Annual Store Construction & Outfitting Survey

For the second year in a row, retailers’ expansion plans are on an upward trajectory, according to Chain Store Age’s 2011 Store Construction & Outfitting Survey, an annual survey of retail building activity and development costs. In other findings, the cost of lighting, signage, roofing and other store-outfitting systems decreased compared with last year. The good news, however, was tempered by concerns over the rising costs of construction materials and labor.

The exclusive survey, conducted by Leo J. Shapiro & Associates, compiled results from retail chains across the country. The study examined such items as expansion plans, construction costs, store size and energy costs. It also tracked the costs of store outfitting and support systems, including lighting, flooring, signage, fixtures, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC)