SAN DIEGO-When the recession started in 2008, the retail sector didn't seem like it was in the best shape. Consumer spending and retailer sales dropped dramatically, and after that, major chains like Circuit City and Linens 'n Things shut down.

Many attendees at the International Council of Shopping Centers' Western Division conference here are making light of the recent announcement that the recession is over, and Blockbuster Inc. just filed for bankruptcy. But a panel of retailers presenting at the show make it seem like boom times, with many of them forecasting ambitious expansion plans.

Anna's Linens, which shares part of its name with one of the casualties of the times, is growing rapidly. The chain has 265 locations right now, but management expects to grow that to 1,200 eventually, adding 50 units next year. "We're here to grow," said Scott Gladstone, a vice president at the firm.

The story of Anna's wasn't very unique at the conference. All 19 retailers that presented expect to open several stores in the near future. Chase Bank is opening 200 branches next year, Chinese restaurant chain Panda Express sees 75 in its future next year and Panera Bread's management wants 100 new locations in 2011.

Supermarket chain Fry's Food & Drug, which is regionally based in Arizona but owned by Kroger might not have the most ambitious plans of the bunch, with only 20 new stores planned over the next five years. But it only operates 121 now, and they take up a lot of space at between 75,000 square feet and 125,000 square feet. It sounds like its plans could change soon though. "Even though it's a soft market, we know it's going to turn," said Dennis Barr, the chain's director of real estate.