The world is ending and nobody is going to purchase things in stores. This is what the market is telling us. It's simply not true. The only person of creditworthiness that I question is Warren Buffet. I am going on a limb to say that it's not the end of the retail world, but rather It's a supply demand correction.
Rents have tripled over the past few years, so yes retailers aren't going to want to pay these ridiculous prices. Yes, Sears is shutting doors, and JC Penney, and a slew of other people, but that doesn't mean Retail is dead. These companies couldn't adjust to the changing landscape of commerce. That's just it. Retail is just changing. Out with old; in with the new.
Below is a list of store openings to calm your nerves. Also, read this CNBC article.
NEW STORE OPENINGS
# of Stores / Retail Company
1500 / Starbucks (China, through 2019)
1000 / Family Dollar (through 2016)
1000 / Dollar General (2017)
1000 / Wendy's (by 2020)
600 / Dollar Tree (through 2016)
600 / Forever 21 (through 2018)
900 / Dollar General (2016)
520 / ALDI (globally through 2019)
400 / T-Mobile
350 / Philly Pretzel Factory (by 2020)
338 / Tony Luke's (by 2025)
240 / Walmart (International 2016)
200 / Limited Too (through 2020)
197 / TJX Companies (T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods)
150 / Dick's Sporting Goods (through 2018)
100 / Dunkin Donuts (through 2017 in India)
100 / Johnny Rockets (China, 2016)
100 / Sephora (through 2016)
100 / Starbucks (Malaysia, through 2017)
200 / ULTA (2017)
95 / Walmart Neighborhood Markets
90 / Costco (Internationally through 2018)
70 / Miu Miu
67 / Smart & Final (2016)
60 / unkin Donuts (through 2018 in Houston)
60 / Fresh Thyme Farmers Markets (through 2019)
60 / Pizza Hut (through 2017)
60 / Walmart Supercenters (2016)
50 / Prada Men’s Store