Retail space is no measure of anything as floor space is real cheap right now and cheaper than in any other country due to land being available.
A better measure is stock holdings: How much merchandise is available.
The first sign a store is in trouble is when there are fewer staff to assist you.
The next sign is when the shelves are not kept fully stocked.
And the last sign is when they begin to scrimp on maintenance and keeping the place clean.
“Retail space is no measure of anything as floor space is real cheap right now and cheaper than in any other country due to land being available.”
Space is cheap because people overbuilt during the boom years (as always), and now nobody is renting. You can’t get a commercial tenant without offering them at least 3-6 months worth of concessions.