If you’re looking to invest in retail real estate, choosing the right fund manager or syndicator to partner with can make all the difference. Whether you’re interested in grocery-anchored centers, value-add projects, or passive investments, partnering with established firms known for their expertise and proven track records is essential.
Below, we at RockStep Capital have highlighted some of the most reputable and active retail real estate firms in the United States market. These companies excel at various investment strategies, from stabilizing necessity-based centers to revitalizing underperforming assets and offering institutional-grade opportunities for accredited investors. This list is presented in no specific order.
Big V Property Group focuses on grocery-anchored shopping centers across the Eastern and Southeastern U.S., managing over 9 million square feet. Their disciplined approach to enhancing underperforming assets through proactive leasing, tenant improvements, and community engagement makes them a reliable option for investors seeking stable, necessity-based retail assets with consistent foot traffic and reliable income.
Specializing in value-add retail properties, LBX Investments targets underperforming shopping centers in secondary and tertiary markets. By applying strategic renovations, re-tenanting, and efficient management, LBX maximizes value in areas often overlooked by others. Their knack for turning around underperforming properties makes them an attractive choice for investors seeking higher returns through revitalization.
Criterion Fund focuses on acquiring necessity-based retail centers in high-growth markets like Texas, Florida, and North Carolina. Prioritizing quality over quantity, Criterion sources off-market deals and optimizes tenant mix to ensure consistent cash flow. Their selective approach offers a reliable model for investors looking to build sustainable portfolios centered around well-performing, necessity-driven retail assets.
FNRP provides institutional-quality grocery-anchored retail investments to accredited investors through a vertically integrated platform. Handling acquisitions, leasing, and management in-house, they maintain high standards across their diverse portfolio. FNRP offers attractive opportunities for investors seeking passive income backed by high-credit tenants like Kroger and Walmart.
Based in Nashville, TN, University Avenue Partners specializes in revitalizing underutilized retail centers in suburban markets. The firm focuses on strategic property improvements, tenant optimization, and enhancing community appeal to boost asset value. By targeting overlooked properties with potential, University Avenue Partners turns struggling retail centers into vibrant, profitable destinations.
Don Tepman, known online as StripMallGuy, co-founded University Avenue Partners and has become a prominent voice in the retail investing space. He has become an online celebrity within the real estate investing circle. Over the last few years, he has offered straightforward, practical commentary on Twitter about his journey with purchasing and managing strip malls. He has attracted a loyal following of investors and real estate professionals drawn to his value-add strategies and compelling commentary about the modern strip mall. Tepman regularly shares case studies of transforming outdated strip malls through creative leasing, tenant repositioning, and market research on social media platforms like X and LinkedIn.
These firms represent some of the most reputable options for investors seeking strong, stable fund managers and syndicators in the retail real estate market. Whether you’re interested in grocery-anchored centers like those managed by Big V Property Group, value-add projects targeted by LBX Investments, or institutional-grade opportunities offered by FNRP, each company provides distinct strategies worth considering.
At RockStep Capital, we focus on acquiring shopping centers in HomeTown markets—thriving communities where retail plays a central role. To learn more about shopping center investing, explore the articles available through our Learning Center.
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For a comprehensive, beginner-friendly guide to starting retail real estate investing, download our free eBook, “The One-Stop Guide To Retail Property Investing.” Packed with practical advice, clear explanations, and actionable steps, it’s designed to help new investors build a strong foundation and confidently pursue retail investment opportunities.