Companies that have triggered public attention with store closures fall in the “yellow” category. These retailers can reposition themselves, but are vulnerable if they misstep. As Crossman sees it, it's a cautious tale for retailers forging mergers and acquisitions to stay afloat in an increasingly complex and competitive market.

“Green” category retailers are those leading the pack. These retailers have announced major initiatives to capitalize on their momentum. Discount retailers serving price-conscious consumers continue to see strong gains as do Internet-resistant stores. Crossman reports understanding the need to pair convenience and price when considering the retail mix is rewarded.

Crossman's report findings include: stores with relatively poor performance, locations in non-strategic markets, and those with lower demand from shoppers are getting the ax in favor of reinvesting resources in class A locations and premium markets; pairing complementary concepts and retailers is helpful for anchors looking to mitigate rent costs and draw customers with strong brand names; some retailers are considering mergers and acquisitions in the face of disruptive healthcare reform and e-commerce forces; there is no “safe bet” category; retailers must constantly evolve to stay relevant.

ORLANDO—Stop, wait, grow. That's the theme of Crossman & Co.'s first quarter 2016 Southeast Market Report Update on the retail market.

“The first quarter is an assessment of analytical data that reflects those retailers with bright futures, as well as those that may have to make crucial adjustments to maintain their market position, grow, or even survive,” John Crossman, president and CEO of Crossman, tells GlobeSt.com. “We've evaluated public and private companies and summarized their plans and strategy heading into the remainder of 2016.”

The six-page report analyzes a range of retailers and their relative health and stability based on store openings and closings, earnings reports, forecasts and market activity announcements. Groups of retailers are categorized by well-defined red, yellow or green light designations: red, yellow and green.

Retailers that have posted consistent losses over a number of years, filed for bankruptcy, or are trending downward are marked red. According to Crossman, “red” retailers must evolve to suit the needs of their customers, and even “safe” categories like fast casual dining, athletic wear, and grocers need to be aware of their position in the market.

Companies that have triggered public attention with store closures fall in the “yellow” category. These retailers can reposition themselves, but are vulnerable if they misstep. As Crossman sees it, it's a cautious tale for retailers forging mergers and acquisitions to stay afloat in an increasingly complex and competitive market.

“Green” category retailers are those leading the pack. These retailers have announced major initiatives to capitalize on their momentum. Discount retailers serving price-conscious consumers continue to see strong gains as do Internet-resistant stores. Crossman reports understanding the need to pair convenience and price when considering the retail mix is rewarded.

Crossman's report findings include: stores with relatively poor performance, locations in non-strategic markets, and those with lower demand from shoppers are getting the ax in favor of reinvesting resources in class A locations and premium markets; pairing complementary concepts and retailers is helpful for anchors looking to mitigate rent costs and draw customers with strong brand names; some retailers are considering mergers and acquisitions in the face of disruptive healthcare reform and e-commerce forces; there is no “safe bet” category; retailers must constantly evolve to stay relevant.