The US Census Bureau reported total retail sales were up 4.3% year-over-year for the period March through May countrywide. On Memorial Day Weekend spending was also up nationally, according to Applied Predictive Technologies – by about $1.9 billion from last year.

Levin's mainly Northeastern-based retailers reported themselves to be optimistic: 52% said they think sales will improve in coming months. That is a distinct attitude adjustment from last year's survey when only 35% anticipated improvement. This year, 16% said they think sales will remain about the same throughout 2014.

Hiring trends mirror last year, according to the survey: About a third of stores said they have added staff or planned to do so since January. Also, 31% of respondents said their company has opened or plants to open new stores in 2014.

“The positive outlook and the expansion plans among our survey respondents reflect retailer confidence in the marketplace,” Harding said. “Some retailers are continuing to right-size as their stores come up for renewal, to gain more efficient, streamlined operation. At the same time, a significant number of concepts are opening new stores and gaining market share in our region.”

“From our vantage point, performance is a little ahead of last year,” he said. “We continue to see a variety of tenants out looking for space in our market. Vacancy rates are becoming tight and rents are creeping up on higher-quality properties in core locations.”