While the so-called “retail apocalypse” is undeniably wreaking havoc in the shopping industry, not all physical retailers are floundering. Some retailers have big expansions in the works. Most of the retailers that are expanding are discounters, including dollar stores and chains full of random closeout and leftover inventory like Marshalls and T.J. Maxx.
Aldi, owned by the same German company that runs Trader Joe’s, plans to add 100 stores in 2019. Aldi has made a huge impact on the grocery store segment with a business model that combines a smaller store size, private-label products (a.k.a. not national brands), and super cheap prices.
Aerie, the clothing brand aimed at young women and owned by American Eagle, is on a tear and expects to open 60-75 stores in 2019. Aerie operates its own standalone stores as well as side-by-side locations next to American Eagle stores. The brand’s comparable sales increased 29% last year after a 27% increase in 2017.
Burlington — known as Burlington Coat Factory before a rebranding about five years ago — has managed to flourish alongside similar off-price competitors like Ross Stores, Marshalls and T.J. Maxx. Burlington has said it plans to open about 50 stores in 2019.
The king of the hill, though, is Dollar General. An estimated 900-975 Dollar General stores are expected to open in 2019, and hundreds of its locations will add produce and fresh foods to serve customers in so-called “food deserts” – locations where there are no big supermarkets for miles around.