While total net new store openings are expected to grow at a robust pace in 2024, many retailers are taking a more conservative posture, reining in expansion in the face of high interest rates and uncertainty about future consumer demand. Last year’s projected 2.6% square-footage growth ended up at just 1.4% when all was said and done, with just 57 more stores opening than closing. This year, the projections are similarly rosy at 2.5%, aiming to end the year totaling 171.9 million sq. ft. from 201 net new openings, or 173 ... Log in to view full article.