And more stores are opening, according to Retail Traffic Magazine. An estimated 35,000 new stores are predicted to open in 2011, while closings will likely be less than last year.
Chain stores like Ann Taylor are preparing to expand, as well as discount retailers like Family Dollar.
"That means in 2011, retailers will open approximately 35,000 new stores, estimates Rich Moore, an analyst with RBC Capital Markets who helps compile the report. Michael Wiener, president and CEO of Excess Space Retail Services Inc., a real estate disposition and lease restructuring firm, expects retailers to expand as well, but not as quickly. Weiner says retailers are likely to expand gradually, with about 20,000 new stores in 2011 and another 40,000 to 50,000 in 2012.
'I think people are just getting back into the marketplace and trying to understand what kinds of deals they can get," Wiener says. "We still think things will be on a very slow upswing, but we do think that there will hopefully be at a minimum a slow and steady recovery in retail.'"
FULL STORY: Store Openings to Increase in 2011, While Pace of Store Closings Will Decrease Slightly

Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?

King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.

Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.

Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie