janesville and Beloit's central business districts and commercial corridors. Read our full "Commercial Retail Real Estate Market Analysis: National Trends and Janesville/Beloit SMSA" for detailed insights and opportunities.

Coldwell Banker Commercial McGuire Mears & Associates recently closed an exciting deal at 1901 Beloit Ave in Janesville, successfully representing the buyer and seller of the Back of the Yards/Back Bar property.