Amid ongoing reports of retail closures, a new JLL report on retail market dynamics reveals sectors leading store openings in 2026. Restaurants and discount dollar stores are at the forefront, with Dollar Tree opening 400 new locations and Starbucks adding 175 stores.
While closures persist in early 2026, this trend mirrors last year’s pattern, where early closures were offset by later openings. Even as vacancies rise from store closures—such as Party City and Bed Bath & Beyond—new tenants quickly fill the spaces. Grocery stores, fitness centers, and entertainment venues are among the businesses taking over these prime locations.
National rent growth has slowed overall, but regional differences remain stark. Sun Belt cities like Atlanta, Phoenix, and Orlando are seeing rent increases due to population growth and expanding retail demand. Minneapolis stands out with the highest national rent growth at 6.7%. Conversely, coastal markets like Los Angeles and San Francisco are experiencing rent declines, pulling down the national average.
These shifts are reshaping shopping centers nationwide. Demand for apparel, accessories, and electronics storefronts is falling as online shopping grows, but complexes anchored by restaurants, grocery stores, discount retailers, and fitness centers are thriving and expanding into vacated spaces.
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