Business · Companies · 6 hrs ago
Beauty and fitness businesses reshape US retail streets
In the United States, beauty and fitness businesses are reshaping retail streets as stores increasingly offer services instead of goods.
In New York City, nail salon chain QQ Nails has grown from about 20 locations in 2020 to 38, with plans to open dozens more.
More than one in four US retail leases signed this year went to a cosmetics, beauty-service or fitness company, the highest share on record if the trend continues.
Shoppers are spending more on self-care and appearance, including nail services, fitness classes and treatments at med spas.
Social media and a stronger focus on health and looks are part of the shift, while some younger consumers are prioritizing smaller improvements over milestones such as buying a home or having children.
Online shopping has pushed storefronts toward services that cannot easily be delivered over the internet, such as manicures, Botox and workouts.
Beauty, cosmetics and fitness businesses account for more than one in four US retail leases signed this year, according to CoStar.
Their share is on pace to reach its highest annual level on record.
The growth reflects rising consumer interest in appearance, health and self-care, alongside changes in how people shop.
QQ Nails has expanded from about 20 New York City locations in 2020 to 38, with plans for dozens more.
- Who
- Beauty, cosmetics and fitness businesses, including New York nail salon chain QQ Nails.
- What
- These businesses are taking a growing share of US retail leases and reshaping storefronts.
- When
- In 2026; the article was published on November 8, 2026.
- Where
- Across the United States, including New York City.
- Why
- Consumers are spending more on appearance, health and self-care, while online shopping has shifted physical retail toward services.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
QQ Nails opened its first salon in New York City.
QQ Nails had grown to roughly 20 locations.
QQ Nails has nearly doubled in size and now has 38 city salons.
More than one in four US retail leases signed this year have been from cosmetics, beauty-service or fitness companies, according to CoStar.
- QQ Nails locations
- 38 in New York City
- QQ Nails expansion
- Plans for dozens more salons
- US retail leases
- More than 1 in 4 signed this year were from cosmetics, beauty-service or fitness companies
- QQ Nails first salon
- New York City, 2006
- QQ Nails locations in 2020
- Roughly 20
What people are saying
People are more willing to spend on self-care, self-expressiveness and these types of larger services
It’s become more ingrained in everybody’s routines
There is definitely ‘aesthetic creep’ that has intensified in recent years