U.S. Retail Market Report: Q3 2026 Occupier Outlook
Cresa’s quarterly Retail Real Estate Outlook provides occupiers with a data-driven view of the retail market, highlighting national trends, key market shifts and the factors shaping leasing decisions across the U.S.
The report examines industrial real estate trends, net absorption, leasing activity, construction activity, rent growth, supply chain considerations and retail vacancy rates to help companies understand where the retail real estate market is stabilizing, where conditions are shifting and how to make more informed real estate decisions.
Looking for more insights? Explore Cresa’s quarterly Office and Industrial Occupier Outlook reports for the latest trends shaping commercial real estate strategy.
Retail Demand Remains Resilient as New Supply Stays Limited
Retail sales excluding motor vehicles remained positive through the third quarter of 2026, supporting low vacancy across well-located centers. Rent growth has moderated, but limited construction and steady demand continue to support occupancy, particularly in neighborhood and convenience formats. Retailers are focusing on productivity, flexibility, and targeted market expansion rather than broad footprint growth. With construction starts at a record low and nearly 50 million square feet of leases expiring over the next 12 months, occupiers should use upcoming decisions to right-size portfolios, renew strategically, and secure scarce high-quality space.
Retail Tenant View
- Prioritize store productivity and trade-area performance when evaluating renewals, relocations, and expansions.
- Use lease expirations to right-size portfolios and capture well-located second-generation space.
- Begin planning early for high-quality locations, where limited new supply continues to increase competition.