In a significant reversal of recent years’ trends, retail chains in the United States are once again expanding their physical footprint — a move that signals renewed strength in retail real estate even amid macroeconomic headwinds.
According to real-estate data firm CoStar Group, retailers moved into 5.5 million more square feet than they vacated in the third quarter of 2025.
This resurgence comes as vacancy rates tighten and new construction lags
The uptake in store space has coincided with historically low vacancy rates in retail-property markets. Recent analyses describe a broader “retail renaissance,” in which demand for physical retail space is rising sharply even though supply remains constrained.
One contributing factor is the slowdown in new retail construction. According to industry observers, 2025 is set to record among the lowest years for new retail-space delivery in decades.
At the same time, some retailer types — especially discount, grocery-anchored and value-oriented chains — are seeing robust leasing activity.
This suggests that demand is concentrated in retailer categories that cater to everyday essentials, rather than discretionary or luxury retail.
Shifting retail strategy: smaller footprints and neighbourhood proximity
Industry sources say that part of the uptrend in store-house acquisitions reflects a broader change in how retailers approach physical real estate.
Rather than reopening large-format flagship stores, many retailers are now favouring smaller footprints, often in suburban or neighbourhood-based locations.
This strategy mirrors evolving consumer behaviour. With e-commerce and hybrid shopping habits firmly in place, shoppers increasingly value convenience and proximity — making smaller, local stores with easier access more attractive than sprawling, destination malls.
As a result, retail landlords and investors — who previously viewed the sector as risky after years of store closures and uncertainty — are now treating retail real estate as a credible, investable asset class once more.
Implications for global retail investors and international brands
For global retail operators and investors, the revival of interest in physical retail real estate carries practical importance.
Tight supply combined with renewed demand means that acquiring leasehold or freehold retail property could become more competitive. As fewer development opportunities emerge, existing retail real estate is likely to command higher rents and stronger occupancy.
Brands expanding internationally or looking to establish omnichannel footprints may view this as an opportune moment to secure locations offering both retail and fulfilment possibilities — especially in value-oriented, essential retail sectors that remain resilient under economic pressure.
Still, challenges persist. High construction costs, continued economic uncertainty and rising interest rates continue to weigh on new development.
Retailers and investors that succeed will likely be those who adopt a selective, data-driven approach — targeting neighbourhood-level convenience stores, grocery-anchored centres or small-footprint retail formats aligned to consumer demand.
In a surprisingly resilient market context, retail real estate is once more relevant — and for many in the global retail sector, that may mark the start of a new growth cycle.
