At the end of each month, the AGS team looks back at articles and blog posts that we saw this month that stood out to us. Some are from news agencies, and many come from our partners, but not all use our data. Here is the round-up from May 2026.
Census Bureau
The latest Census Bureau population estimates reveal a national slowdown in growth, but midsized cities continue to outperform many of their larger counterparts. While the nation’s biggest cities saw sharper declines in growth rates, many smaller and mid-sized communities maintained relatively stable gains, offering valuable insight into where future housing, retail, and service demand may emerge.
Population Growth Holds Steady in Midsized Cities Amid Slowdown
ICSC
Retail real estate continues to show surprising strength as lending activity reaches its highest level since 2021. ICSC highlights several signs of momentum, including major redevelopment projects breaking ground, strong investor interest, and retailers such as Target, Wawa, Dutch Bros, and Aritzia expanding their footprints across the country.
Retail Real Estate Momentum Builds: Lending, Redevelopment, Leasing & Store Growth | ICSC
Business Insider
Despite ongoing headlines about store closures, many retailers are still in expansion mode. Dollar General, Aldi, Barnes & Noble, Walmart, Target, and several specialty retailers are collectively planning more than 900 new locations this year, underscoring the continued importance of brick-and-mortar retail—particularly among discount and value-oriented brands.
More Than 900 Stores Are Set to Open This Year – Business Insider
Placer.ai
New foot traffic analysis from Placer.ai shows Walmart maintaining its position as a retail powerhouse while Target begins to regain momentum after a challenging period. The report suggests that necessity-based shopping remains a major driver of consumer behavior, while Target’s recent improvements indicate that discretionary spending may be showing signs of stabilization.
Walmart Holds Its Ground as Target Finds Its Footing – Placer.ai Blog
Tango Analytics: Site Selection Software Capabilities
Choosing the right location has never been more data-driven. Tango Analytics outlines how modern site selection platforms combine GIS mapping, predictive analytics, portfolio data, and market forecasting to help retailers and restaurants make more informed real estate decisions and identify growth opportunities with greater confidence.
Site Selection Software: 10 Must-Have Capabilities
Site Seer
In case you missed it, SiteSeer has launched new Crime Risk Reports On Demand, giving users quick access to detailed crime analytics without the need for a full subscription. Powered by Applied Geographic Solutions’ CrimeRisk data, the reports provide insight into both personal and property crime risk, helping retailers, real estate professionals, lenders, insurers, and others better understand the safety profile of a location. It’s another example of how location intelligence tools are making valuable market data more accessible to a broader audience.