Placer.ai data shows Q2 2026 visit growth at Walmart, Target, Costco, Sam's Club & BJ's – and what's driving each chain.

Foot traffic to The Home Depot and Lowe's held close to last year's levels in Q2 2026, with both overall and same-store visits diverging less than a percentage point from Q2 2025. The quarter moderates from a stronger Q1 but extends the stabilization that began in Q3 2025 — suggesting the category's recovery has paused rather than reversed. Monthly data shows year-over-year growth at both chains slowing sharply in March, likely reflecting rising gas prices that squeezed household budgets and pushed shoppers to delay larger purchases. Lowe's saw an April traffic lift from its spring sale and an easier year-ago comparison. Placer.ai examines what the numbers reveal about home improvement demand, why deferred maintenance may be accumulating, and what could drive a return to growth in the second half of 2026.

Placer.ai's July 2026 Office Index: office visits stayed near post-pandemic highs, 23.6% below 2019, with Miami the most recovered market.

Retail visits rose 1.7% YoY in July 2026 while dining dipped 1.6% – but the gap is narrowing, with fast-casual still growing and full-service turning positive.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day shows that today's biggest box office hits require more than star power – they need scarcity, momentum, and strong word of mouth.