After every paradigm shift, we typically see a diffusion of innovations across the market in tranches.

First, we have the innovators themselves who comprise around 2.5% of the market, followed by the early adopters (13.5%), the early majority (34%), the late majority (34%), and the laggards (15%).

According to Statista, global e-commerce is forecast to hit $4.2 trillion USD in 2022, reaching $5.8 trillion USD by 2025. User penetration is expected to hit 53.8% in 2022 and 62.4% by 2025.

However, e-commerce’s share of total retail sales sits at just 17.9%, with expectations of reaching 22.4% by 2025.

This means that, depending on how you slice the numbers, we are somewhere in the late majority for user adoption and entering the early majority for share of total retail sales. And this process will easily continue and for the next decade or two as retailers build out their digital infrastructure, such as their online platforms, Big Data, marketing distribution channels, and advertising strategies.

As a direct result of this, we can only expect the demand for industrial facilities and land to increase further as these businesses either construct their own warehousing and distribution networks or partner with third-party logistics firms – who will in turn, require more space to service their clientele.

When viewed through the lens of innovation itself, we can observe that this process of securing industrial logisitcs space is itself moving into the early majority. The innovators, such as Amazon, FedEx, and UPS, led the way in doing blockbuster deals and rapidly growing out their regional distribution centres, sorting facilities, and last-mile sites.

This begs the question, will this continue forever? Or will the behemoths reach a point where their networks are adequate, and the focus will turn to warehouse systems and portfolio management?

While the Amazons of the world are not done buying, leasing, and developing space just yet, we expect the long tail of retailers to become more involved in the activity. Those that pivoted their models in 2020 and 2021 may now be ready to roll out their omnichannel strategies. Those whose brands took off and reached the next growth phase will also need to facilitate their operations with industrial space.

As such, we expect the rest of the vibrant e-commerce ecosystem to secure their needs in the coming years. Coupled with the accelerating on-shoring of manufacturing operations, and it appears that demand will remain uninterrupted for the foreseeable future; barring any sudden, massive changes.

Investors, developers, and landlords looking to capture this demand should remain diligent around identifying opportunities; whether that be through the strategic purchasing of industrial land, value-add redevelopment, or buying cashflow from occupiers willing to pay premium rents.

Is it proximity to labour and a higher population density, and thus, a reduction in transportation cost? Or is it savings in development charges vs 905 areas, proximity to major transportation nodes, highways, public transportation, etc?… Or all of the above?

Well, one thing is for certain, the Toronto-Central Markets are highly sought-after by both Investors and Occupiers of commercial real estate and is an environment worth exploring for opportunities. 

So, if you are an Investor, Landlord, or Owner-Occupier you may be wondering…

What rental rate can I expect? How much $/PSF would I be able to get if I sold my building?

These questions are being asked all the time.

The answer to this will depend on a range of factors, including: 

So, how much is your property really worth?

What rental rate can you expect or how much per SF would you be able to get if you sell your building? How much can we compress CAP rates to create even greater value?

Well, the answers to these questions will depend on a variety of factors, many of which we can quickly uncover in an assessment of your situation. And with our rental rates and valuations at all-time highs, and vacancy rates low, finding the right property is a real challenge.

Having said that, a lot of transactions are being done off the market.. and to participate in that, you should connect with experienced brokers that have long-standing relationships with property owners.  

For a confidential consultation or a complimentary opinion of value of your property please give us a call.

Until next week…

Goran Brelih and his team have been servicing Investors and Occupiers of Industrial properties in Toronto Central and Toronto North markets for the past 29 years.

Goran Brelih is a Senior Vice President for Cushman & Wakefield ULC in the Greater Toronto Area.

Over the past 29 years, he has been involved in the lease or sale of approximately 25.7 million square feet of industrial space, valued in excess of $1.6 billion dollars while averaging between 40 and 50 transactions per year and achieving the highest level of sales, from the President’s Round Table to Top Ten in GTA and the National Top Ten.

Specialties:
Industrial Real Estate Sales and Leasing, Investment Sales, Design-Build and Land Development

About Cushman & Wakefield ULC.
Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global real estate services firm that delivers exceptional value for real estate occupiers and owners. Cushman & Wakefield is among the largest real estate services firms with approximately 53,000 employees in 400 offices and 60 countries.

In 2020, the firm had revenue of $7.8 billion across core services of property, facilities and project management, leasing, capital markets, valuation and other services. To learn more, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com.

For more information on GTA Industrial Real Estate Market or to discuss how they can assist you with your real estate needs please contact Goran at 416-756-5456, email at goran.brelih@cushwake.com, or visit www.goranbrelih.com.

Connect with Me Here! – Goran Brelih’s Linkedin Profile: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/goranbrelih