DALLAS—With global Internet population rising 21% to 3.5 billion in 2016, the Internet continues to change the way we live, work and play, and businesses are increasingly using technology to be competitive. This growth has had a significant impact on everyday life and business—even more so now in the commercial real estate industry.

CBRE Research looks at the impact Internet usage has on commercial real estate industry in a recent study. Of course, one example is the use of drones for virtual online tours to market large properties and campuses. In addition, the industry is embracing technology by utilizing virtual online tours, leasing and asset management platforms, and social media marketing.

A strong social media presence is vital in building brand awareness and consistent online management is essential in protecting a company's message. As such, businesses are prioritizing the ability to collect, process and interpret data, while also investing in cybersecurity.

During the next 60 seconds, the Internet will process more than 3.8 million online searches and more than 4 million social media posts, and online retailers will sell hundreds of thousands of dollars of consumer goods, according to CBRE Research, Intel, Excelacom and Smart Insights. The enormous amount of data transacted has changed the way we shop, work, communicate with others, advertise and seek entertainment. Entertainment hours and online shopping each grew more than 84% during the last two years.

In addition, employees are looking for flexible schedules and work-from-home opportunities. Last year, 43% of employed Americans said they spent at least some time working remotely, according to a Gallup survey. Meetings are held online, from a desk, conference room or remotely from a mobile phone and teams collaborate with each other within cloud-based software. This is influencing office-use dynamics as tenants opt for cost savings, including a reduction in footprint and number of parking spaces.

Since 2014, online shopping has grown 85%, reporting $222,000 in sales every 60 seconds in 2016. Although this shift in e-commerce will flush out retailers unable to compete both online and in traditional brick-and-mortar retail, no immediate impact is expected within the retail sector. Studies show that consumers are increasingly drawn to omnichannel shopping, which combines the selection and convenience of e-commerce with the experience of in-store shopping. Available retail spaces, from less fortunate retailers, are creating CRE opportunities in other industries such as call centers, medical facilities and gyms.

“Technology has been innovatively disruptive to nearly every industry worldwide,” Robert Kramp, CBRE director of research and analysis, tells GlobeSt.com. “Online accessibility, coupled with mobile devices, is influencing consumption patterns more every day, both for consumers and businesses. E-commerce distribution i.e., industrial/retail commercial property sectors, high-tech open/shared work space i.e. office leasing and development and data centers are some of the commercial real estate topics most sought by clients at the moment. Whether referring to the ride-share we take to work, the meeting we hosted from our mobile device, or our weekend eight-hour show binge watch, we live in a fast-paced digital world that is only projected to become more integral to our personal and professional lives. And these remarkable statistics make this integration come readily to life.”

Instant Insights /

Every Minute, There Are 3.8 Million Online Searches

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