Retailers Report Economic Improvement, More Store Openings

In a survey conducted by the CB Richard Ellis Group, nearly 70 percent of retailers demonstrated retail optimism by stating they believe that the economy is improving. Ninety-two percent of respondents noted they plan to increase store openings.

According to Anthony Buono, executive managing director of CBRE Retail Services in the Americas, “Our survey shows that retailers are increasingly more confident about their growth plans for 2010, and even more so for 2011.” However, those polled are still cautious regarding the overall impact of the global economy on the U.S. market. Nearly 60 percent of retailers expect it will be another 6 to 18 months before their segment of the retail market feels the effects any upturn, and consumer confidence, higher interest rates and the fragile global economic environment remain causes of worry. However, about 34 percent of the poll respondents reported that business is already improving in their segments, including apparel and accessories.