Retail & Multi-Unit Stores Valuation Multiples (2026)
Retail valuations reward omnichannel mix and inventory turns. Exclusive product rights and multi-unit density can lift EBITDA multiples above single-store comps.
Retail vs peer EV/EBITDA comps (2026)
Bars = median multiple; whiskers = published low–high range. Source: ExitVelocity lower middle-market benchmarks · Q3 2026.
Example: Specialty retail + e-commerce
Two-store specialty retailer with Shopify channel (~30% of sales), exclusive brand rights in region, clean inventory turns.
At $400K EBITDA, a 3.5x retail median implies ~$1.40M EV. Omnichannel mix and exclusive rights support premium multiples; single-store, inventory-heavy books without e-commerce often underwrite nearer 3.0x.
- • Omnichannel revenue mix
- • Exclusive product rights
- • Healthy inventory turns
- • Stale inventory
- • Single location / landlord risk
Illustrative only — not a formal appraisal. Re-run with your financials in the free AI valuation calculator.
What moves retail multiples
Omnichannel e-commerce presence, exclusive product rights, inventory turns.
Use these benchmarks with an AI valuation that adjusts for margin profile, growth, and owner dependency — not a flat industry average alone.
Frequently asked questions
What is the typical Retail EBITDA multiple in 2026?
Retail & Multi-Unit Stores trades at a median of 3.5x EV/EBITDA (range 3.0x – 4.5x) in the lower middle market, based on ExitVelocity’s 2026 deal benchmarks.
What SDE multiple do Retail businesses sell for?
Owner-operated retail companies typically clear a median 2.5x SDE multiple (range 2.0x – 3.0x), depending on recurring revenue quality and owner dependency.
What drives premium Retail valuations?
Omnichannel e-commerce presence, exclusive product rights, inventory turns.
Example: what is a Retail business with $400,000 EBITDA worth?
Using 2026 retail multiples, $400,000 EBITDA × 3.5x median ≈ $1,400,000 enterprise value (range roughly $1,200,000–$1,800,000 at 3x–4.5x). At $400K EBITDA, a 3.5x retail median implies ~$1.40M EV. Omnichannel mix and exclusive rights support premium multiples; single-store, inventory-heavy books without e-commerce often underwrite nearer 3.0x.
Related industry multiples
Also see: 2026 example business valuations · SDE vs EBITDA · How AI business valuation works