Articles

May 2026 office visits dipped 1.2% YoY on raw numbers, but rose 3.7% per working day. San Francisco led all major markets in YoY growth; Denver trailed.

Dollar General is rapidly gaining grocery share, fueled by short “in-and-out” trips and a growing role as a food destination. Since 2019, the chain has taken visits from traditional supermarkets while expanding nationwide beyond its Southern core. Cross-shopping shows Aldi as a complementary partner, while Kroger and other legacy grocers feel the squeeze.

Barnes & Noble’s acquisition of Bay Area chain Books Inc. highlights a strategy that blends community-driven bookstore experiences with the financial scale of a national brand. Location analytics reveal how B&N’s model could reshape Books Inc.’s future.

Dillard’s has managed to outperform the wider department store space in 2025 by sustaining traffic during key months, benefiting from a Sunbelt-heavy footprint, and positioning itself as a weekend destination. Its clearance locations have also thrived, highlighting the enduring importance of value-oriented shopping in a cautious consumer climate.

Gap Inc. is expanding into beauty and accessories to offset apparel’s sameness, capture value-driven and aspirational shoppers, and build brand identity. With overlap in beauty and off-price traffic, success depends on delivering trend-forward products and in-store expertise.