United States Retail Market Dynamics Q3 2026

Retail demand stayed positive for a second straight quarter, with net absorption reaching 8.3 million square feet in Q3 2026 as store openings pulled ahead of closures and vacancy edged down to 4.3%. Meanwhile, demolitions are holding net additions to just 0.25% of inventory, keeping vacancy low and landlords firmly in control. Our Q3 2026 Retail Market Dynamics report breaks down where rents are climbing fastest, why investors remain bullish with an estimated $58 billion of equity targeting retail, and how holiday budgets, up 9.7% to an average of $1,243, present an optimistic picture for the holiday shopping season.

For additional context on findings in the latest report, download the prior Q2 2026 United States Retail market dynamics report.