Photo via Fast Company
While retail closures continue to dominate headlines, a contrasting trend is emerging in key markets. According to a recent analysis by real estate services firm JLL, discount retailers and restaurant concepts are leading a wave of new store openings in early 2026, signaling selective strength in the sector despite broader headwinds.
Dollar Tree is opening 400 new locations while Starbucks plans 175 new stores, demonstrating investor confidence in value-oriented and convenience-driven retail formats. The momentum reflects consumer preferences shifting away from traditional apparel and electronics retail toward essential goods, quick-service dining, and discount shopping experiences.
Atlanta is positioned to benefit from this realignment. As a Sun Belt growth market, Atlanta is experiencing measurable rent growth following years of population expansion and increasing retail demand—a sharp contrast to coastal cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, which are seeing declining rental rates. This dynamic creates opportunity for both landlords and retailers seeking expansion locations in a growing market.
The broader pattern shows shopping centers are being fundamentally reshaped. Closed spaces once occupied by retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond and Party City are being rapidly repurposed for grocery, fitness, and dining concepts. For Atlanta property owners and retailers, this shift suggests the market is rotating toward experiential and essential retail that drives foot traffic and supports broader commercial ecosystems.
