MIAMI—There are three big trends dominating the  Southeast. Of course, some are seeing these trends more than others. Indeed, some Southeastern cities are preparing for boom times while others are still straggling.

“As more companies continue to operate globally, we’re seeing high demand in what we would consider ‘international’ cities,” Charles Williams, senior vice president and southeast regional manager at KeyBank Real Estate Capital, tells GlobeSt.com. “Areas such as Atlanta have increased demand for commercial real estate development thanks in part to its proximity to one of the busiest airports in the country.”

Williams also points to major cities like Nashville, Orlando, and Tampa as evolving into employment hubs as populations there continue to grow. As he sees it, this has significantly helped to bolster the multifamily development in these areas.

All that said, the Southeast isn’t all sunshine and peaches. A national trend is affecting the Southeast—the fundamental shift in how the US purchases goods.

“While the rise of e-commerce has assisted in the growth of the industrial sector, it has hurt that of retail,” Williams says. “Despite growing consumer confidence in today’s economy, it’s likely that we won’t again see the same levels of retail demand as traditional shopping malls and brick and mortar stores slowly become obsolete in today’s online retail environment.

Mike Cohn, regional president and co-founder of Lennar Commercial, tells GlobeST.com he also sees retail struggling, though he admits Miami may be the anomaly in the region.

According to Marcus & Millichap, retailer expansion will drive Miami’s vacancy down to 3.9% in 2014 as more than 1.5 million square feet of space is absorbed. Developers are rushing to build another 1.4 million square feet of retail space this year and rents are rising. But, again, Miami is the anomaly.

“Suburban box retail and non-fortress malls—strip centers—are struggling,” Cohn says. “They lack character and appeal and have fallen out of favor with Millennials who want an experience with their retail and fashion. Retail growth follows real housing growth, not issued permits or approved lots. Exurbia is out.”