Fast-Fashion Retailers Struggle with Slower Growth

Apparel chains haven’t always been in the spotlight of regional mall line-ups. That starring role, and the job of generating mall foot traffic, traditionally rested on the shoulders of department stores. Specialty retailers just needed to focus on posting consistent sales growth, or they risked losing prime mall real estate to a competitor or a newer, fresher concept.

But now the retail industry is at a point where both department stores and specialty tenants are under pressure. All retailers, especially the fast-fashion retailers, are struggling to maintain the positive same-store sales growth that drives rents and makes for retail centers. . . . more