2021 End of Year Report | Retail

 

2021 was a year of record growth and stability for the retail sector. Emerging from the challenges of COVID-19, retail recovered swiftly, as fiscal support from the U.S. government, paired with a tight labor market promoting a robust wage growth, provided consumers with extra spending money. Brick and mortar retail sales reached historic numbers with discount retailers, grocers, and off-price apparel stores being among the best-performing groups. As retail rebounded, investors took notice, looking to exit out of investments that fared worse in the pandemic or were slower to recover and into more secure, stable assets. In Q3 2021, there was over $37.5B in retail property sales, according to CoStar. While single tenant net lease continues to be a main target, investors are increasing their risk tolerance entering capital into strip malls and shopping centers. Overall, the retail sector is poised for a steadfast year in 2022.