National chains target South Florida for expansion.

(From McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Sun-Sentinel - Fort Lauderdale, Florida)

Byline: Justine Griffin

South Florida's shopping scene is showing signs of stronger growth as national retailers and restaurant chains expand into the tri-county area.

More chains are taking over big-box retail space left vacant by retailers that shuttered during the recession. Popular brand names like Circuit City, Borders, Blockbuster and Linens 'N Things are no more, and are being replaced by a new wave of brick and mortar stores making their way into the South Florida market.

"South Florida is the perfect storm of multi-unit concepts and brands because of our overall demographic," …