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Central Ohio 
Retail Overview

Market Overview

Located in the center of Ohio, Columbus is the 3rd-largest city in the Midwest and the 14th-largest city in the U.S. The region, whose population has never declined, is experiencing a period of tremendous growth and boasts a large corporate presence. The greater Columbus metro area reached an estimated 2.24 million residents in 2025, adding more than 21,300 people year over year. Population grew approximately 1.0%, nearly double the national rate, reinforcing the region's continued expansion and its growing consumer base.

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With 52 colleges and universities in the area, the region possesses a young, educated workforce that is expanding at a rate substantially higher than the national average. Columbus is known for retaining this talent, as the city has one of the largest concentration of millennials in the nation and was ranked the #1 place for college grads by SmartAsset.​

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Columbus is located within a 10-hour drive of 45 percent of the country’s population— more than any other major city— making it a point of access for businesses and consumers. With access to top transportation networks like John Glenn International Airport, Rickenbacker International Airport, numerous rail terminals and national interstates, Columbus is a
certified logistics hub.

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No industry accounts for more than 20 percent of employment, meaning Columbus’ economy is more diversified than ever. The area is home to 18 Fortune 1000 and 5 Fortune 500 companies, and 60 employers with more than 1,000 employees spanning finance, retail, healthcare, technology, logistics, and advanced manufacturing, reinforcing its reputation as a first-class business environment.

Current population is 2.24M and expected to grow to 3.15M by 2050

Columbus sees 51.2M annual visitors

Why Columbus?

Our Why Columbus piece details all of the facets of Central Ohio that make it special. From the local economy, business environment, strategic location, educated workforce, infrastructure and quality of life, this report illuminates everything that Columbus has to offer.

Quarterly Retail Reports

Market Trends

 

  • Retail vacancy increased modestly to 3.2% during the third quarter, partially reflecting changes to the market’s tracked inventory. Despite the increase, tenant move-ins generated 18,199 square feet of positive absorption, led by activity in Polaris as Boot Barn and Homesense occupied space at Polaris Towne Center.

  • Retail investment activity accelerated during the third quarter, with sales volume reaching $137.2 million. The quarter’s largest transaction was the $11.4 million sale of the Speedway at 10085 Outville Road in Kirkersville.

  • Leasing activity remained healthy across a range of retail formats, with four transactions exceeding 30,000 square feet during the quarter. BidFTA signed the largest new lease, taking 55,096 square feet in Westerville.

  • Construction activity increased during the third quarter, with eight projects totaling 50,293 square feet breaking ground. Development remains concentrated in growing suburban communities, particularly Hilliard and Licking County, as residential expansion continues to support demand for neighborhood-serving retail.


Explore all of our quarterly retail reports:

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CColliers | Columbus

Columbus Retail Team

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Columbus, OH 43215

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