The retail landscape in New Jersey is buzzing with positive energy as we reach the midway point of 2025. A recent comprehensive survey from Levin Management Corporation (LMC) reveals a resilient and forward-thinking industry, with retailers reporting robust performance and expressing high expectations for the remainder of the year. Despite the ebb and flow of broader economic conditions, businesses across the Garden State are demonstrating impressive adaptability, particularly through embracing technological innovation and strategic digital marketing. For more insights into the dynamic world of business in New Jersey, be sure to explore Explore New Jersey Shopping.
Healthy Sales and Foot Traffic Lead the Way
The LMC’s 2025 Mid-Year Retail Sentiment Survey paints a clear picture of strength: a remarkable 75.2% of participants reported their year-to-date sales either met or exceeded their performance at mid-year 2024. This sustained growth is a testament to the enduring appeal of brick-and-mortar retail in our communities. Even more encouraging, nearly 74.8% of retailers noted either consistent or increased in-store traffic, marking a significant high for this specific indicator in the survey’s history. It’s clear that New Jersey consumers are not just shopping; they are actively enjoying the in-person retail experience.
Looking ahead, the optimism remains strong, with an impressive 82.4% of surveyed retailers anticipating that their sales will either increase or maintain their current pace through the end of 2025. This confidence suggests that, for many businesses, performance expectations are less tied to fluctuating external economic conditions and more driven by consistent consumer engagement. As Matthew K. Harding, CEO of LMC, noted, “The bottom line is people are shopping and spending.”
Tech Innovation and Digital Marketing Take Center Stage
A significant trend highlighted by the survey is the retail sector’s enthusiastic adoption of technology to enhance both business operations and customer engagement. Nearly 44% of respondents indicated that their companies are making new technology investments this year. This proactive approach underscores a commitment to staying competitive and meeting the evolving demands of today’s consumers.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly emerging as a transformative force. While still in its earlier stages of widespread adoption, the survey found a growing number of retailers actively engaging with AI tools (20.2%) or exploring their potential uses (35.4%). Retailers are leveraging AI for a variety of critical functions, from improving customer communication through chatbots and personalizing product suggestions, to optimizing inventory control, forecasting demand, and streamlining marketing efforts. As Melissa Sievwright, LMC’s Vice President of Marketing, explained, “AI is revolutionizing retail, and our tenants are using chatbots and other tools to improve customer communication, personalize product suggestions, and schedule appointments and deliveries.”
Beyond AI, digital marketing remains a cornerstone of retail strategy. Social media continues to dominate, with 65.3% of respondents utilizing platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for advertising and direct sales. Email marketing (62.7%) and loyalty/rewards programs (47.5%) also play crucial roles. Interestingly, for the first time, the survey explored the use of influencer marketing, with approximately a quarter of participants indicating they are partnering with influencers to promote their brands and products. This diversity in digital outreach showcases retailers’ understanding of how to best connect with consumers across multiple channels.
The Seamless “Omnichannel” Experience
Retailers are also keenly focused on creating a seamless “omnichannel” experience, bridging the gap between in-store and online shopping. The survey revealed that 38.1% of retailers are actively seeking new ways to integrate these experiences. “Buy online, pick up in-store” (BOPIS) remains the most popular fulfillment option, offered by 54% of those surveyed, followed by local delivery and ship-from-store options (both at 32.5%).
In-store technology is also enhancing convenience. Digital coupons, discounts, and loyalty points are widely offered (76.4%), alongside electronic receipts and free Wi-Fi (both 58.2%). These tools underscore the industry’s commitment to providing a customer-centric shopping journey, whether consumers are Browse online or stepping into a physical store.
The findings from Levin Management’s mid-year survey paint an encouraging picture for New Jersey’s retail sector. Businesses are not just surviving but thriving, driven by strong consumer engagement and a proactive embrace of technological advancements. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the Garden State’s retail landscape remains vibrant, competitive, and poised for continued success. For ongoing news and analysis of business trends in New Jersey, make sure to visit Explore New Jersey Shopping.
