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Though we are no longer in a de facto credit crisis, the shortage of available financing continues to be a serious problem for both retailers and retail real estate developers. The Mortgage Bankers Association reports that in the fourth quarter, there has been a noticeable pick up in the volume of commercial mortgage originations compared to a year ago. But overall, the credit situation remains daunting, according to a MarketWatch story. For more on credit availability and other news on retail and retail real estate, follow the links below.

• Our sister publication NREI reports that commercial mortgage originations showed an increase in the fourth quarter of last year.


• However, banks remain tightfisted on new loans, according to MarketWatch.com.


• Discount chain Meijer is debuting a smaller concept focusing on groceries in the Midwest, reports Indystar.com.


• The Street.com speculates that Movie Gallery’s new bankruptcy filing might benefit Blockbuster.


• The Wall Street Journal published a cautionary tale about a Memphis TIC investment gone horribly wrong. The Dirt Lawyer’s Blog follows up with some thoughts on unwise TIC investments that took place during the boom.


• The Wall Street Journal also has a story about Glenn Rufrano’s new career move.


• Atlanta Business News reports that shopping center locations can be a boon for medical practitioners.


• While other retailers are cutting back on both store-level and corporate personnel, Nordstrom plans to hire 250 people for its new store in Braintree, Mass., according to The Boston Herald.


• Bill Ackman claims Borders won’t face a bankruptcy threat, reports The New York Post.


• The CoStar Group predicts the bulk of new space demand in 2010 will come from retail franchise operators.