Industry Data

Average Sales Per Square Foot & Occupancy Cost by Retail Category

National benchmark data for 20+ retail categories. Use these figures to evaluate whether a retail location can support the rent — or to benchmark your portfolio against industry averages.

Benchmarks based on industry research and published reports. Updated quarterly.

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How to Use This Data

For Brokers & Landlords

Use the average sales per square foot to estimate a tenant's revenue potential and set rent accordingly. The occupancy cost ratio helps you structure deals that tenants can sustain long-term, reducing turnover risk.

For Retailers & Entrepreneurs

Before signing a lease, check whether the asking rent keeps your total occupancy cost within the industry benchmark for your category. If your occupancy cost exceeds the average, you may face margin pressure — especially in a sales downturn.

What is Occupancy Cost?

Occupancy cost is the total cost of occupying a retail space (base rent + NNN + percentage rent) expressed as a percentage of gross sales. It's the primary metric brokers and retailers use to evaluate whether a deal is financially sustainable.

Try It on Your Deal

Click “Analyze Deal” on any category to sign up, or try our Deal Cost Calculator to input your specific deal terms and see if the numbers work.

Go deeper with Slant

Benchmark data is just the start. Slant gives you AI-powered site analysis, demographic insights, foot traffic data, and professional reports — all in one platform.

Data Methodology: Benchmark figures represent national averages compiled from industry research, publicly available reports, and published data from organizations including ICSC and Datex Property Solutions. These are estimates intended for general reference and deal evaluation. Actual performance varies by market, location, tenant, and economic conditions. For investment decisions, we recommend validating against local market data.