Cushman & Wakefield's Q2 2026 US retail report shows national vacancy at 6.0%—well below the 7.4% historical average—with asking rents at $24.79/sq ft, up 2.4% year over year. A thin construction pipeline plus steady demand for necessity and grocery-anchored retail keep space tight.
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US retail vacancy holds at 6.0% in Q2 2026 as available space stays scarce
Why this matters for founders
Founders opening physical storefronts—F&B, beauty, local services—face limited quality inventory and rising rents; budget for higher occupancy costs and move fast on good sites.
Source: Cushman & Wakefield
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