Rising commercial rents in Auckland could be make or break for some smaller retailers.

New data from Collies International shows fewer shops are staying empty in the CBD, suburbs and shopping centres.

Office space vacancy is at a record low 6.2 percent, and Auckland is the hardest place in Asia Pacific to find prime commercial sites.

The 2.4 percent retail vacancy is the lowest since 2007.

The Collies data shows Wellington's retail property market has received a major boost from David Jones and Seed Heritage setting up shop.

It has also been helped by rumours Topshop will open a Wellington branch.

Colliers associate research director Chris Dibble said there are new retail developments are also popping up in Christchurch suburbs and the CBD.

He said adequate parking and key anchor projects will be critical to the growth of the CBD.

Dibble said developers are building more retail space, but rents are continuing to rise.

Retailers face tough economic conditions, the competition of online shopping and changing consumer behaviour.

Mr Dibble said, given that, some retailers will struggle to absorb higher property costs.