The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Santa Barbara’s State Street, a puzzle of mismatched pieces, is once again experiencing high retail vacancies.

“Retail vacancy in Santa Barbara continued to climb in the third quarter of 2025, marking six straight quarters of rising inventory. Leasing activity remained slow, with only 11 new leases totaling 17,427 square feet,” according to Radius Commercial Real Estate.

The overall retail vacancy rate increased from 3.4% in the second quarter to 3.8% in Q3, according to Radius. It’s a two-year high. Asking rents increased from $4.26 a square foot to $4.33 a square foot.

One recent vacancy is Habitat Home & Garden at the corner of State and Gutierrez streets. The corner home furnishings store is now for lease, on a block that has experienced its share of vacancies.

Away from State Street, the largest lease of the quarter was at the Mesa Shopping Center at 1924 Cliff Drive. The group fitness studio FS8 has leased the 3,540-square-foot spot of a former bank and is set to open “soon,” according to Radius.

“Despite slow overall activity, fitness users continue to be an important driver of the retail market,” according to Radius.

In the meantime, Montecito retail remains exceptionally strong, “characterized by low availability and high achieved rents.”

The Rite Aid bankruptcy left five large retail vacancies that are unlikely to get filled by a single retail outlet.

“In today’s environment, securing any retail lease larger than 5,000 square feet is considered a major win in the evolving Santa Barbara retail landscape,” according to Radius.

Wingstop Keeps Soaring

Wingstop continues its seemingly endless growth. The company is close to opening on the Mesa, at 1964 Cliff Drive.

The interior looks ready to go, including the soda machine, which allows mixing and matching a variety of flavors.

Wingstops are in Isla Vista, Goleta and La Cumbre Plaza.

Chick-fil-A Coming to Santa Maria

A new Chick-fil-A at Highway 101 and Broadway in Santa Maria is set to open on Thursday, Nov. 6.

The new restaurant is owned by Joey Hickox.

Guests of all ages who arrive dressed in cow spots or sporting a cow-spotted accessory on opening day can redeem one free entrée or kid’s meal inside the restaurant or in the drive-thru. 

Whitney Chic Boutique Now Open

Santa Barbara resident Whitney Parker has opened Whitney Chic Boutique at 36 W. Calle Laureles in Santa Barbara.

The boutique is known for its “beautiful collection of statement, feminine, forward fashion.”

The store offers a personalized shopping experience with an emphasis on quality and accessibly priced apparel.

Real Estate Investment Firm Makes Promotion

Santa Barbara-based real estate investment and management company The Paskin Group has promoted Joe Gunner to vice president of investments.

The firm has completed more than $122 million in transactions this year, according to a news release.

In Gunner’s expanded role, he will take on a leadership position in evaluating new acquisitions, asset management, and will help deliver strategic insights to the firm’s growing investor base, a news release states.

“Joe has played an integral role in more than $600 million worth of transactions for The Paskin Group and has proven himself to be an indispensable member of the team,” according to the news release. “He has a great work ethic, a sharp analytical acumen and a comprehensive understanding of our clients’ investment objectives. I am confident he will continue to make significant contributions as our company grows.”