Las Vegas’ economic forecast is more positive than the recent news about foreclosures and the negative impact of the residential real estate market.  The Las Vegas retail sector is strong, with millions of square feet of upscale retail development planned for the next few years.  Las Vegas has recently become known as one of the most upscale and growing retail markets in the country.  The growing population and strong tourism business has lured national retailers to open stores in the Las Vegas valley.  The Grand Canal Shoppes in The Venetian, Shoppes at Palazzo, Fashion Show Mall, Town Center and Summerlin Centre (currently under construction) are among the upscale retail developments.  City Center, Boyd Gaming’s Echelon High Street Mall and the recently announced retail shops at the M Resort will add new shopping venues to Las Vegas.  The downtown Union Park, near the Fremont Experience, plans to add 475,000 square feet of retail space, in its mix of a upscale hotel, new office buildings, cultural centers and condominiums.  The former Lady Luck hotel and casino is also a potential 200,000 square feet retail and entertainment development.  At the recent International Council of Shopping Centers’ annual convention, the outlook for Las Vegas was among the strongest in the nation, with retailers looking toward the anticipated growth in employment and population over the next 2 years.  These developers’ plans show that the economic forecast for Las Vegas is strong and positive.  If you would like more details about developments currently under construction, or in the planning stages, call Las Vegas Properties at 1-888-876-8383.