Retail continued its strong pace through the first half of 2022, but a new midyear survey indicates moderating expectations in the coming months. 

Nearly three quarters of all respondents to Levin Management Corporation's recent retail sentiment survey reported sales levels at or above last year's mid-year total and "well above "the decade-old survey's historic average of 59%. And nearly 71% say shopper traffic volume is at the same or a higher level year over year.

"The strong sales results are no surprise, mirroring anecdotal accounts from tenants within our management portfolio as well as reports from industry sources," noted LMC's Matthew K. Harding, chief executive officer. "The traffic figures reflect the reality that people like to shop in stores, and they are doing so," Harding added. "And where during the pandemic store visits tended to be strategic and driven by purpose, shoppers today may be making more frequent trips because they enjoy the experience."