There may be a way that a shifting sector of commercial real estate could help give a boost to another on the rise.

That’s the takeaway from a recent study from real estate giant JLL on coworking space and retail space.

It’s no secret that retail is shifting, as some retailers shutter or consolidate stores amid changing consumer behaviors and increasing online shopping. Of course, as we noted in a recent Cover Story, this doesn’t mean retail is dying.

But for the empty storefronts that are left behind, JLL found that using them for coworking space could be a solution.

“The current retail market is pushing landlords to find new ways to invigorate their space with alternative tenants, including coworking spaces,” said Holly Rome, director of retail leasing with JLL, in a statement. “Setting up a coworking space in a retail property provides workers a fun, yet functional space with great accessibility, ample parking and value-add amenities like personal services, shopping and food options. On the flip side, these tenants bring in daily traffic and have a stable master lease that’s typically five to 10 years.”

JLL anticipates coworking in retail properties could grow 25 percent per year over the next five years.

Coworking, or flexible spaces that can accommodate remote workers, entrepreneurs, small business owners and others, is becoming a more common part of the overall CRE picture – including in Birmingham.

Forge at the Pizitz, MAKEbhm, as well as Innovation Depot all fall under a broad definition of flexible coworking space.

JLL said the increase of need for coworking space could help benefit landlords who are trying to backfill empty retail spots.

“We’re forecasting a dramatic shift in office space in the next decade as tenant demand for more flexible space options forces building owners to adapt. We expect this to drive a convergence of office, retail and hospitality uses into one seamless, integrated tenant experience,” said Scott Homa, director of U.S. office research for JLL.

Coworking could be a possible solution for filling several large shopping malls in and around the Birmingham metro area that sit vacant.