Despite the persistent headaches of inflation and a shifting economy, New Jersey’s retail scene is showing its signature grit. According to the 15th Annual Retail Outlook Sentiment Survey released Tuesday by Levin Management Corporation (LMC), nearly 70% of store managers are heading into 2026 expecting their locations to perform even better than last year.
The survey, which polls operators across LMC’s massive 125-property portfolio, paints a picture of a resilient “brick-and-mortar” sector that is leaning into high-tech solutions to keep Garden State shoppers coming back.
While the “wait and see” mood of 2025 has largely evaporated, retailers are still keeping a sharp eye on their bank statements. The survey highlighted several key trends:
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Positive Vibes: 68.6% of respondents expect performance to improve in 2026.
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Solid Ground: Over 64% reported that 2025 sales were steady or higher than the previous year.
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Holiday Cheer: The 2025 holiday season was a winner, with 71.9% reporting sales that met or exceeded the same period in 2024.
In a notable shift, New Jersey retailers are no longer just talking about the future—they’re installing it. Roughly 41% of stores planning operational changes are prioritizing technology like AI, automation, and advanced payment systems.
“2026 is shaping up as a year where execution will matter more than ever,” Matthew Harding, CEO of Levin Management said. “Retailers are doubling down on fundamentals—strong service, tight inventory discipline, and technology that improves efficiency in the store.”
While robots might be helping with the inventory, the survey found that the “secret sauce” of physical retail remains the human touch. When asked about their primary advantage over e-commerce, the top answer was in-person customer service (39.8%), followed by the social experience of shopping.
“Retailers are looking for practical technology that strengthens day-to-day execution and supports customer service at the store level,” Melissa Sievwright, LMC’s vice president of marketing added.
It’s not all sunshine and sales. Retailers cited three major hurdles for the coming year:
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Consumer Confidence (71.3%)
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Inflation & Rising Costs (69.4%)
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Labor Availability (36.1%)
Despite these pressures, hiring remains active in the Garden State, with over 42% of store managers reporting they are currently looking for new team members.
