Holiday shopping sales figures are in, and most statistics are better than expected. But one noteworthy trend we can garner is how independent retailers fared, something I discuss at length in the latest edition of Retail Rap.

To me, one of the most noteworthy trends of this holiday season was the robust performance of independent retailers. Because most independents are not tracked like national chains, the bottom line numbers are a little tougher to determine, but anecdotally at least, independents appeared to be doing some strong business this holiday season. As always, it leads me to ask the big questions: Why? And, what could this mean for retail real estate?

Check out the full article from my recurring column, Retail Rap, at Chain Store Age.