The Census Bureau released preliminary results of the 2020 census last week, which counted 331 million people in the U.S., an increase of 7.4% since 2010. This was the slowest growth since the 7.3% reported in 1940, when the economy was recovering from the Great Depression and birthrates were rising. 

Eager to build market share, well-financed dollar stores, fitness club operators, personal care services and restaurants fueled first-quarter leasing at open-air center REITs, executives said. At Kimco Realty, the rental rate on new leases increased by 8.2 percent and the rate on renewal leases rose by 6.4 percent.

Retail sales continue to benefit from stimulus payments, coupled with warmer weather and broader reopening across the country. Total U.S. retail sales posted another month of double-digit growth in April.

Imports at retail container ports hit a new record this spring and volume during the first half of 2021 even amid ongoing disruption. Import volume is expected to be a third higher than last year as the economy continues to recover from the pandemic.