Retail Expansion Trends 2026: Growth, Shifts & Market Direction
Where are retailers expanding in 2026 — and what does recent store activity reveal about the direction of physical retail?
This report takes a closer look at store openings and closures across the U.S., alongside broader retail performance trends, including stronger-than-expected February sales growth of 0.6% driven by gains across key categories.
From expansion across high-growth regions like the South and West to continued momentum in sectors such as restaurants, grocery, and value retail, the data highlights a shift toward more targeted and demand-driven growth strategies.
While store openings continue to outpace closures, the real story lies in how growth is being concentrated — with certain categories and regions outperforming, while others face ongoing pressure.
But here’s the catch — With rising macro uncertainty, including inflation risks tied to geopolitical tensions and higher oil prices, retail expansion is becoming more selective, raising an important question:
Is retail truly expanding at scale, or is it shifting toward a more disciplined and strategically focused growth model?
👉 Download the full report to explore key insights, growth trends, and where retail is headed next.