There is considerable reason for retail sector optimism for 2013.

The sector is already off to a strong start on the REIT front. Now comes the 2013 National Retailer and Restaurant Expansion Guide Statistical Summary, which reports that major chains have plans to expand by as many as 36,000 new units in the United States this year. This number is up almost 9 percent compared with the 33,164 retail store openings tracked during 2012.

The report, produced by Terranomics, is based on a survey of 2,700 retail chains and shows the restaurant segment is by far the most active, with plans to add nearly 15,500 new units, accounting for nearly 43 percent of all planned retailer growth for 2013. It also reflects an increase of 17 percent compared with planned restaurant growth totals posted in 2012.

Big expansion plans were also reported for the dollar store/discounter category, which is looking to add nearl