NEW YORK CITY-Sitting in on various sessions at the National Retail Federation's annual conference here, an attendee could get a grip on some upcoming retailer expansions. In many cases, specific numbers weren't offered, but it seems like many companies are more interested in ramping up than paring back.

"The real estate market is so bad that you might be able to get a better location," said Dave Ratner, the founder of Dave's Soda and Pet City, a local chain out of Springfield, MA. "If you're in a strip center and want to renegotiate your lease, don't be bashful."

One outfit that has gone through many changes over the last few years are Disney Stores, which had an entire presentation at the show. The company is looking to expand its base of 370 stores in North America, Europe and Japan in select markets where it doesn't have a location.