Category Benchmark

Apparel: Sales Per Square Foot & Occupancy Cost

National benchmark data for apparel and clothing retail. Average sales per square foot and occupancy cost ratios for fashion retailers, department stores, and specialty clothing shops.

Avg Sales / SF

$375.00

National average

Avg Occupancy Cost

7.5%

As % of gross sales

Data Source

CoStar

Q3 2023 - Q2 2024

Industry Insights

Apparel retailers depend heavily on foot traffic and visibility, making anchor-adjacent locations critical.

E-commerce pressure has shifted the category toward experiential retail and smaller footprints.

Occupancy costs for apparel tend to be higher than average due to prime location requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average sales per square foot for apparel stores?

National averages for apparel vary significantly by format — fast fashion chains average $300-400/SF while luxury boutiques can exceed $800/SF. Location quality, brand positioning, and co-tenancy heavily influence individual store performance.

What occupancy cost ratio should apparel retailers target?

Most apparel retailers target an occupancy cost ratio of 8-12% of gross sales. Premium brands in high-traffic locations may accept higher ratios given their margins, while value-oriented retailers need to stay below 10%.

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