Which property type generally encompasses buildings intended for retail operations?

The correct choice identifies commercial properties as the category that primarily includes buildings designed for retail operations. Commercial properties are utilized for business purposes, and retail spaces are a significant component of this category as they house stores, restaurants, and other businesses that sell goods or services directly to consumers.

Retail operations typically take place in shopping centers, standalone stores, and malls, all of which are classified under commercial real estate. This classification not only covers the physical buildings but also encompasses the land on which these establishments sit, emphasizing their role in commerce and consumer activity.

In contrast, industrial properties are specifically designed for manufacturing, warehousing, and production activities. Agricultural properties refer to lands used for farming and cultivating crops, while mixed-use developments combine multiple property types into one space, often including residential units alongside commercial spaces, but they do not exclusively focus on retail operations. Thus, commercial properties are distinctly recognized for their primary function in retailing.