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Tempe

Mill Avenue Businesses Have Seen Recovery

The corridor vacancy rate has dropped to 10% as construction concludes and new retailers move in.

Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Isometric editorial illustration of a modern urban storefront facade with clean architectural lines and display windows, representing business corridor recovery.
Businesses in Tempe's Mill Avenue corridor are reporting a resurgence in foot traffic as new retailers fill vacancies following local infrastructure improvements. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Businesses along Mill Avenue in Tempe are experiencing a gradual increase in foot traffic following the completion of the Downtown Tempe Refresh project. The area vacancy rate has fallen to 10% as 17 new businesses prepare to open over the next eight months.

Why it matters

The recovery follows a challenging period for local retailers, who saw traffic decline due to the pandemic, streetcar construction, and two years of intensive street improvement projects.

The vacancy rate in the Mill Avenue corridor has dropped to 10%, down from 12% earlier this year. Additionally, two new business leases were signed within the last three days.

The players

Downtown Tempe Authority

This organization promotes the downtown district through marketing and development initiatives.

Tempe Chamber of Commerce

This entity works to support local economic growth and business interests within the city.

Lizard Head Trading Company

This retailer, which originated in Durango, Colorado, expanded to the Mill Avenue corridor in March.

Daily Jam

This restaurant reported a significant decline in sales during the construction period.

The details

Local organizations including the Downtown Tempe Authority and the Tempe Chamber of Commerce are using marketing campaigns to draw residents back to the area. Shops like the Lizard Head Trading Company are supplementing these efforts by hosting community events such as clothing swaps to foster repeat customer engagement.

Timeline

  1. March 2026: Lizard Head Trading Company opened its location.

  2. June 2026: Daily Jam reported sales figures to journalists.

  3. September 16-18, 2026: Two new commercial leases were signed.

  4. September 20, 2026: Lizard Head Trading Company hosts a clothing swap.

  5. Next eight months: Seventeen new businesses will open.

Market Landscape

The completion of the Downtown Tempe Refresh project mirrors how urban infrastructure upgrades traditionally catalyze local business recovery. This revitalization effort helps position the corridor to better compete for consumers after years of construction-related disruption.

Residents can expect a wider variety of retail options as 17 new businesses prepare to open along Mill Avenue. Shoppers may also find more opportunities to participate in local events like clothing swaps that aim to build a stronger sense of community.

The takeaway

Consistent community-oriented events and marketing initiatives remain vital strategies for sustaining foot traffic after major municipal projects. Consumers looking to support the local economy can keep an eye on new arrivals to the Mill Avenue corridor throughout the coming months.

Further reading

For more on the retail environment in the city, visit the Tempe Openings & Closings section.

Live Poll

Is the local business environment in your area improving?