Like many other markets throughout the U.S., the Phoenix market has had its share of ups and down, and retailers are still coming to terms with the “new normal” outlined post-recession. I this week’s edition of Retail Rap, my twice-monthly column at Chain Store Age, I sit down with Dave Cheatham from Phoenix-based Velocity Retail Group, an X Team International Partner, to discuss the current state of the Phoenix marketplace, where we see it going in the coming months and what it means for retailers in the area.

Jeff: It might be better to refer to the current state of Phoenix retail as getting back to normal: stable, predictable growth.

Dave: We are getting back to a more steady level of population growth, and commercial development mindset that reflects a more rational and more sustainable approach.

Jeff: One of the things that has always distinguished the Phoenix market is that exceptional in-migration you mention — it really drives the regional economy and spurs retail growth.

To read the full conversation, visit Chain Store Age.