Market Insights
Monthly retail foot traffic performance
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What is a market?
Each market is a combination of a location and a retail category. We then cross reference these with local events and area trends to provide our top ten hottest retail markets across the Unite States.
Top Markets Q1 2025
Clothing Stores
+31.1%
YoY foot traffic
+38.3%
YoY transaction growth
+30.7%
YoY sales growth
Pittsfield’s fashion retail is thriving, with boutique staples like Kissy’s Fine Apparel and Steven Valenti’s Clothing drawing shoppers seeking unique styles. The upcoming Burlington Store at Berkshire Crossing is set to further boost foot traffic, complementing the city’s mix of independent retailers and larger brands. As Pittsfield’s cultural scene grows, so does its appeal as a regional shopping destination.
Sporting Goods, Hobby & Music
+44.4%
YoY foot traffic
+29.5%
YoY $ spend growth
+30.2%
Increase in new store openings
+44.4%
YoY foot traffic
+29.5%
YoY $ spend growth
+30.2%
Increase in new store openings
Springfield’s vibrant cultural scene is fueling growth in sporting goods and hobby stores. Events like CultureFest bring the community together through music, dance, and arts, increasing demand for musical instruments and hobby supplies. The South Fountain Historic District attracts visitors with events that drive traffic to specialty retailers. A 30.2% rise in new sports store openings—including major retailers like Academy Sports + Outdoors—is further energizing the market.
Used Merchandise Stores
+44.4%
YoY foot traffic
+29.5%
YoY $ spend growth
+30.2%
Increase in new store openings
Salisbury’s rich cultural scene is driving growth in used merchandise stores. The Maryland Folk Festival, a free, large-scale three-day outdoor event celebrating the roots and richness of American culture, attracts thousands of visitors annually. This influx boosts demand for unique and vintage items, benefiting local thrift shops and consignment stores. Additionally, the city’s commitment to downtown revitalization under Mayor Jacob R. Day has enhanced the area’s appeal, encouraging new businesses and increasing foot traffic to local retailers.
Department Stores
+22%
YoY foot traffic
+17.9%
Market growth
+31.4%
YoY sales growth
Fayetteville’s Cultural Arts Corridor and Springdale’s Stroll the Atolls festival are drawing more visitors, increasing foot traffic to local department stores. The opening of Casa Magnolia, a new arts-focused café, adds to the area’s appeal, further fueling retail growth. Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers continues to thrive as a cultural and shopping hub.
Restaurants
+41%
YoY foot traffic
+56.6%
YoY sales growth
Baton Rouge’s restaurant scene is thriving, with a 41.0% increase in foot traffic and a 56.6% surge in sales over the past year. This growth is fueled by the city’s dynamic cultural landscape, including the expansion of local restaurant groups into surrounding areas, such as Ascension Parish. Additionally, the city’s vibrant festivals and events continue to draw visitors, further boosting the hospitality sector.
Used Merchandise Stores
+33.1%
YoY foot traffic
+17.9%
Market growth
+38.3%
YoY transactions growth
Pittsfield’s 10×10 Upstreet Arts Festival brings over 10,000 visitors for 10 days of cultural events, driving traffic to local fashion retailers. The First Fridays at Five Festival, running May–September, transforms downtown into a shopping and entertainment hub, boosting boutique sales. Local favorites like Kissy’s Fine Apparel and Steven Valenti’s Clothing benefit from the surge in demand, solidifying Pittsfield’s status as a growing retail market.
Restaurants
+48%
YoY foot traffic
+48%
YoY foot traffic
+166%
YoY foot traffic
The region has experienced a significant increase in retail trade employment, rising from approximately 14,414 workers in August 2024 to 14,574 in December 2024. This growth is indicative of a thriving retail sector, particularly in dining establishments.
Jewelry
+12.1%
YoY foot traffic
+69.1%
YoY $ spend growth
Louisville is famed for the Kentucky Derby, a horse racing event accompanied by a two-week festival featuring fireworks, parades, and concerts. The city also hosts the Forecastle Festival, blending music, art, and environmental activism. These high-profile events attract visitors who often indulge in luxury shopping, boosting sales in jewelry and leather goods stores.
Health & Personal Care Stores
+43.5%
YoY foot traffic
+62.6%
YoY $ spend growth
+54.1%
YoY transactions growth
The Community, Culture & Cuisine Festival brings residents together through food, art, and entertainment, driving local shopping activity. Economic growth in the area has also led to higher disposable incomes, fueling increased spending on wellness and personal care. As residents prioritize health and self-care, this sector continues to thrive in California-Lexington Park.
Furniture Stores
+20.3%
YoY foot traffic
+7.2%
YoY transaction growth
+11.7%
YoY sales growth
The Daphne-Fairhope-Foley area is experiencing notable growth in its furniture retail sector, driven by rapid population increases and a vibrant cultural scene. As of 2022, the region’s population reached approximately 233,420, marking a 2.77% increase from the previous year. This surge has heightened demand for home furnishings, benefiting local furniture stores. Additionally, cultural events like the Fairhope Arts & Crafts Festival, attracting nearly 300,000 visitors annually, contribute to increased foot traffic and sales in local retail establishments. These factors collectively bolster the area’s furniture retail market.  
