Local Expert elaborates on ideal tenants for State Street in Madison, WI

Daniel Cohen, Local Expert for State Street in Madison, shares which types of tenants would work well in the groovy college district:

"State Street in Madison connects the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus to the Wisconsin State Capitol, and as a result, it has a unique mix of students, locals and tourists. The street is home to a number of art galleries, independent bookstores, and eclectic shops, reflecting Madison’s creative and progressive culture. A few nationally-known tenants that have done well here include The Daily Scoop, Anthropologie and Lululemon.

As for the types of tenants we’d love to attract, that would include all types of dining: local restaurants, breweries and coffee houses, etc. Madison has a strong coffee culture, and cafés that offer unique blends, pastries, and cozy atmospheres would complement the area’s youthful vibe. There’s also room for specialty beverage spots such as cocktail bars with craft mixology or even unique kombucha bars. Because State Street is a key area for students, there is a continued interest for affordable, quick-service restaurants, such as burger joints, taco shops, or sandwich spots.

In recent years, the trend toward healthy fast-casual dining has been growing. Offering quick and nutritious meals that appeal to a broad spectrum of people—whether it’s build-your-own- bowl concepts, smoothie bars, or organic/vegan fast food—could be a great addition to the street.

While State Street has plenty of independent retailers, there’s an opportunity to attract some national retail chains that align with the area’s demographic, such as athleisure brands, fashion-forward stores, tech retailers, budget-friendly stores and even school/office supply brands.

Retailers that offer quirky, experiential shopping experiences are ideal for the area. Think of themed stores or interactive retail, where shopping is an experience in itself, such as record stores, custom clothing, vintage shops or sustainable fashion. Madison is also home to many artisanal and handcrafted goods, so stores that sell local art, crafts and handmade jewelry would resonate with the community’s love for independent and unique items.

Madison values artistic expression. Therefore, attracting art galleries, pop-up art installations, small theaters, live music venues, comedy clubs, seasonal markets or places that offer experiential art or cultural events would attract a broad range of people seeking entertainment.

State Street attracts a forward-thinking crowd, and there’s a growing demand for eco-friendly brands that emphasize sustainability. Businesses that offer zero-waste products, eco-friendly clothing or green technologies would be a great fit. Additionally, tech-savvy businesses that cater to digital natives, such as gaming shops, 3D printing studios or interactive tech experiences, would align with the innovation-driven mindset of the area.

With wellness trends on the rise, there’s demand for boutique fitness studios, such as yoga studios, cycling gyms or Pilates centers that cater to the values of values of the younger, health-focused crowd in the area. This can include brands that focus on holistic living, such as wellness spas, massage therapy centers, or clean beauty shops.

As Madison continues to grow and attract more families, there’s also an opportunity for more family-friendly entertainment options. This could include interactive museums, children’s stores, or game cafes that appeal to all ages. With the area’s student population, family-friendly tenants could provide a refreshing contrast to the typical nightlife offerings on State Street."