The U.S. mall vacancy rate eased to 9 percent in the fourth quarter, from 9.1 percent in the third quarter, according to a Reis survey of 77 metropolitan areas. Meanwhile, the average mall rent increased by 0.2 percent quarter on quarter to $43.35 per square foot per year, the research firm reported. The uptick is remarkable, considering the unprecedented level of store closures from such chains as Bon-Ton, JCPenney and Sears in recent months. “If the retail sector was able to sustain the store closures over the last year, it can survive anything,” the report said.

“Given the many store closures across the U.S., the minimal changes in vacancy rates show how the retail sector has withstood the structural changes in the industry,” said Barbara Denham, a Reis senior economist, as reported by CNBC. “Many feared that vacancy rates would soar and rents would plummet. This did not occur, as the doomsday prognostications proved to be overblown.”

Vacancies at all types of U.S. retail properties remained flat at 10.2 percent for the quarter, relative to the third quarter, according to Reis.

The firm is projecting that retail rents will grow slightly this year, though remaining below the inflation rate, and that retail vacancy rates will hold steady.