High-quality malls see rising sales and foot traffic in 2026

Retail Dive reported that high-quality malls are thriving by providing compelling reasons for consumers to visit beyond just shopping, including dining, entertainment, fitness, and services.

Green Street's data shows that traffic at A- and B-quality malls increased by 1% year over year in early 2026, with A-quality malls generating about $930 in sales per square foot in 2025.

Sales productivity at these malls has grown around 3% annually over the past decade, indicating strong and sustained performance for high-quality retail real estate.

A-quality malls make up roughly 30% of U.S. mall inventory but account for 60% of mall retail sales, with their sales share rising by eight percentage points since 2019.

The success of these malls depends on factors such as location, tenant mix, reinvestment, and operations, showing that quality centers are continually adapting to meet consumer needs and capture more spending.