Retail Investment Guide

The U.S. retail sector saw positive growth in Q1 2023 despite worries about increased costs and a potential economic downturn. Demand from various sectors and slower store closures contributed to this expansion. Currently, the retail market is at its tightest level and is well below historical averages. This scarcity of space, especially in desirable locations, has caused leasing activity to decrease. However, demand for retail space continues to rise, and new development is limited, with most construction focusing on single-tenant builds or smaller spaces. In this guide, Matthews™ takes a look at U.S. retail data, including rent growth, vacancy rates, and rents across major markets across the nation. The guide also states the top-performing retail tenants and how changing consumer preferences are impacting the sector.