While some boxes will be retrofitted, others will be razed as it may be cheaper and easier to start over. Meanwhile, the weakest locations may sit vacant for years.
What Macy’s really needs is to offer more exciting merchandise.
Millennials are driving fitness, beauty and wellness concepts, many of which operate on membership models and drive regular shopper traffic.
NRF forecasts retail sales will increase by 3.8 percent to 4.4 percent in 2019, below 2018’s level.
Overall retail vacancy is likely to remain flat, but sizeable store closures will likely continue.
Uncertainty around a turnaround lingers as the department store chain reports disappointing holiday sales, more store closures.
Stores selling goods and services that can’t be purchased online are the best bets for retail real estate investment this year.