Analysis by RBC Capital Markets shows that U.S. retailers are planning to open 42,757 stores over the next 12 months, and some 83,700 locations over the next two years, both five-year highs, according to a summary of the research by CoStar Group's Mark Heschmeyer. The forecast represents 2.8% YOY growth for the retail sector.
Among the retailers with major expansion plans are Subway, Dollar General, Five Guys Famous Burgers and Fries, and Family Dollar; all are planning to open more than 1,000 locations in the next two years. Heschmeyer also broke down the numbers by sector, showing that pawn shops, toy stores, and men's apparel will see the greatest growth.
Read CoStar's report: "Store Opening Train Starting to Roll? Openings Seen Reaching New High"