Jul. 11--North Texas is on track to add 4.2 million square feet of retail space to the market this year, according to a report released Thursday from The Weitzman Group and Cencor Realty Services.

That would be more than the 3.8 million square feet that was added last year, but it's about average for previous years.

"It's demand-based. That's a real key to keeping the market healthy," said Ian Pierce, a spokesman for the companies.

The occupancy rate for the 167.9 million square feet in the area is 89.4 percent, relatively flat from 89.3 percent last year.

Retail leasing has been stable despite the weakening economy because of continued local job and population growth, and relatively stable housing prices, according to the report.

Those factors keep people spending their disposable income, Pierce said.

The area has not experienced a large loss of retailers, Pierce said. At the same time, new construction is largely concentrated in a few areas, particularly Allen and north Fort Worth.

"Allen is definitely for 2008 going to be the leading market," Pierce said.

New in Tarrant County The Shops at Vineyard Village, Texas 121 and Glade Road in Euless, has added in its second phase Ross Dress for Less; Marshalls; Bed, Bath & Beyond; and Staples.

Alliance Town Center, north Fort Worth, has added Best Buy and a Belk department store.

Wal-Mart opened a 203,561-square-foot supercenter at South Highway 287 and Little Road in Arlington.

24 Hour Fitness is adding locations in Keller and Fort Worth.

Sources: The Weitzman Group, Cencor Realty Services

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Story Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram (Fort Worth, Texas)