The next frontier for coworking space is in shopping centers and other retail properties, according to a new report by Colliers International.

Coworking is already part of mixed-use developments, but Colliers reports that developers now have the opportunity to attract coworking companies directly into retail centers, much the same way that clinics and other medical facilities are locating in otherwise retail contexts.

"It’s no longer a backfill to vacant boxes, but rather a lifestyle shift, offering flexibility and providing a nontraditional office environment," Colliers National Director of Retail Services Anjee Solanki said.

Coworking in a retail property context is partly about creating a community room for the surrounding neighorhood by hosting organizations, entrepreneurial startups, college discussions and more, Solanki said.

"Why not? I would rather meet in a well-designed, barista-staffed coworking space than a sterile, plastic chair-filled community room with no character,” Solanki said.

Coworking space benefits the retail nearby, since it has the potential to drive foot traffic to shops and restaurants, the report said.

More that two-thirds of those surveyed by Colliers said that coworking space in a mall would encourage them to visit the mall's shops more often. For coworking space near restaurants, the figure is 73%.