The better formula is 'no empty walls'. Vancouver does this. Retail doesn't fit in every single location when that's the case ground floor is replaced by street level townhouse style entrances to individual units..
The kitchen will be tiny (so is the one in your apartment), the bathroom will be tiny (so is the one in your apartment), and the offices might be tiny (so is your bedroom in your apartment).
I understand you need egresses in case of fire and things like that which many offices don't have such things, but I feel they would be better served as apartments since they stay vacant for years at a time.
- no lease protections due to the lies you need to tell in order to get the commercial lease
- vermin issues in ground floor units (not bad until you need to store food and have bedding or clothes around)
- lease terms that are usually much longer than a residential lease
- lack of a shower in many commercial units (fixable but adds to the cost and may tip off a landlord)
- generally undesirable living situation (poor ventilation, light, loud businesses next door, layout)
- expense - these units are cheaper than similarly sized apartments, but they aren't usually cheap enough for one person alone, and the floorplans usually don't make for great roommate situations
I think it would work really well as a pied a terre though, if you have another place close to the city and can afford the commercial unit. Sleeping in your office is totally legal and does not run afoul of most commercial leases. Using it as a residence violates the lease.