Anchorage is being evaluated by new retailers as possible site for expansion in 2016 which is a sign that economists see the New Year on a positive note. This is despite the fact that oil prices are going down.
In a report by KTUU, a real estate analyst spoke in front of a sold out crowd for the yearly Commercial Real Estate Forecast Luncheon and he expressed confidence for the retail industry in 2016. Brandon Spoerhase of CCIM/BSI Commercial Real Estate revealed that among the possible retailers looking to expand in Alaska are Whole Foods, Sonic, Duluth Trading company, Dave and Busters, Dick's Sporting Goods, Victoria's Secret, and Smashburger. Spoerhase said, "The national chains are not only investing capital in their current stores but are looking to expand their current locations as well."
Event speakers who are all experts on the economy saw reason not to dwell on the prices of oil dropping to alarming rates and a huge deficit in the state budget. They are optimistic for the industry especially with the new year. Spoerhase added, "I'm usually pessimistic when it comes to the market, but with the information here and the deals currently being negotiated, I have a high level confidence in the retail market in 2016."
According to The Guardian, Blackrock, the fund manager based in the United States also remains hopeful about the economic state for 2016. Despite the series of unfortunate events that welcomed the new year, the firm sees them as similar to the ruckus that occurred in August last year rather than the beginning of a crisis. The firm described its view of the U.S. economy on a positive light. It said, "On balance, the US economy is in decent shape (outside of manufacturing) and economic conditions in Europe is improving as well. The declines in these markets may have more to do with sentiment than substance."
