Ebooks
The 2026 Retail & Restaurant Real Estate Outlook delivers a view of the market conditions, trends, and geographic shifts shaping retail real estate, site selection, and market planning decisions. As vacancy remains low and competition intensifies, retailers and restaurants face a narrower margin for error when evaluating growth opportunities. This exclusive outlook provides clarity on where expansion still makes sense—and where caution is warranted—heading into 2026.
Get the insights you need to guide retail site selection, market planning, and expansion decisions in a tight, competitive market.
Tight Supply and Intense Competition
Retail real estate remains supply-constrained, with vacancy near historic lows and limited new construction keeping competition for quality space elevated.
Recycled Space Creates Selective Opportunity
Store closures and bankruptcies are returning well-located second-generation space to the market, opening targeted expansion opportunities for prepared brands.
Demand Driven by Value and Experience
Restaurants, value retailers, and experience-led concepts continue to lead demand, while mid-tier retail faces growing pressure.
More Selective Consumer Spending
Consumer behavior remains bifurcated, with value and experience outperforming as shoppers grow more intentional amid economic uncertainty.
Uneven Market Momentum
Growth continues to favor Sunbelt and select coastal metros, while parts of California and other mature markets show softer exploratory activity.
What to Do About It
How This Report Was Built
This report blends third-party market data with proprietary analysis using SCOUT reporting within the Buxton Platform and audience intelligence from Audiense Action. SCOUT activity highlights where retailers and restaurants are actively evaluating growth, while Audiense Action surfaces consumer behaviors, affinities, and demand signals shaping those decisions. Together, these insights offer a forward-looking view of opportunity and risk.
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