PHOENIX—Colliers International recentlyreleased its second quarter retail findings.GlobeSt.com caught up with Colliers' researchmanager Pete O'Neil to get his take on thenumbers.

GlobeSt.com: Whyare we seeing a bounce-back after such a slow start?

O'Neil: The retail rebound is a continuation ofgradually improving economic conditions in the Greater Phoenixmarket. Two industries in particular—restaurants andhousing-related retailers—are serving as the best examples of thistrend. In recent months, companies that benefit from populationgrowth have been expanding in the Greater Phoenix market. Companiessuch as Conn's, At Home and the various mattress retailers havebeen expanding rapidly in anticipation of greater demand. Local andnational restaurants have also been expanding as the economyimproves and disposable income increases. Because these businessesoccupy small footprints, any one move-in might not generateheadlines, but the aggregate expansion is making a dent in thelocal vacancy rate.