With months of mandated closures, social distancing restrictions and tempered consumer demand, the retail market certainly took a hit during the pandemic. But not all retailers are exiting the pandemic for the worse. In fact, many are in expansion mode or already experiencing a swift rebound from the pandemic.

Stan Johnson Co. recently published a Retail Tenant Expansion Report to outline the growth trends in the retail market. The report shows several retailers across sectors that are expanding their current footprint. "The automotive and convenience store sectors are reporting strong levels of planned expansion, with 7-Eleven looking to grow significantly in the long term, Quik Trip planning a significant regional expansion, and many of the aftermarket auto parts stores looking to add net new stores in the coming year," Lanie Beck, director of corporate research, marketing and communications at Stan Johnson Co., tells GlobeSt.com. On the automotive side, Advance Auto Parts, Auto Zone and Jiffy Lube are in expansion mode, and they are catching investor interest as a result. For example, just a few days ago, Machine Investment Group closed on the acquisition of an 8-Property Jiffy Lube portfolio in the San Francisco Bay Area. The portfolio totals 38,360 square feet and it 100% occupied by Jiffy Lube International under triple-net leases.

Retailer Sunbelt Rentals is another retailer that is in expansion mode. The company has 300 locations planned in the next three years. "This growth will lead to opportunities for investors chasing assets in the industrial outdoor storage sector," says Beck.