Photo via Fast Company
While retail headlines have focused on store closures, a contrarian trend is emerging in early 2026. According to a new report from real estate services firm JLL, discount dollar stores and quick-service restaurants are leading a wave of new openings, with Dollar Tree planning 400 new locations and Starbucks adding 175 stores. This expansion signals investor confidence in categories that have proven resilient despite broader retail challenges.
The growth pattern mirrors dynamics seen in 2025, when early-year closures gave way to recovery as the year progressed. As traditional retailers like Party City and Bed Bath & Beyond vacate prime real estate, landlords are rapidly securing new tenants in grocery, fitness, and entertainment categories. This tenant rotation is gradually reshaping the composition of shopping centers nationwide, including those across the Dallas-Fort Worth region.
Geography matters significantly in today's retail environment. Sun Belt markets—including nearby Austin and Houston—are experiencing rent growth driven by sustained population increases and expanding retail customer bases. Dallas, positioned as a major Sun Belt hub, stands to benefit from these dynamics. Meanwhile, coastal markets like Los Angeles and San Francisco face rent declines, creating a clear regional divide in retail real estate fundamentals.
The transformation reflects shifting consumer behavior and economic fundamentals. Traditional brick-and-mortar apparel, accessories, and electronics retailers continue losing ground to e-commerce, while food-centric and value-oriented retailers thrive. For Dallas business owners and landlords, the takeaway is clear: properties anchored by restaurants, grocery operators, or discount retailers are positioning themselves for growth, while those dependent on traditional retail are facing headwinds.