Net increase of 32 occupied storefronts since September 2025

PHILADELPHIA (April 15, 2026) — Center City District (CCD) today released findings from its spring survey of retail storefronts across Center City, showing that overall retail occupancy within CCD's boundaries has climbed to 84.2%, which is the highest level recorded in two years and up from 82.6% just six months ago. The gain represents a net increase of 32 occupied storefronts since September 2025.

"Occupancy held steady or improved across every major east-west corridor in the district," CCD President and CEO Prema Katari Gupta said. "What we're seeing is a retail market that is diversifying and strengthening, supported by a growing residential base and ahead of an extraordinary calendar of major events ahead for Philadelphia."

CCD conducts its survey on foot twice a year, with staff tracking storefront occupancy, vacancy, and business type. This consistent methodology provides one of the most reliable and up-to-date measures of retail conditions downtown.

Key takeaways:

• Walnut Street remains the district's top-performing corridor, rising to 87.5% overall. West Walnut Street reached 88.6%, with just four first-floor vacancies across the 1500, 1600, and 1700 blocks. New retailers continue to anchor the street, including flagship locations for Jordan World of Flight’s North American flagship (1617 Walnut) and Mitchell & Ness, which is set to expand its flagship in a new space (1513 Walnut) later this year, both catering to Philadelphia's passionate sports fan base.
  In the health and wellness sphere, Bathhouse, a New-York based sauna and spa, will open at the Bellevue (Broad & Walnut), while Lululemon is nearly doubling its space (1718-20 Walnut) and expects a summer opening.
• Sansom Street posted strong numbers across both segments, rising to 85.1% overall, with the eastern portion reaching 86.5%.
• Chestnut Street climbed from 78.7% to 80.0%. West Chestnut Street led the corridor's gains, improving from 83.2% to 85.0% on the strength of several early-2026 lease signings including Tidal Force VR (1510 Chestnut) and 7th Street Burger (1518 Chestnut) coming soon, and the recently opened Rally House (1628–36 Chestnut) and Matcha Panda (2033 Chestnut).
• Market Street posted the largest six-month jump of any corridor, rising from 68.2% to 71.6%. East Market Street drove much of that improvement, climbing from 71.8% to 75.2%, fueled in part by CCD's partnership with Meantime to activate the 900 and 1000 blocks with short-term retail pop-ups. The positive momentum on East Market will continue with the reopening of Iron Hill Brewery (1150 Market) under new management. West Market Street also gained ground, moving from 62.1% to 65.5%.
   

Growth drivers: residents, retail mix, and major events

A significant factor behind the district's sustained retail growth is Center City's steadily expanding residential population. Salons and barbers, restaurants, and jewelry stores were among the categories with the most openings over the past year — businesses that serve a population that lives, works, and spends in Center City daily.

A trending retail category of note in Center City is Yemeni coffee shops. Moka & Co. (1 S. Penn Square and MOTW Coffee & Pastries (2101 Market) are now open, and Haraz Coffee House (1822 Chestnut) and Jabal Coffee House (1524-26 Chestnut) are coming soon.

Looking ahead, CCD anticipates continued momentum through 2026. The city's calendar includes the U.S. Semiquincentennial celebrations, Major League Baseball's All-Star Game, and the FIFA World Cup — a combination of events expected to draw significant visitor traffic and bolster the retail and hospitality sectors.

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Established in 1990 under the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania's Municipality Authorities Act, Center City District (CCD) is a private-sector directed municipal authority covering 233 blocks and more than 1,600 properties in the heart of Philadelphia. CCD is a partner to property owners and downtown stakeholders, and a steward and advocate for a clean, safe, and thriving Center City Philadelphia.