San Antonio Retail Market Performance
As of Q3 2026, the San Antonio retail market has experienced a period of softening characterized by decreased leasing activity and moderate vacancy [10]. Leasing activity for the quarter totaled 504,650 sq. ft., representing a 29.8% decrease from the previous quarter and a 28.5% decline compared to one year ago [10]. Net absorption also moderated to 32,095 sq. ft., a significant drop from the 266,714 sq. ft. recorded in Q2 [10].
Retail Employment and Economic Indicators
Despite the softening in physical leasing, San Antonio leads the four major Texas metros in retail trade growth [10]. The retail trade sector added 3,200 jobs, a 2.6% increase, bringing the total to 127,600 jobs [10]. This was the third-largest gain of any sector in the metro [10]. Overall economic indicators for the region include:
- Population: 2.76 million [10].
- Median Household Income: $78,112, an increase of 6.7% [10].
- Real GDP (2024): $153.1 billion, with a growth rate of 5.0% [10].
- Unemployment Rate: 4.5% in August, up 20 basis points from the previous year [10].
Inventory and Rental Rates
The average vacancy rate rose 10 basis points to 4.3% in Q3 2026, matching the rate from one year ago [10]. New construction deliveries added 114,306 sq. ft. to the inventory, while the construction pipeline remains at 1.0 million sq. ft., down 1.9% quarterly [10]. The average asking rental rate saw a slight increase of 0.7% quarter-over-quarter, reaching $19.58 per sq. ft., with the highest rates found in the CBD submarket [10].
Recent leasing activity includes a 23,256-sq.-ft. lease by Sprouts Farmers Market at Cibolo Crossing in Cibolo and an 8,649-sq.-ft. lease by Terry Black’s Barbecue at 1310 E. Common St in New Braunfels [10]. Within San Antonio, University Health signed an 8,366-sq.-ft. lease at MacArthur Plaza, and Jen’s Dance Spot renewed a 9,805-sq.-ft. lease at Alamo Hills Plaza [10]. Investment sales for the quarter reached 1,371,563 sq. ft. across 52 closed transactions [10].
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Retail Job Growth | +3,200 (+2.6%) | [10] |
| Average Asking Rental Rate | $19.58 per sq. ft. | [10] |
| Vacancy Rate | 4.3% | [10] |
| Net Absorption (Q3) | 32,095 sq. ft. | [10] |
| Median Household Income | $78,112 | [10] |
| Total Population | 2.76 million | [10] |
| Investment Sales (Sq. Ft.) | 1,371,563 | [10] |
| Closed Transactions | 52 | [10] |
Local Running and Fitness Infrastructure
The fitness and running community in San Antonio is supported by specialized retail and organized events. iRun Texas serves as a local hub specializing in fitting shoes for daily life, walking, and running [7]. The store has been recognized as one of the "Best Running Stores in America" every year from 2014 through 2025 [7]. They provide professional fitting for inserts and shoes for various needs, including HYROX, hiking, gym, and plantar fasciitis [7]. Their product line includes brands such as Hoka, Brooks, On Running, Asics, Altra, New Balance, Mizuno, Superfeet, Currex, and Garmin [7].
Community engagement is further driven by a variety of athletic events. A dedicated San Antonio running race calendar lists various distances, including 5K, 10K, half marathons, marathons, ultra runs, and trail runs [9].
Practical Applications for Local Stakeholders
For Local Business Owners: The growth in retail employment (+2.6%) suggests a strong labor pool, though the decline in leasing activity (-29.8%) indicates a more cautious environment for physical expansion [10]. Businesses may find opportunities in the Northwest submarket, which saw the strongest net absorption gain at 148,835 sq. ft. [10].
For Residents and Visitors: Those looking to engage in fitness can utilize specialized fitting services at iRun Texas for specific medical or athletic needs [7]. Runners can plan their schedules using the local race calendar to find events ranging from 5Ks to ultra marathons [9].