Palmetto Superfoods didn’t grow by chasing trends. It grew by challenging them.

Hessam Shirmohammadi, co-founder and COO, built the brand around a simple idea: if the product is real and the experience is intentional, customers don’t just visit, they come back daily. What started in San Francisco in 2019 is now a fast-scaling concept with 18+ locations, expanding across California and into Texas, with a clear path toward national growth.

The differentiator isn’t just açaí. It’s how Palmetto thinks about retail.

Instead of treating real estate as a necessity, they treat it as a strategic lever. Location isn’t just about traffic, it’s about community alignment. College markets, fitness-driven consumers, and dense residential pockets consistently outperform because they reinforce habitual use.

At the same time, Palmetto is leaning into a model that most brands avoid: no two stores look the same. While others scale through uniformity, they scale through experience, keeping operations consistent but making each space feel unique. It’s harder to execute, but it builds stronger brand connection.

There’s also a bigger play unfolding.

Palmetto isn’t positioning itself as just a food and beverage operator. With CPG products in development and a long-term goal of going public, the brand is building toward a lifestyle platform that extends beyond four walls.

For retail real estate owners and operators, the takeaway is clear: food and beverage isn’t just filling space anymore, it’s becoming the draw. And the concepts winning today are the ones creating repeat behavior, not one-time visits.

This isn’t about smoothies. It’s about building a brand that people integrate into their daily lives.

What You’ll Hear

• Why food and beverage is becoming the new anchor in retail
• How repeat behavior drives real growth
• Why location strategy is about community, not just traffic
• How college markets consistently outperform
• Why second-generation space accelerates expansion
• Why experience matters more than efficiency
• How strong brands build daily habits, not one-time visits
• Where AI actually improves operations

Chapters

00:02 – Introduction and background

Hessam shares his upbringing, early career, and path into entrepreneurship.

04:31 – What is Palmetto Superfoods

Breaking down the concept, product differentiation, and early growth.

05:26 – Scaling the brand

From one location to 18+, including expansion into new markets.

06:35 – Long-term vision

Plans for national growth, CPG, and building a lifestyle brand.

08:05 – Unit economics and real estate strategy

How store size, location, and performance vary across markets.

09:30 – Origin story

How a Brazilian café and authentic açaí sparked the concept.

13:05 – Day-to-day as COO

What leadership looks like in a fast-scaling brand.

15:02 – Using AI and systems

How technology is improving efficiency and decision-making.

16:34 – choosing Sacramento (UV)

Why college markets and demand signals drove site selection.

21:37 – Site selection strategy

Why second-generation spaces are a key growth lever.

23:14 – Differentiation in retail

Why every store is intentionally designed to feel different.

26:16 – Nostalgia and retail

A conversation on extinct retailers and emotional connection to brands.

Careers aren’t linear. And the best ones usually evolve.

Anya Wolf didn’t start in retail real estate. Her background was in art, including studio work, art history, and hands-on experience in galleries and education. She was fully immersed in a creative path and exploring what that future could look like.

But over time, she gained clarity.

The path forward in the art world is long and highly specialized. Then a loss within her family brought everything into focus. It created urgency and a new perspective on the business side of things. That combination led her to make a decision: step into DLC and understand the investments and platform she had grown up around.

What followed wasn’t a fast track.

She started in a traditional due diligence role. Managing files, answering questions, and supporting transactions. A typical entry point, but one that gave her real exposure to how deals actually get done and how properties are evaluated.

That foundation mattered.

It built a practical understanding of the business, especially around tenant behavior. One of the biggest takeaways is that retail decisions aren’t driven by what consumers want, they’re driven by economics. Rents, incentives, and demographics dictate outcomes, even when demand exists elsewhere.

Now, her focus is evolving again.

After building a strong internal foundation, she’s shifting outward, developing relationships, expanding her network, and bringing new perspectives back into the organization.

Retail remains strong, but interest rate volatility and broader uncertainty are creating friction. Historically, that’s where opportunity shows up.

And for the next generation inside a family business, that matters.

Because this isn’t just about maintaining what was built. It’s about understanding it, evolving it, and ultimately creating your own lane within it.

What You’ll Hear

• Why nontraditional career paths can lead to stronger long-term growth
• How starting in due diligence builds a real understanding of the business
• Why retail decisions are driven by economics, not consumer demand
• How tenants actually evaluate locations and choose markets
• Why asking questions accelerates growth faster than pretending you know
• How to build your own identity inside a family business
• Where the next generation creates value inside an existing platform

Chapters

00:02 – Introduction to Anya Wolf

Background, role at DLC, and how she got here

01:14 – From art to real estate

Starting in art and realizing the limitations of that path

03:24 – The turning point

Family dynamics and the decision to enter the business

09:34 – First role at DLC

What due diligence actually looks like day-to-day

10:48 – Learning the business from scratch

How real estate really works behind the scenes

14:50 – Accelerating growth early on

The power of asking questions and not pretending

18:36 – Shifting from internal to external growth

Why building a network is the next phase

20:19 – State of the retail market

Strength, disruption, and interest rate pressure

25:16 – Building your own identity

Navigating a family business and carving your own lane

29:28 – Rapid fire

Skills, retail nostalgia, and real-life habits

The next major tailwind for retail real estate isn’t coming from policy, rates, or supply it’s coming from global demand.

The World Cup is set to drive one of the largest concentrated waves of consumer activity the U.S. has seen in years. But this isn’t just about packed stadiums. It’s about what happens around them and long after.

We’re looking at more than a million visitors, many of whom wouldn’t have come to the U.S. otherwise. That means new dollars flowing into restaurants, retail corridors, hotels, and local businesses across 16 host markets. And unlike typical tourism cycles, this demand is compressed, intense, and highly visible.

Chris Ressa and Karly Iacono break down what this really means for cities, operators, and investors.

But the real opportunity isn’t just the short-term spike.

Major global events historically reshape markets. Cities invest in infrastructure, improve accessibility, and elevate their global profile. That exposure doesn’t disappear when the games end it attracts future tourism, business investment, and population growth. We’ve seen it with the Olympics. There’s no reason to believe this plays out differently.

There’s also a behavioral shift happening at the local level. Consumers are finding new places, trying new operators, and forming new habits. A great experience during a high-energy moment can turn into long-term customer loyalty.

Not every benefit will be evenly distributed. Some markets will see concentrated gains, others more diffuse impact depending on geography, walkability, and where people stay versus where they play.

But zoom out and the signal is clear:

More people. More spending. More reasons to engage with physical retail.

For operators and investors paying attention, this isn’t just a moment it’s a setup.

What You’ll Hear

• Why the World Cup is a major driver of retail spending
• How international tourism fuels local retail markets
• Where the impact goes beyond stadiums and game day
• Why infrastructure investment creates long-term value
• How global events reshape cities over time
• Why consumer behavior shifts matter for operators
• How impact varies across different host cities
• Where spending actually lands within each market
• What determines short-term vs. long-term gains
• Why this is a meaningful tailwind for retail real estate

Chapters

00:04 — setting the stage

Opening the conversation and framing the scale of the opportunity

01:27 — why this event is different

Comparing global events and the magnitude of the World Cup

02:51 — the tourism surge

Breaking down international visitors and incremental demand

03:49 — spending beyond the stadium

How consumer behavior expands retail impact

05:12 — where the real opportunity is

Moving beyond food and merch into broader retail effects

06:34 — infrastructure and long-term value

Why cities invest—and why it matters after the event

09:16 — the economic numbers

Billions in projected output and what that signals

10:17 — from one-time visit to repeat customer

How events create long-term retail loyalty

12:59 — which markets benefit most?

Debating winners across the 16 host cities

18:57 — what could go wrong?

Pressure-testing assumptions and downside scenarios

20:17 — where does the money actually land?

Understanding geographic dispersion of spending

23:46 — final takeaway

Why the overall impact is overwhelmingly positive

How people get hired and what companies actually value is shifting fast.

Cary Beale, one of the most active recruiters in retail real estate at Poline Search Partners, sees the disconnect every day. Companies want people in the office. Candidates want flexibility. Everyone says they want the “best talent,” but the definition of that talent isn’t aligned.

That tension is reshaping hiring outcomes across the industry.

This conversation goes beyond surface-level career advice and gets into what actually moves the needle when decisions are being made. Reputation still compounds, and early habits follow you longer than people think. Job hopping still raises red flags, not just about loyalty, but about decision-making. And communication remains one of the most underrated differentiators in a crowded candidate pool.

There’s also a clear message on what doesn’t work: generic answers, safe positioning, and trying to be who you think a company wants. That approach blends in, and blending in is the fastest way to get overlooked.

Instead, the candidates who stand out are the ones who understand the real problem behind the role and position themselves as the solution. They do the extra work. They show initiative before they’re asked. And they create moments that are memorable, not just “better,” but different.

AI is starting to enter the conversation, but it hasn’t replaced the fundamentals. Hiring is still human. Judgment still matters. And the gap between average and exceptional candidates is still wide.

If you’re hiring, this sharpens how to evaluate talent. If you’re interviewing, it’s a reminder that small decisions, how you show up, how you communicate, how you differentiate, have outsized impact.

Because in a competitive market, being qualified isn’t enough. Being remembered is.

What You’ll Hear

1. Why the office vs. remote divide is slowing hiring
2. How reputation and job movement shape long-term outcomes
3. Why communication and clarity make or break candidates
4. How to position yourself as the solution, not just an applicant
5. What actually separates candidates who get offers
6. Where AI is starting to impact hiring

Chapters

00:01 — Cary Beale’s path from operator to recruiter

From owning a restaurant to leading recruiting in retail real estate.

03:07 — Shifting from deals to talent placement

How industry experience translates into recruiting success.

04:08 — Inside the recruiting business

What roles are in demand and how many placements actually happen.

04:48 — The remote vs. office disconnect

Why companies and candidates are fundamentally misaligned.

06:26 — Why early careers need the office

The long-term disadvantage of skipping in-person experience.

08:50 — AI and hiring: real impact or hype?

Where AI is entering the conversation — and where it isn’t.

10:34 — Tip #1: reputation compounds

Why early career behavior follows you longer than expected.

11:43 — Job hopping and decision-making risk

What frequent moves signal to employers.

14:02 — Tip #2: communicate clearly

Why most candidates fail to define what they actually do.

18:47 — Tip #3: be authentic

Why trying to fit the mold can cost you the job.

20:55 — Tip #4: solve the problem

How to position yourself as the answer companies need.

22:28 — Tip #5: be different

Why standing out matters more than being slightly better.

The golf industry quietly experienced one of the biggest participation surges in decades during the pandemic. Millions of people picked up clubs for the first time, and the ripple effects are still reshaping the business of golf, from course operations to the rise of indoor golf concepts.

This Retail Retold Replay revisits Chris Ressa’s conversation with Brian Hilko, owner of Golf Factory in Mount Prospect, Illinois, and a tenant at DLC’s Randhurst Village.

After two decades as a PGA professional running golf courses, managing operations, and teaching the game, Hilko recognized something most operators overlooked: traditional golf experiences were often transactional and uninspiring. The game people loved deserved better.

So he built something different.

Golf Factory blends serious golf technology with an approachable, family-friendly environment. Powered by TrackMan simulators used by professional golfers, the concept allows players of all skill levels to practice, compete, and play year round without the intimidation factor many associate with traditional golf settings.

Hilko shares the entrepreneurial journey behind launching the business, from identifying the opportunity during the COVID golf boom to building the space with an SBA loan, a partner, and a lot of hands-on work that saved nearly $1 million in construction costs.

The conversation also highlights an emerging category within retail real estate: experiential concepts that draw consistent traffic and complement surrounding tenants rather than compete with them. Indoor golf has become a compelling example, delivering entertainment, community engagement, and repeat visits.

Looking back now adds helpful perspective. The themes discussed, experiential retail, niche operators, and passion driven entrepreneurship, remain highly relevant as landlords and operators continue to search for concepts that drive traffic and create community.

For retail real estate professionals, operators, and entrepreneurs, this replay offers a sharp look at how a passion for the game became a viable retail business.

What You’ll Hear

1. Why the pandemic accelerated golf participation - and how millions of new players changed the business of the sport.
2. The problem with traditional golf experiences - and why Hilko believed the industry often underserves players.
3. Indoor golf’s growing role in the sport - combining professional-grade technology with accessibility for casual players.
4. How TrackMan technology is transforming training and entertainment - bringing tour-level analytics to everyday golfers.
5. The entrepreneurial leap from PGA professional to business owner - and recognizing when the opportunity was right.
6. How Hilko financed the business - combining an SBA loan, a partner, and a detailed business plan built from real operational data.
7. Saving nearly $1 million on buildout costs - by rolling up sleeves and completing major portions of the construction personally.
8. Why location strategy mattered - choosing a retail development with strong surrounding traffic and no direct competition.
9. How experiential tenants complement retail centers - driving visitation that benefits surrounding restaurants and shops.

Chapters

00:06 — Brian Hilko’s background in golf

A PGA professional explains how two decades in golf operations led to entrepreneurship.

01:26 — Why golf surged during the pandemic

Chris and Brian discuss the massive participation wave and why the game resonates with new players.

02:31 — The appeal of indoor golf

How technology and convenience make the sport accessible for busy people and families.

04:14 — Recognizing a business opportunity

Hilko explains the moment he decided to launch his own golf concept.

06:22 — Building a better golf experience

Why Golf Factory was designed to remove the intimidation factor of traditional golf.

08:06 — Financing and launching the business

How a network, SBA financing, and careful planning made the concept possible.

10:25 — Technology that powers the experience

TrackMan simulators bring professional-grade data and gameplay to indoor golf.

13:03 — The economics of the buildout

How the team kept the total buildout under $1 million through hands-on construction.

14:36 — Revenue projections and early performance

Hilko discusses expectations for growth and seasonality in the business.

15:43 — Finding the right retail location

Why Randhurst Village offered the right combination of demand, traffic, and opport

Back in 2024, Chris Ressa sat down with DLC CEO Adam Ifshin in Las Vegas ahead of ICSC to talk about a retail market that was already showing unusual strength. Looking back from 2026, that conversation reads less like commentary and more like an early signal of where open-air retail was headed.

At the time, Adam laid out a clear case: open-air retail fundamentals were outperforming the broader narrative. Traffic, sales, occupancy, and rent had all moved above pre-pandemic levels, even while capital markets remained strained. That disconnect was the core tension then, and it remains one of the most important dynamics to understand now.

What stands out even more in hindsight is how early DLC was in identifying the structural forces behind that strength. Chris and Adam discussed years of underbuilding, limited new supply, rising construction costs, and the steady removal of retail space for other uses like apartments, healthcare, and self-storage. In 2026, those pressures have not disappeared. If anything, they have become harder to ignore.

The conversation also reinforced two themes that have continued to shape the market: the durability of value retail and the strength of suburban, secondary, and exurban demand. Long before those ideas became consensus views, DLC was investing around them. Looking back, the logic still holds. Consumers continue to prioritize value, retailers continue to chase the right space, and owners continue to operate in a market where quality supply is limited.

This conversation matters now because it captures a moment when disciplined operators were already seeing what others were still debating. For retail real estate professionals, investors, and retailers trying to understand how we got here, this is a sharp look at the thinking that helped define the last two years of the market.

What You’ll Hear

1. Open-air retail fundamentals are still too good to ignore - How traffic, sales, occupancy, and rent have all moved past pre-pandemic highs, reinforcing the strength of the sector.
2. Capital markets diverged from fundamentals - How rising interest rates and tighter credit created volatility in financing even while retail performance strengthened.
3. Strong fundamentals matter more than cheap capital - Why disciplined operators prefer a market with solid demand and constrained capital rather than easy money and weak assets.
4. Supply constraints are reshaping retail - How 15 years of underbuilding, rising construction costs, and redevelopment have reduced available retail space.
5. Value is always in fashion - How retailers like Walmart, TJX, and other value-focused brands continue to win with consumers across income levels.
6. Suburban and secondary markets are gaining momentum - How migration, affordability, and remote work have pushed growth beyond major urban centers.
7. Retailers are expanding into smaller markets - How shifting demographics and income growth have opened new opportunities for national tenants.
8. Smart retailers move early on space - How limited supply is pushing tenants to secure locations now before rents climb further.

Chapters

00:00 — Live from Las Vegas, before the market fully caught up

Chris opens the conversation with Adam Ifshin from ICSC week in Vegas.

01:55 — Why DLC published “Too good to ignore”

Adam explains the thinking behind DLC’s 2024 white paper and why the timing mattered.

02:35 — The fundamentals were already telling a different story

Traffic, sales, occupancy, and rent had all pushed past pre-pandemic highs.

04:45 — The big disconnect: strong assets, stressed capital markets

Adam breaks down why financing conditions were not reflecting what operators were seeing on the ground.

08:57 — Why strong fundamentals beat cheap capital

Chris asks which environment matters more, and Adam makes the case for discipline over easy money.

12:05 — Could outside capital really move into retail?

They discuss whether groups from other asset classes could compete in open-air retail.

15:34 — Rates, cap rates, and timing the market

Adam explains why buying into strong fundamentals matters more than waiting for perfect conditions.

17:41 — What constrained supply really meant long term

Chris and Adam talk through the deeper implications of limited space and rising retailer demand.

20:54 — Why new development was still far from a real answer

Adam outlines why replacement cost and labor constraints were holding back new retail construction.

25:50 — Why value retail was never just a trend

Adam explains why value has always been central to DLC’s view of the consumer.

31:54 — The consumer story behind the retail story

Adam makes the connection between consumer health, policy, and retail real estate performance.

33:43 — Why suburban and smaller markets were gaining strength

Demographic shifts, remote work, and affordability made these markets more compelling.

42:52 — What smart retailers were expected to do next

Adam lays out why decisive tenants would move early as the supply-demand imbalance continued.

Retail real estate doesn’t move in a vacuum. It moves when consumers have a reason to act. 2026 is shaping up to be one of the strongest demand environments in decades because three massive global catalysts are converging at the same time: the World Cup, the Winter Olympics tailwind, and America’s 250th anniversary.

Major live events compress consumer hesitation. They create urgency. They create moments. And moments drive spending.

The data already supports this. Global events generate massive marketing exposure, elevated brand awareness, and increased physical activity in retail corridors. But the real impact isn’t just tourism, it’s domestic behavior. People travel, gather, host, celebrate, and spend in ways they otherwise wouldn’t. Retailers, restaurants, and physical destinations become the center of those moments.

At the same time, the fundamentals of retail real estate remain exceptionally strong. Supply is constrained. Leasing velocity is accelerating. Tenants are competing aggressively for physical space, recognizing that stores do more than produce four-wall profit, they lower customer acquisition costs and drive digital growth.

The narrative that retail is “technology resistant” completely misses the point. The physical store isn’t fighting technology, it’s enhancing it. Retailers are discovering that their digital performance improves when they open physical locations. Stores are no longer just revenue centers; they are strategic growth engines.

This shift has fundamentally changed the leasing environment. Landlords are no longer chasing tenants to fill space. Tenants are racing to secure locations before competitors do.

Retail isn’t surviving. It’s expanding. 2026 could be remembered as the year physical retail reasserted its full strategic value, not just as a place to transact, but as a critical platform for brand growth, customer acquisition, and long-term market share.

What You’ll Hear

1. Why global events are creating a 2026 retail tailwind - How the World Cup, America 250, and stacked spending moments are driving incremental tourism, domestic travel, and real-world consumer activity.
2. How live moments accelerate spending behavior - Why major events compress hesitation and push consumers from waiting to acting.
3. The leasing velocity surge happening right now - What rising deal volume, stronger economics, and tenant expansion signal about retail confidence.
4. Why retailers are in a land grab for physical space - How constrained supply has shifted the market and intensified competition for prime locations.
5. Why physical stores power digital growth - How brick-and-mortar lowers customer acquisition costs and makes omnichannel performance more efficient.
6. Why retail isn’t tech resistant—tech needs retail - The strategic shift from clicks versus bricks to clicks because of bricks, and what that means for long-term real estate value.

Chapters

00:01 - Why I’m bullish on 2026

The macro retail real estate fundamentals and why the outlook is stronger than the narrative suggests.

02:08 - The olympics spending tailwind has already started

How marketing exposure and brand promotion drive spending beyond the event itself.

04:25 - Why the world cup will be a massive retail catalyst

Tourism, domestic travel, and gathering behavior will drive incremental retail demand.

06:36 - America 250 and the stacking of spending catalysts

Patriotism, celebrations, and event sequencing create sustained spending momentum.

08:51 - Leasing velocity is accelerating rapidly

Real-world leasing activity confirms strong tenant demand and economic confidence.

10:41 - The myth of technology-resistant tenants

Why framing retail as resistant to technology misses the real strategic shift.

10:59 - Why stores drive digital growth

Physical locations lower customer acquisition costs and enhance overall brand performance.

11:54 - The tenant land grab has begun

Retailers are aggressively securing space before competitors lock in key locations.

13:09 - Why physical retail is more valuable than ever

The strategic role of stores is expanding beyond traditional revenue metrics.

Grocery-anchored retail continues to prove why it remains one of the most durable and coveted asset classes in commercial real estate. Despite persistent narratives around online grocery, delivery economics, and shifting consumer behavior, grocery real estate entered 2026 from a position of strength, not disruption.

Sales growth in 2025 outpaced inflation, signaling more than just higher food costs. Consumers are spending more inside grocery stores, cooking at home, and prioritizing value over convenience. While online grocery sales continue to rise, they now represent roughly 17 percent of total spend, a level that feels elevated and increasingly close to a plateau. Delivery fees, reverse logistics, and thin margins reinforce a fundamental truth: for most shoppers, value wins. The tactile nature of grocery shopping, selecting produce, choosing cuts of meat, and controlling quality creates a level of stickiness unmatched in other retail categories.

From a real estate perspective, grocery stores remain exceptional traffic drivers and increasingly valuable anchors. Grocers are reinvesting heavily in their locations on a steady cadence, often without landlord contributions, strengthening centers while protecting long-term performance. That reinvestment comes with expectations, as landlords are pressured to keep common areas and surrounding spaces competitive. When a grocer leaves, outcomes become highly market-specific, ranging from strong backfill demand to full asset repositioning depending on competition, capital availability, and consumer density.

Specialty grocers are having a moment, and it is not confined to coastal markets. Ethnically diverse concepts, fresh-focused operators, value-driven formats, and curated regional brands are scaling nationally. These retailers are transforming historically local shopping behaviors into repeatable, high-performing models that attract both loyal core customers and curious new shoppers.

Even Amazon’s retreat from its Fresh concept underscores the sector’s resilience. Grocery remains intensely competitive, operationally complex, and deeply rooted in experience, service, and value. The takeaway is clear: brick-and-mortar grocery is not just surviving. It is reinforcing its role as one of retail real estate’s most reliable foundations

What You’ll Hear

1. Why grocery continues to anchor retail real estate - A clear-eyed look at why grocery remains one of the most stable, high-performing asset classes despite years of disruption headlines.
2. How consumer spending is shaping the grocery sector - Why sales growth outpaced inflation and what that reveals about value, at-home consumption, and evolving shopping behavior.
3. The real story behind online grocery growth - A candid discussion on delivery costs, margins, and why convenience has limits in a value-driven category.
4. What makes grocery shopping so “sticky” - The human behaviors, from produce to protein, that keep consumers returning to physical stores.
5. Why grocers keep reinvesting in brick-and-mortar locations - How ongoing store reinvestment strengthens centers and creates long-term benefits for landlords.
6. What happens when a grocery anchor leaves a center - Why backfill, repositioning, and outcomes vary dramatically depending on market dynamics.
7. The rise of specialty and ethnic grocers nationwide - How curated concepts, fresh-focused formats, and regional operators are scaling across the country.
8. What Amazon Fresh got wrong about grocery - Lessons from Amazon’s retreat and why technology alone cannot replace value, service, and loyalty.
9. Why grocery real estate still wins - A closing perspective on durability, frequency, and why grocery remains foundational to open-air retail.

Chapters

00:00 – Grocery’s staying power in retail real estate

Why grocery continues to stand out as one of the most resilient and reliable anchors in open-air retail.

02:10 – Consumer spending trends shaping grocery in 2025

How sales growth outpaced inflation and what it says about value, at-home consumption, and shopper behavior.

04:25 – Online grocery growth and the reality of delivery economics

Why rising costs, thin margins, and logistics challenges are slowing the push toward full digital adoption.

07:15 – The stickiness of the in-store grocery experience

From produce to protein, the physical elements of grocery shopping that keep consumers coming back.

09:50 – Grocer reinvestment and what it means for landlords

How consistent store reinvestment strengthens centers and raises expectations for the rest of the asset.

12:30 – When a grocery anchor leaves a shopping center

Why outcomes range from strong backfill demand to full asset repositioning depending on the market.

15:10 – The rise of specialty and ethnic grocery concepts

How fresh-focused, curated, and ethnically diverse grocers are scaling across the U.S.

18:05 – Why Amazon Fresh failed to break through

Lessons from Amazon’s exit and what it reveals about loyalty, value, and grocery fundamentals.

21:35 – What grocery real estate gets right

A closing look at frequency, durability, and why grocery remains foundational to open-air retail.

Retail leases are moving fast again, and in East Tennessee, they are moving faster than most people think is possible.

Chris Ressa talks with Lindsey Barden, founder of Dark Horse CRE, a tenant-rep-only broker covering Knoxville, Chattanooga, and the Tri-Cities. Her view from the ground is simple: vacancy is extremely low, the best spaces trade off-market, and retailers are routinely battling multiple LOIs for the same box. In the past six months, Lindsey says 80-to-90 percent of her deals have been competitive, forcing brands to show up ready to commit, pay closer to asking, and cut through internal red tape.

Landlords are prioritizing certainty and speed, especially in second-generation space. The tenants winning deals are the ones asking for less work and fewer dollars from ownership, tightening timelines, and moving from “perfect protections” to more balanced lease terms.

The proof point is a Crunch Fitness anchor lease that went from discovery to signed lease in roughly two weeks. No traditional LOI. Basic terms handled by email. Architects and contractors brought in immediately. Approvals happening across time zones. A two-level layout that required creative planning, not a cookie-cutter prototype. Two motivated parties decided the deal mattered, and executed like it.

If you want a takeaway: stop treating leasing like a slow process. Treat it like a race. Speed wins.

What You’ll Hear

1. Why East Tennessee is one of the tightest retail markets in the country — and what low vacancy really means for tenants trying to expand.
2. What 80 to 90 percent competitive deal flow looks like in practice — multiple LOIs, limited second-generation space, and constant off-market conversations.
3. How landlords are prioritizing certainty over creativity — why minimal TI, faster approvals, and fewer contingencies are winning deals.
4. What retailers must change internally to compete — consolidating corporate review, accelerating decision-making, and committing earlier.
5. How a Crunch Fitness anchor lease went from tour to signed in 14 days — no traditional LOI, creative problem solving on a two-level box, and approvals happening across time zones.
6. Why speed is the ultimate differentiator in today’s leasing environment — and how motivated parties can compress timelines dramatically.
7. A thoughtful look at retail saturation vs. market expansion — coffee, chicken, gyms, and how to separate durable concepts from passing trends.
8. The mindset shift required to win in 2026 retail real estate — treat leasing less like a negotiation marathon and more like a sprint.

Chapters

00:00 – Meet Lindsey Barden

A 20-year tenant rep veteran shares her journey from Virginia brokerage to founding Dark Horse CRE in East Tennessee.

08:15 – Why East Tennessee Is So Competitive

Lindsey breaks down Knoxville’s low vacancy, off-market deals, and why most spaces now trade with multiple LOIs.

12:00 – Retailers Must Move Faster

Corporate approval timelines are shrinking as brands realize that hesitation means losing the deal.

16:05 – What Landlords Want Right Now

Minimal TI, fewer contingencies, and faster rent commencement are outweighing bells and whistles in lease negotiations.

25:45 – Are We Over-Retailed?

Coffee, chicken, and gyms spark a debate about saturation versus untapped market share.

33:50 – Trends vs. Durable Concepts

A discussion on fads, long-term winners, and how evolving brands survive shifting consumer demand.

38:10 – The 14-Day Anchor Deal

A Crunch Fitness lease goes from tour to signed in just two weeks through speed, creativity, and alignment.

41:30 – No LOI, Just Execution

Basic terms handled by email and architects brought in immediately compress what normally takes months.

44:00 – The Power of Two Motivated Parties

Why urgency and shared intent—not secrets—made the accelerated deal possible.

45:15 – Final Takeaway: Speed Wins

Retail leasing is no longer a slow grind; the brands that move decisively are winning the best spaces.

Longevity in retail is earned, not engineered.

Chris Ressa and David Habas, Managing Partner at HK Enterprises, unpack what it actually takes to build and operate a service retail business over decades, cycles, and constant change.

Habas brings nearly 30 years of franchising experience and a rare dual lens as both an operator and someone who came up through commercial real estate. That perspective shows up throughout the discussion, from how Supercuts’ footprint and service model have evolved, to why tracking customer counts still matters more than chasing top-line growth alone. He shares real AUV benchmarks, candid insights on post-COVID demand shifts, and why price increases only work when paired with consistency and execution.

The conversation scales when Habas walks through a pivotal Boston relocation, moving from an iconic, high-rent location to a smaller, smarter space around the corner and growing the business in the process. The takeaway is simple and sharp: great operators don’t fight change, they design around it.

For retailers, franchisees, and landlords alike, this episode reinforces a core truth of open-air retail: durable brands are built by people who think long-term, understand real estate, and know how to adapt without losing the customer.

What You’ll Hear

1. Why longevity in franchising comes from following the system, not trying to outsmart it
2. How the salon industry has evolved post-COVID and what “butts in the chair” really tells you
3. Real AUV benchmarks and what separates top-performing locations from the rest of the system
4. The tradeoffs between organic growth, acquisitions, and relocations when space is limited
5. A first-hand look at relocating an iconic Boston store and growing sales while lowering rent
6. How strong landlord relationships create flexibility during moments of disruption
7. Why service retail still wins on consistency, efficiency, and customer trust
8. Lessons from building a multi-decade business with a long-tenured leadership team

Chapters

00:00 – Building a Franchise Before Franchising Was Cool

David Habas shares his path into franchising and how HK Enterprises grew into one of the largest Supercuts franchise operators over multiple decades and markets.

04:45 – How the Salon Industry Has Actually Changed

From oversized footprints to tighter, more efficient stores, Habas breaks down how customer needs, services, and layouts have evolved.

07:20 – Post-COVID Reality: Traffic, Frequency, and Revenue

A candid look at customer behavior shifts, why frequency matters more than headlines, and how the business is tracking recovery.

10:30 – AUVs, Scale, and What Performance Really Looks Like

Habas shares real average unit volumes and explains why location, execution, and consistency separate top operators from the pack.

12:30 – Growth When Space Is Hard to Find

Organic growth, acquisitions, and smart relocations all come into play when prime retail real estate is limited.

18:30 – Turning a Flagship Crisis into a Win

A high-rent Boston location forces a move, leading to a smaller footprint, lower occupancy costs, and stronger long-term performance.

23:40 – The Operator–Landlord Relationship

Why not all tenants are created equal and how traffic-driving service retail adds value beyond rent.

29:30 – Franchising, Technology, and Playing the Long Game

Habas explains why he would choose franchising again and how tech, systems, and discipline keep brands relevant.

32:00 – The Next Generation Question

A candid conversation about family businesses, succession, and what it takes to sustain a multi-generation operation.

Retail real estate is not won in boardrooms. It is won in the field. Chris Ressa sits down with Tine Helton, Regional Property Manager at DLC, to talk about the work that actually keeps open-air retail centers running across Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. From tenant relationships to infrastructure issues, Tine walks through what it means to own the day-to-day when performance, responsiveness, and consistency are the difference between a good center and a great one.

Tine’s path into property management started on the leasing side, where she learned how a deal turns into a real, operating business. That curiosity led her into operations, professional certifications through IREM, and a leadership role focused on getting better at the craft, not just holding the title. The conversation digs into why education, ethics, and peer networks still matter in a business that moves fast and demands real accountability.

At DLC, Tine shares what stood out most: a culture that backs its people and expects them to take ownership of outcomes. The result is a practical look at how strong operators build better properties, stronger tenant partnerships, and long-term performance in open-air retail.

What You’ll Hear

1. Why the best property managers operate like owners, not order-takers
2. How leasing knowledge becomes an operational advantage once the deal is signed
3. What IREM certifications actually change in day-to-day decision-making and leadership
4. How to turn education and peer networks into real career leverage
5. What strong culture looks like when performance and accountability matter
6. How Midwest open-air centers stay competitive through consistency, speed, and follow-through

Chapters

00:00 – The Operator’s Seat

Chris introduces Tine Helton and sets the stage for a conversation about what it really takes to run retail centers, not just lease them.

01:00 – From Leasing to Leadership

Tine explains how her early work supporting leasing teams shaped the way she thinks about operations, tenants, and long-term performance.

02:45 – Choosing the Harder Path

A look at why she moved into property management and embraced the challenge of being accountable for everything that happens after the deal is done.

04:00 – The IREM Advantage

Tine breaks down how certifications, ethics, and peer networks through IREM sharpened her decision-making and accelerated her career.

07:30 – Turning Education into Opportunity

How investing in professional development led directly to promotions, leadership roles, and industry recognition.

12:45 – Joining DLC and Thinking Like an Owner

What stood out about DLC’s culture and why ownership, accountability, and support matter in daily operations.

15:40 – Growth Without a Ceiling

Tine shares why continuous learning, new disciplines, and community involvement keep her pushing forward.

17:45 – Defining a Successful Year

What success looks like when it is measured by team performance, process improvement, and being a leader others can count on.

2026 might be the year retail real estate finally turns momentum into pricing power. Chris Ressa and Karly Iacono open with a confident call: next year will outperform an already-strong 2025, and the data is starting to line up behind it.

Holiday sales climbed roughly 4 percent year-over-year, outpacing inflation and reinforcing a simple truth: consumers keep spending, even when sentiment wobbles. The conversation breaks down the “K-shaped” economy, where higher-income shoppers drive discretionary growth while value-focused and necessity-based retail remains resilient across every income bracket.

The hosts point to sharper inventory discipline and steadier supply chains as quiet margin drivers, giving retailers more control over pricing and fewer forced discounts. On the real estate side, fewer major bankruptcies and limited space givebacks are tightening supply, setting the stage for a more landlord-driven market. The result: upward pressure on rents, stronger net operating income, and potential value gains as interest rates ease.

They also look ahead to demand catalysts, from global sporting events and America’s 250th anniversary to a new wave of store openings coming out of late-2025 leasing. While risks remain, from AI-driven job shifts to geopolitical uncertainty, the core bet is clear: tighter supply, resilient consumers, and disciplined operators could make 2026 a defining year for retail real estate.

What You’ll Hear

1. The data points behind the call that 2026 tops a strong 2025
2. Why consumer spending keeps winning over sentiment
3. How the K-shaped economy is reshaping value, necessity, and discretionary retail
4. Tighter supply, fewer bankruptcies, and what that means for landlord leverage
5. Inventory discipline and supply chains as quiet drivers of pricing power
6. NOI, rents, and value: how the real estate math is shifting
7. Traffic catalysts ahead, from global events to a new wave of store openings
8. The key risks still in play, from AI disruption to geopolitical shocks

Chapters

00:00 — The Bold Call for 2026

Chris and Karly open with a confident prediction that 2026 will outperform a strong 2025 for retail real estate and explain why they’re leading with the conclusion.

01:20 — Holiday Sales vs. Consumer Sentiment

A breakdown of holiday spending growth and why real consumer behavior matters more than surveys and headlines.

03:55 — The K-Shaped Economy in Retail

How higher-income and value-focused consumers are shaping different lanes of retail performance across categories.

05:55 — Inventory, Pricing, and Margin Control

Why better inventory discipline and steadier supply chains are giving retailers more leverage on pricing.

08:20 — Tariffs, Supply Chains, and Stability

What’s changed since early 2025 and why supply volatility feels less like a headline risk for 2026.

09:45 — Bankruptcies, Space, and Expansion Pressure

How fewer large retail failures are tightening available space and reshaping store rollout strategies.

12:10 — The Landlord’s Market and Rent Dynamics

A look at how pricing power, tenant improvements, and net effective rents could move in 2026.

13:45 — Disposable Income and Category Signals

Why tax changes, IPO activity, and home furnishings are flashing confidence in the consumer.

16:35 — Traffic Drivers and Big Event Energy

From the World Cup to America’s 250th, how major moments could translate into real retail foot traffic.

20:55 — Risks, AI, and the Black Swan Factor

A candid look at job disruption, geopolitical uncertainty, and what could derail an otherwise strong setup.

25:20 — NOI, Values, and the 2026 Outlook

How tighter supply, steady expenses, and easing rates could converge to lift property values.

27:00 — Final Take: Why 2026 Feels Different

Closing thoughts on momentum, discipline, and why retail real estate may be entering a defining year.

Retail real estate in early 2026 is defined by imbalance. In many suburban, open-air markets, demand is overwhelming supply. Five tenants are chasing one quality space. Vacancy is razor-thin. New construction still does not pencil. The result is leverage—and it is shifting.

Chris Ressa and Andrew Mahr of Bialow Real Estate dig into how that leverage is actually showing up in deals. Face rents are not always jumping overnight, but economics are tightening through lower tenant improvement packages, higher tenant capital contributions, and tougher negotiations around delivery costs. Retail is repricing—just not always in the most obvious way.

The conversation also highlights the growing divide between markets. Urban cores tied to office traffic remain uneven, while suburban lifestyle centers are absorbing demand from retailers with capital, patience, and long-term conviction. Strong operators are choosing to invest more upfront to control fixed occupancy costs over time, especially in junior anchor and specialty formats.

A North Miami case study brings the thesis to life. An off-market Wild Fork deal shows how the best sites are no longer “available”—they are unlocked through persistence, relationships, and a willingness to target occupied real estate. The takeaway is simple: in today’s market, waiting for vacancy is passive. Going direct is how deals get done.

What You’ll Hear

1. How rising rents are showing up through deal structure, not always through face rate
2. Why tenant improvement packages are shrinking and tenant capital is coming back into the equation
3. What it really means when deals “don’t pencil” in a high-cost, high-rate environment
4. How strong retailers are deciding when it makes sense to invest more upfront to control long-term occupancy costs
5. Why off-market strategies matter more in a low-vacancy world
6. A real North Miami case study showing how targeting occupied real estate can unlock best-in-market locations
7. How landlord-tenant alignment can accelerate expansion and turn single deals into long-term partnerships

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome and introductions

Chris Ressa welcomes Andrew Mahr and sets the stage for a wide-ranging conversation on retail, relationships, and the market.

01:00 – Running, resilience, and perspective

Andrew shares his Boston Marathon journey and why endurance, advocacy, and long-term commitment shape how he approaches business.

03:00 – What Bilo Real Estate actually does

A look at Bilo’s role as a national, outsourced real estate department and why deep market familiarity matters.

05:15 – Retail in 2026: a tale of two markets

Urban cores tied to office demand lag while suburban, open-air retail faces intense competition and limited supply.

07:45 – Why new retail still doesn’t pencil

Interest rates, construction costs, and underwriting realities continue to stall speculative retail development.

09:30 – Leasing momentum and shifting deal economics

Rents are rising—but often through reduced TIs and higher tenant capital, not just headline numbers.

12:00 – Who’s winning: strong retailers with capital

Why the healthiest tenants are choosing to invest more upfront to control long-term occupancy costs.

13:30 – Hospitality and wellness as growth categories

Restaurants, social wellness, and experiential concepts emerge as powerful drivers in mixed-use environments.

15:20 – Retail’s changing role in mixed-use projects

How retail is anchoring hotels and serving as support in residential-heavy developments.

16:00 – Off-market strategy in action: North Miami

A Wild Fork case study shows how targeting the best corner—occupied or not—creates opportunity.

18:45 – Why “availability” is the wrong starting point

Reverse-engineering markets around the best sites instead of what’s listed.

21:00 – Relationships over transactions

How trust between landlords, tenants, and advisors accelerates deals and fuels long-term growth.

25:00 – Closing thoughts on partnership and execution

A reminder that alignment, patience, and execution—not timing the market—drive success.

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Retail real estate is not just stable — it is entering a meaningfully better phase of the cycle.

Drawing on recent conversations with owners, brokers, tenants, architects, engineers, and contractors, Chris Ressa challenges the prevailing narrative that 2026 will simply mirror a solid 2025. Instead, he outlines why the year ahead could outperform expectations across leasing, rents, and long-term fundamentals.

At the center of his thesis is sustained leasing velocity. Across categories and markets, tenant demand continues to outpace available supply, even as headlines focus on isolated retailer struggles. Chris explains why those failures do not define the health of retail — and why today’s winners are expanding with conviction.

He also breaks down why early-2025 disruptions, including an unusually high number of store closures and tariff uncertainty, are unlikely to repeat in 2026. With bankruptcies moderating, new construction still muted, and many signed tenants yet to open, available retail space is tightening further.

Layer in a U.S. consumer expected to gain discretionary spending power, and the result is a collision of forces that may finally unlock meaningful rent growth. Chris argues this is the early innings of a retail pricing cycle — and 2026 could be the year it clearly shows up.

What You’ll Hear

• Why 2026 could outperform already-strong 2025 results
• How leasing velocity is signaling a tighter retail market
• The impact of fewer bankruptcies on available retail space
• Why muted new construction matters more than headlines suggest
• How rising consumer discretionary income supports rent growth
• What the next retail pricing cycle may look like for landlords and investors

Chapters

00:12 – Welcome to 2026

Chris sets the stage with early sentiment from across the retail real estate industry.

01:58 – Leasing Velocity Tells the Real Story

Demand for retail space continues to outpace supply across most categories.

03:28 – Winners, Losers, and Retail Reality

Why retailer failures don’t equal a weak retail sector.

05:32 – Bankruptcies, Tariffs, and a Reset Market

How 2025 disruptions slowed leasing—and why 2026 looks different.

07:26 – The Consumer Comes Back Into Focus

Rising discretionary income and its impact on physical retail demand.

08:18 – Rent Growth vs. Landlord CapEx

How economics are shifting tenant and landlord cost burdens.

09:03 – The Early Innings of a Pricing Cycle

Why multiple forces are colliding to push rents higher.

10:55 – What’s Next for Retail Retold

Fresh off the energy of ICSC New York, Chris Ressa and Carly Iacono unpack what really matters in retail real estate right now and where the market is headed into 2026. In this episode of What’s in Store, they move past surface-level headlines and dig into the conversations happening behind closed doors with investors, landlords, and retailers alike. pasted

One clear theme emerged: certainty has returned, but the conversation has shifted. Cap rates are no longer viewed solely through the lens of interest rates. Instead, investors are pricing risk based on tenant quality, sector fundamentals, and long-term demand. At the same time, retailers are facing a supply crunch, with limited availability in top shopping centers constraining expansion, even as new stores continue to outperform expectations.

Chris and Carly also explore the rising demand for value net lease deals, the growing challenge of maintaining long weighted average lease terms, and why long-term credit tenants have become harder to find. Perhaps most encouraging, retailers are reinvesting heavily in their physical stores, signaling renewed confidence in brick-and-mortar retail.

Taken together, these insights paint a clear picture: retail is not just resilient. It is evolving with discipline, data, and conviction.

What You’ll Hear

1. Why cap rates are being driven more by risk than rates
2. How supply constraints are reshaping retailer expansion plans
3. Why value net lease assets are suddenly in high demand
4. What strong new-store performance signals about consumer behavior
5. How retailers are prioritizing physical stores again
6. What the absence of AI chatter says about the current cycle
7. Why these trends matter heading into 2026

Chapters

00:07 – Setting the Stage at ICSC New York

Chris and Carly explain why ICSC remains the most important deal-making forum in retail real estate.

02:30 – Why Cap Rates Are No Longer Just About Interest Rates

The discussion shifts to how investors are pricing risk by sector and tenant quality.

10:25 – Liquidity Returns and What It Means for Deal Volume

Improving credit markets are quietly unlocking stalled transactions.

12:07 – The Real Supply Constraint Retailers Are Facing

Retailers want to grow, but many cannot find space in their top target centers.

15:51 – Value Net Lease Becomes a Hot Asset Class

Short-term and below-market leases attract intense buyer demand.

25:28 – New Stores Are Outperforming Expectations

Retailers report new locations beating pro forma sales projections.

31:39 – The Challenge of Long-Term Credit and Lease Duration

Maintaining portfolio WALT is getting harder as long-term deals become scarce.

34:23 – Retailers Reinvest in the In-Store Experience

Capital is flowing back into physical stores through remodels and upgrades.

37:05 – The Surprising Silence Around AI and Labor

Two dominant topics from past conferences barely register this year.

38:34 – Why These Trends Point Toward 2026

Chris and Carly explain why these themes are just the beginning.

Flashing back to December 2023, this Retail Retold replay proves just how relevant the details still are. In this episode, host Chris Ressa breaks down one of the most underestimated risks in retail real estate leasing: possession contingencies. A lease can be fully executed, a delivery date locked in, and everyone feeling good, until the existing tenant does not leave. Without a possession contingency in place, landlords can find themselves caught between two tenants, facing delays, legal exposure, and a deal that suddenly starts to unravel. It is a reminder that possession is not a technicality; it is everything.

Chris also zooms out to talk about something just as critical to long-term success: skill-building. Every year, he commits to sharpening a new skill, often outside of traditional business training. These disciplines, ones that demand focus, patience, and attention to detail, end up strengthening how deals get done, decisions get made, and pressure gets handled.

This quick-hitter episode is a flashback with staying power. The lesson is simple: protect your deals with the right clauses, and protect your edge by continuously leveling up. Because in retail real estate, the smallest details often decide the biggest outcomes.

What You’ll Hear in This Replay

• Why a fully executed lease does not always guarantee possession — and how that gap can derail a deal
• A real-world breakdown of possession contingencies and when they actually matter
• The risk landlords face when existing tenants do not vacate on time
• How one overlooked clause can impact delivery dates, legal exposure, and tenant relationships
• Why continuously building new skills outside of your core job can make you a better dealmaker

Chapters

00:00 – Flashing Back to December 2023

Chris reflects on the timing of the episode and why these lessons still matter today.

02:15 – The Habit of Building New Skills

Why intentional skill development — inside and outside of business — sharpens long-term performance.

04:20 – Learning Precision Outside the Office

How mastering a detail-oriented hobby improves focus and decision-making in high-pressure work.

09:55 – What Is a Possession Contingency?

A clear, practical explanation of the clause many deals overlook.

12:10 – When a Tenant Does Not Leave

The real risk of expired leases, holdovers, and delayed possession.

14:30 – Protecting Delivery Dates and Deals

How possession contingencies create clarity and protect all parties.

15:30 – Final Takeaways

Why better documents and better operators go hand in hand.

In this episode of Retail Retold, host Chris Ressa gets inside the mind of Lÿden Foust, the CEO and founder of Spatial.ai—the company turning real human behavior into a map retailers can actually use. If you think location strategy is still built on income bands and census data, this conversation flips that idea on its head.

Foust explains how Persona Live Segmentation blends social signals, credit card trends, demographic nuance, and movement patterns to reveal who your customer really is—and where they live in the physical world. It’s the engine behind brands like Patagonia and Lululemon choosing sites, growing market share, and targeting high-value segments others miss.

Ressa and Foust dig into the elephant in the room: AI isn’t spatial (yet). The technology can write decks and draw buildings, but it can’t feel the difference between half a mile and a trade area boundary. The fundamentals still matter—and boots on the ground beat bots on the map.

The two break down how value just overtook quality in consumer preference, why Dutch Bros is winning by going after unexpected segments, and how landlords can use psychographics to land better tenants and build smarter merchandising mixes.

What You’ll Hear:

• Why psychographic segmentation, not demographics, drives retail market share
• How Patagonia, Lululemon, and others use Persona Live Segmentation to find their best customers
• The four data sources behind Spatial.ai’s models: social, purchasing, demographics, movement
• Why AI is not yet spatially aware enough to replace human site selection
• What mobile data gets wrong and right about trade areas
• How Dutch Bros disrupted the “crowded” coffee category by targeting unexpected segments
• Why value is now outperforming quality in consumer decision-making
• How property owners can use psychographics to land the right anchor tenant
• Where demographic trends are shifting: birth rates, immigration, Gen Z, and Gen Alpha
• The surprising role of franchising as a growth engine for retail real estate

Chapters

00:00 — Who Is Lÿden Foust

Chris introduces Lÿden and the origin story of Spatial.ai’s Persona Live Segmentation platform.

01:13 — Why Psychographics Matter

Lÿden explains why real behavior beats demographics when retailers choose locations.

02:15 — The Data Behind Persona Segmentation

Spatial.ai blends social signals, spending patterns, demographics, and movement to map customer segments.

06:38 — Retailers Using It Today

Patagonia, Lululemon, and others use psychographics to find top customer groups and guide site selection.

10:58 — AI’s Limits in Real Estate

Chris and Lÿden debate why AI isn’t spatial yet—and why human context still wins for site selection.

12:41 — Mobile Data: Good and Bad

They break down what mobile visitation data reveals, and where it misrepresents certain customer groups.

14:27 — Building Trade Areas Smarter

Lÿden explains how mobile data reshaped trade area analysis and unlocked competitive insight.

18:40 — Value Now Beats Quality

They explore why “value” just surpassed “quality” in consumer preference and what retailers should do about it.

19:27 — Dutch Bros Case Study

Lÿden highlights how Dutch Bros grew share by serving unexpected segments with the right price-value tradeoff.

24:37 — Psychographics for Landlords

Chris asks how property owners can use segmentation to land anchor tenants and build stronger merchandising mixes.

The kids’ entertainment world is exploding, and in this episode of Retail Retold, host Chris Ressa dives straight into the center of that momentum with Melissa Tinsley, Director of Real Estate at Unleashed Brands. Melissa pulls back the curtain on the powerhouse portfolio behind Urban Air, Sylvan Learning, The Little Gym, and Water Wings, revealing how Unleashed is rapidly shaping the future of experiential retail.

She shares why she left Tropical Smoothie Café after eight years to tackle the high-stakes, high-complexity world of big-box entertainment real estate—where ceiling heights, engineering gymnastics, waivers, zoning battles, and multimillion-dollar buildout decisions turn every Urban Air deal into an adrenaline-fueled puzzle.

Melissa breaks down Urban Air’s evolution from trampoline park to full-scale adventure park, how that shift has changed the competitive landscape, and why the brand is aggressively expanding across the West Coast, East Coast, and major suburban hubs.

She also explains why Urban Air is becoming a go-to solution for vacant big boxes—drawing families, driving cross-shopping, and creating the kind of sticky traffic landlords crave.

Packed with candid insights on franchisee growth, site criteria, and real estate challenges, this episode gives a powerful look at how Unleashed Brands is building the next generation of family-focused retail experiences.

What You’ll Hear:

• The inside story on how Urban Air is rewriting the rules of kids’ entertainment
• Why “trampoline parks” are over—and adventure parks are the new category killer
• The gritty realities of big-box real estate: ceiling hurdles, digging pits, raising roofs
• How Unleashed Brands is turning dead anchors into high-performing family magnets
• The markets where Urban Air is going all-in—from California to the Northeast
• Why franchisees with serious capital are chasing adventure park deals
• What most landlords still misunderstand about Urban Air
• The dealmaking mindset that gets complex entertainment leases signed—fast

Chapters

00:00 – Meet Melissa Tinsley

Melissa shares her background and move to Unleashed Brands.

01:26 – Inside the Unleashed Brands Portfolio

How Urban Air, Sylvan, The Little Gym, and Water Wings fit together.

03:16 – The Reality of Big-Box Entertainment Deals

Ceiling heights, engineering challenges, waivers, and zoning.

04:55 – From Trampoline Park to Adventure Park

How Urban Air is evolving and outpacing competitors.

07:28 – Franchise Growth + Who’s Investing

The types of franchisees fueling expansion across the country.

09:31 – Markets on Fire

Where Urban Air is growing fastest—especially CA, NY, and NJ.

11:13 – Filling Big Box Vacancies

Why Urban Air is becoming a prime replacement for dark anchors.

12:18 – What Landlords Need to Know

Co-tenant reactions, parking concerns, and why Urban Air drives powerful family traffic.

This week on What’s in Store, Karly Iacono and Chris Ressa break down the power moves happening across luxury retail—and why the category is rewriting the rules of real estate.

They open with a jolt: luxury brands are no longer just leasing the world’s most iconic corners… they’re buying them outright. Prada dropping $835 million on Fifth Avenue and LVMH investing billions globally isn’t about rent—it’s about dominance. Karly and Chris argue these brands aren’t reacting to the market, they’re locking in control of their physical identity for decades to come. Flagships aren’t stores anymore—they’re statements.

They then dive into the comeback of experiential flagships. After a decade obsessed with e-commerce scaling, luxury is doubling down on high-touch experiences: concierge service, curated appointments, even food and beverage. The hosts make it clear—luxury isn’t selling products, it’s selling a feeling you can’t stream.

Next, they explore the suburban shift. With affluent consumers spending more time at home, luxury is quietly testing high-income suburbs, balancing exclusivity with convenience without diluting the brand.

Finally, Karly and Chris tackle the booming world of resale luxury. Once a fringe online niche, authenticated resale is taking Class A corners—and becoming a gateway for the next generation of luxury shoppers.

What You’ll Hear:

• How luxury brands are flipping the script by buying their real estate and making billion-dollar flagship bets.
• Why high-impact, high-experience flagships are roaring back as the core of luxury brand identity.
• The rise of luxury in high-income suburbs — and what it means for convenience, exclusivity, and brand strategy.
• How authenticated resale is becoming a powerful gateway into luxury for the next generation of shoppers.
• The real estate implications behind each trend — and why these shifts matter now more than ever.

Chapters

00:00 — The Luxury Land Grab

Karly and Chris break down why luxury brands are buying their real estate and making billion-dollar bets on iconic flagship locations.

08:50 — The Flagship Comeback

The hosts explore why experiential, high-identity flagship stores are surging back as luxury brands reassert the power of physical retail.

16:15 — Luxury Moves to the Suburbs

They discuss the shift toward affluent suburban markets as luxury brands meet high-income consumers closer to home.

22:20 — The Rise of Resale Luxury

Karly and Chris unpack how authenticated resale is becoming a major gateway to luxury—and why resellers are taking prime corners once reserved for the biggest brands.

This episode moves fast — because Rob Gresham’s career has never slowed down. Chris Ressa sits with the restaurant veteran who went from washing dishes at 15 to helping architect the early operational engine behind CAVA’s meteoric growth from zero to 80 stores.

Rob shares the wild ride: running a steakhouse kitchen as a teenager, getting recruited by Chipotle to fix troubled locations, learning the business side under industry giants, and joining CAVA before it was a household name — building systems, opening markets, and helping scale a brand that eventually went public.

Then the pandemic hit. Consulting work vanished. His son was bored. So Rob turned a homeschool project into something much bigger: a business plan for a scratch-made, allergen-conscious chicken concept. When it came time to name it, Rob’s son delivered the winner: Isaac’s — inspired by Isaac Newton, who invented calculus and discovered gravity while quarantined during the plague. “He changed the world in quarantine,” his son said. “You created a restaurant. Name it Isaac’s.”

Today, Isaac’s Poultry Market has two booming locations, a cult following, and the DNA of a future fast-casual standout. Rob’s story is momentum, grit, and timing — the kind Retail Retold was made for.

What You’ll Hear:

• How Rob went from washing dishes at 15 to helping scale CAVA into an 80-unit national powerhouse
• The pivotal career moves — and mentors — that shaped his operator mindset
• Why he left CAVA at its peak and walked straight into entrepreneurship
• The pandemic moment that sparked Isaac’s Poultry Market (and how his son named it)
• What it really takes to open a restaurant during supply-chain chaos and skyrocketing construction costs
• How Rob chose his first two locations — and the real-world negotiation battles behind them
• Why exclusives matter, how fast-casual operators think about competition, and the markets he’s targeting next
• The scratch-made, allergen-friendly philosophy behind Isaac’s menu
• And the big question: Is Isaac’s positioned to become the next major fast-casual brand?

Chapters

00:00 — From Dish Pit to Drive

How a 15-year-old dishwasher discovered his path — and his ambition — in the restaurant world.

02:00 — Learning the Business Beyond the Kitchen

The mentors and moments that pushed Rob from chef to full-scale operator.

04:45 — Chipotle, CAVA, and Fixing What’s Broken

Rob’s early role in stabilizing stores and helping build CAVA’s operational backbone from day zero.

06:30 — Building a Rocketship Brand

Cross-country construction sprints, tiny founding teams, and opening stores at breakneck speed.

09:00 — The Decision to Walk Away

Why Rob left CAVA at its peak and refused to transition into an office role.

13:00 — Pandemic Curveball → Entrepreneurial Breakthrough

How a business-plan lesson with his son turned into the foundation for Isaac’s Poultry Market.

14:00 — Naming Isaac’s: A Quarantine Stroke of Genius

The Isaac Newton inspiration that became a bold, meaningful brand name.

17:00 — Building Location #1 in a Broken Supply Chain

Construction chaos, blown budgets, and the reality of opening a restaurant during COVID.

22:00 — The Battle for Location #2

Inside the seven-month negotiation to secure exclusives and protect the emerging brand.

29:00 — The Future of Isaac’s Poultry Market

How Rob is approaching growth, second-gen spaces, and the next wave of opportunity.

n this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa welcomes franchise powerhouse Kal Gullipali — the man who turned two Orange Theory studios into a 100-unit empire spanning Marco’s Pizza, Dave’s Hot Chicken, European Wax Center, and more. From Wall Street to wellness centers to hot chicken, Kal’s story is a masterclass in bold moves, smart capital, and relentless growth.

Kal reveals how selling his first franchise lit the spark for scale — and how COVID became the ultimate wake-up call to diversify. Today, his group operates across multiple states, building new stores, buying portfolios, and driving more than $35–40 million in annual growth. He breaks down the numbers, the strategy, and the mindset it takes to play at this level.

This episode dives into what it really takes to win in franchising: sharp site selection, patient capital, and powerful partnerships. Kal also calls out a coming shift in the fast-casual world — the return of true customer service — as brands rediscover that speed means nothing without hospitality.

What You’ll Hear:

• How Kal built a 100+ unit, multi-brand portfolio in under a decade
• Why diversification saved his business model
• The real economics behind scaling franchises
• Why the next big franchise trend is a return to the human touch

Chapters

00:00 – Meet Kal Gullipali

From Wall Street to Main Street — how a former Merrill Lynch analyst became a franchise powerhouse.

02:00 – The First Franchise Bet

Why Kal’s first leap into Orange Theory Fitness changed everything.

04:00 – From Two Gyms to a Hundred Units

The mindset, capital, and partnerships behind explosive growth.

06:00 – Lessons from Selling and Scaling

How selling early wins funded a smarter, more diversified empire.

07:45 – Enter the Pizza and Hot Chicken Game

Why COVID turned Kal into a believer in delivery-driven, resilient brands.

09:30 – Building vs. Buying

The strategy behind mixing acquisitions with ground-up new builds.

10:30 – Why Dave’s Hot Chicken Took Off

High AUVs, hot branding, and a cult following—Kal breaks down the magic formula.

13:00 – The Numbers Behind the Empire

A candid look at performance, diversification, and what drives profitability.

15:00 – The Power of People and Process

Inside Kal’s shared-services model and how he scales culture across brands.

18:00 – The Franchise Trend No One’s Talking About

Why customer service—not tech—will define the next era of QSR success.

What happens when two of retail’s sharpest minds go head-to-head on the data behind the industry’s biggest shifts? You get this week’s episode of Retail Retold, where Chris Ressa sits down (again!) with Ethan Chernofsky, Chief Marketing Officer at Placer.ai.

Ethan brings the receipts—billions of data points from Placer.ai’s location analytics—to unpack five retail trends that are redefining the way consumers shop and how retailers win. From Chili’s comeback and Trader Joe’s cult following to the rise of “dark stores” and the urbanization of suburbia, Chris and Ethan debate what’s driving foot traffic, loyalty, and value creation across retail. It’s part data, part strategy, and all energy.

What You’ll Hear:

• The five retail trends shaping 2026 and beyond
• Why simplicity (and knowing your “reason for being”) drives success
• How loyalty and cross-visitation can rise together
• Why the store is now a media channel, fulfillment hub, and brand platform
• How suburban retail is stealing the show

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome Back, Ethan Chernofsky

Chris and Ethan kick things off with their signature energy — a quick catch-up, a look inside Placer.ai’s marketing team, and how data storytelling is changing the game.

02:30 – Trend #1: Know Your Reason for Being

The biggest driver of retail success today? Focus. Ethan explains how Chili’s, Trader Joe’s, and Sprouts are winning by doubling down on what they do best.

08:30 – Trend #2: The Battle for the Basket

Loyalty is up — but so is cross-visitation. Chris and Ethan break down why shoppers are visiting more stores and what it means for retailers fighting for “share of list.”

13:15 – Trend #3: The Middle Market Mystery

Can the “middle” of retail survive? The duo debates whether flexibility, not price point, is the secret weapon for retailers stuck between luxury and value.

18:10 – Trend #4: The Store as a Platform

From buy-online-pickup-in-store to dark stores and retail media, Ethan unpacks how brick-and-mortar is becoming retail’s most powerful ecosystem.

22:45 – Trend #5: The Urbanization of the Suburbs

The suburbs are stealing the spotlight. Ethan and Chris discuss how urban concepts are moving into suburban centers—and what that means for open-air retail.

29:00 – Final Thoughts: The Future of Retail is Real

Chris and Ethan wrap it up with what’s next for data, design, and human experience in the physical retail world.

This is not the sugar-coated version of franchising. Patrick Buckley sits down with Chris Ressa to unpack what is actually happening behind the curtain of franchise growth, exits and unit-level profitability. He breaks down the split between legacy giants and scrappy emerging brands fighting for first-time operators, why once-hot home-service brands have cooled off, and why beverages and “drive-thru only” formats are the franchise sector’s new land rush.

Patrick gets blunt about the math — labor, food inflation, beef shortages, construction costs and multiples that make zero sense on paper. He explains why Taco Bell can sell at 10X EBITDA while most operators are fighting to keep 10% margin, and why franchising is not a guaranteed “proven system” but a case-by-case knife fight. Health and wellness franchising is rising, the approval gate is tighter than people think, and the biggest risk is assuming the word “franchise” equals safe..

What you'll hear:

• The collapse in home-services franchise buying after the 2020–24 gold rush
• The beverage & drive-thru wave and why it's crowding capital
• Unit-profit reality: labor > inflation, food > margin, construction > forecast
• Why some brands trade at 9–10x EBITDA despite margin compression
• How first-time buyers actually get (or don’t get) approved to buy existing units
• Why health & wellness may steal share from food over the next decade
• The warning most first-time buyers wish they heard sooner

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Fran Dogs and Patrick Buckley

03:02 Current Trends in Franchising

05:40 Challenges Faced by Franchisees

08:59 Understanding Franchise Valuations

11:44 The Rise of Taco Bell and Beverage Trends

14:58 Navigating Franchise Purchases

17:41 Emerging Categories Beyond Food and Beverage

20:34 Final Insights and Industry Statistics

The metrics that define retail success are changing — fast. In this episode of What’s in Store, hosts Karly Iacono and Chris Ressa dive into the evolving ways retailers, investors, and developers are measuring performance in an era defined by data, analytics, and AI.

From psychodemographics that reveal why consumers buy to macroeconomic drivers reshaping markets, Karly and Chris explore how retail site selection, investment decisions, and KPIs are being redefined. They discuss how new data tools are quantifying once-intangible factors — from population behavior to co-tenancy synergies — and how that data is changing the way we understand performance beyond traditional sales per square foot.

The conversation also touches on the influence of political and labor factors, the rise of visits per square foot as a new benchmark, and how AI and predictive analytics may soon reshape everything from store openings to customer engagement.

What you'll hear:

• How psychodemographics are reshaping site selection
• Why macroeconomic “anchors” like universities and studios drive retail growth
• The impact of politics, regulation, and labor markets on expansion
• What “visits per square foot” really tells us about performance
• How AI is turning overwhelming data into actionable retail strategy

This week on Retail Retold, Chris Ressa welcomes Tyler Bindi, an investment sales broker with Marcus & Millichap, who has quickly risen through the ranks of the net-lease sector after entering commercial real estate in the middle of COVID-19. From his college baseball career at St. Mary's College of California, to selling season tickets for the Colorado Rockies, now to closing deals nationwide, Tyler shares how perseverance, cold-calling, and curiosity built his foundation during one of the toughest markets in recent history.

Tyler reflects on the transformation of the net-lease landscape—from near-zero interest rates in 2021 to today’s higher-rate environment—and the resulting shift in buyer and seller psychology. He explains how many mom-and-pop landlords remain sidelined, while new, first-time investors are entering the space seeking stable, long-term income and tax advantages.

Together, Chris and Tyler break down how pricing expectations are finally converging, why quick-service restaurants remain a market bellwether, and how opportunistic investors are finding value in short-term, low-rent assets with strong real-estate fundamentals. Tyler also reveals his team’s path to scaling from a one-man operation to a ten-person brokerage and why he believes Q4 2025 will mark a powerful resurgence in net-lease transaction volume.

What you'll hear:

• How Tyler transitioned from sports sales to commercial real estate during COVID
• What’s changed most in the net-lease market over the last five years
• Why short-term leases in great locations are attracting investor demand
• How buyer and seller expectations are finally coming back into alignment
• Why Q4 2025 could be a breakout quarter for transaction volume

Can tenacity turn setbacks like the 2008 GFC into career breakthroughs?

This week on Retail Retold, Chris Ressa sits down with Bethany Babcock, founder of Foresite Commercial Real Estate — and a mom of three who has built a thriving firm through sheer tenacity.

Bethany’s journey is anything but conventional. Born in the U.S. but raised in Chile, she came to Texas at 18 with no financial support and worked her way through college while getting her start in real estate. When the 2008 financial crisis hit, she doubled down instead of walking away — jumping into commission-only investment sales and eventually founding her own firm in 2014 with a single client.

Since then, Bethany has grown Foresite into a respected full-service company with offices in San Antonio, Austin, and Houston. Along the way she created the CRE Launch Program, an internship pipeline that’s bringing fresh talent into the industry. Her story blends personal grit with professional innovation, offering valuable lessons for anyone navigating today’s retail real estate market.

From raising bilingual kids to raising capital, Bethany shows what it takes to persevere — and why “trust but verify” is more than just a business mantra.

What you'll hear:

• How a mom of three turned setbacks into a thriving CRE business
• Why 2008’s downturn became a springboard, not a stumbling block
• How mentorship and grit fueled Bethany’s career shift into retail
• The inside story of launching Foresite with one client and growing from there
• The birth of the CRE Launch Program and its role in shaping new talent
• Market insights: San Antonio and Austin leasing strength, local buyers vs. international investors
• A high-stakes deal that fell apart — and the hard lesson learned

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bethany Babcock

02:43 Bethany's Journey into Commercial Real Estate

06:05 Career Development and Starting Foresite

08:52 Growth and Challenges in Business

11:39 Current Market Insights and Trends

14:53 Local vs. International Investors

17:55 Lessons from a Challenging Deal

21:40 The CRE Launch Program and Closing Thoughts

On this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa welcomes longtime friend and industry leader Hue Chen, President of Saglo Companies, for a conversation packed with stories and lessons from 25 years in retail real estate.

Hue reflects on starting his career in the trenches of the Great Recession, when lead-sharing boards and creativity kept deals alive. He shares how an unlikely sabbatical during that downturn reshaped his outlook, and why sometimes the “boring” tenants — daycares, laundromats, coin ops — deliver the biggest wins.

From comparing ICSC attendee lists in 2018 vs. 2025 to unpacking why beverage brands like Dutch Bros and 7 Brew are exploding, Hue uses data and anecdotes to show how the retail landscape is constantly evolving. He and Chris also dive into deeper themes: what it takes to scale a company without being the bottleneck, how community-minded regional tenants often outperform nationals, and why consumer and retailer debt may be retail’s real risk today.

It’s a conversation that blends history, humor, and hard truths — and proves that the best retail stories aren’t always about lollipops and rainbows, but about resilience, adaptability, and the unexpected deals that shape entire careers.

What you'll hear:

• How the Great Recession forged Hue’s mindset — and why he never thought of leaving retail
• The sabbatical that reset his career and gave him long-term perspective
• Why “unsexy” tenants like daycares and laundromats can be the most profitable anchors
• What ICSC attendee lists reveal about a generational shift in retail leadership
• How Saglo builds systems so the president isn’t the bottleneck
• Why regional tenants with 2–20 stores often outperform big nationals
• The explosion of beverage concepts like Dutch Bros, 7 Brew, and Luckin Coffee — and what makes them different from Starbucks
• Why community engagement is often the real driver of tenant success
• The hidden risks: consumer debt and retailer leverage vs. the strength of retail real estate fundamentals
• Lessons on adaptability, resilience, and how a single deal can shape an entire career

Chapters

00:00 Navigating the Great Recession: A Shared Journey

09:32 The Evolution of Retail Real Estate

20:47 Current Market Dynamics and Future Outlook

24:56 Retail Resilience and Market Dynamics

28:22 Concerns in Retail: Debt and Consumer Behavior

31:26 The Importance of Community Engagement in Retail

34:24 The Rise of Coffee Concepts in Retail

40:30 Defining the 'Third Place' in Today's Society

In this episode of What’s In Store, Chris Ressa and Karly Iacono break down one of the most resilient yet often misunderstood corners of commercial real estate: net lease. While headlines focus on retail closures or shifting tenant dynamics, the reality is that net lease portfolios are performing at an extraordinary level, with occupancy rates consistently between 98 and 99 percent. This asset class is attracting serious institutional capital, and its structure creates predictable long-term income streams, and replacement costs and tenant “stickiness” make these properties so durable.

They also tackle misconceptions—explaining why recent cap rate movements and financing challenges haven’t diminished the underlying value of well-located, freestanding real estate. With creative financing and strategic positioning, today’s market offers investors a rare window to buy below replacement cost while securing stable returns. Whether you’re an active investor, a retail real estate professional, or simply curious about how “mailbox money” really works, this episode delivers a clear-eyed look at why net lease is a powerful and timely opportunity.

What you'll hear:

• Why net lease portfolios are maintaining 98–99% occupancy
• How long-term leases provide durability and predictable income
• The role of replacement cost in strengthening asset value
• Why tenant “stickiness” adds security to investments
• The growing appetite from institutional investors
• How rising cap rates and high financing costs create opportunity
• Strategies for investors navigating today’s market

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Net Lease Opportunities

03:01 Understanding Occupancy Rates in Net Lease REITs

05:55 The Durability of Income in Net Lease Investments

08:47 Institutional Interest in Net Lease Properties

12:09 Market Trends and Future Predictions for Net Lease

14:59 Investment Strategies in Net Lease Real Estate

Together, Chris and Brian break down why retail real estate isn’t oversupplied but rather “under demolished,” how construction costs are reshaping small-shop leasing, and why secondary markets like New Hampshire and Maine are becoming hotbeds of growth. Brian also tells the story of a high-stakes Boston acquisition that tested his team but ultimately transformed a neighborhood. Plus, the conversation touches on sustainability, pollinator-friendly practices, and the personal side of balancing career, family, and passion projects.

Shifting the focus from real estate to consumer behavior, Chris Ressa and Natalie Chambers, Executive Creative Director at the Dealey Group, dive into the shifting landscape of what makes the consumer tick. Natalie shares three standout trends that you might not expect —ancient wellness rituals, pluralversal storylines, and the rise of social silos—and Chris debates her on what’s hype versus what’s here to stay.

From cold plunges and sound baths to Korean corn dogs and Baseball Lifestyle 101, the conversation weaves together fun examples with deeper insights on belonging, loyalty, and retail programming. They also cover the balance between convenience and dwell time, debating how shopping centers should position themselves for consumers who want it all.

Part debate, part discovery, this episode looks at how AI, culture, and community are reshaping what it means to shop—and what it means to connect.

What you'll hear:

• How the rise of AI is pushing consumers toward both high-tech convenience and “ancient wellness” rituals like cold plunges and sound baths
• Why pluralversal storylines—from K-pop hits to unexpected food trends—are reshaping cultural consumption
• The growing power of social silos and loyalty clubs in making shoppers feel like they belong
• Chris and Natalie’s spirited debate on convenience vs. dwell time and what it means for shopping centers
• Real-world examples of how retail can turn “points on a map” into places people love

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Consumer Behavior

02:51 The Impact of AI on Consumer Trends

05:58 Exploring Ancient Wellness Trends

08:57 Plural-versal Design in Consumer Culture

11:54 The Rise of Niche Markets and Social Silos

17:55 Balancing Convenience and Dwell Time in Retail

20:48 Implementing Insights in Real Estate Marketing

23:46 The Future of Retail in an AI-Driven World

With fall marathon training season in full swing, we thought we would throw it back to a conversation that Chris Ressa had with Kim Caruso, owner of Fleet Feet Poughkeepsie, located at DLC’s Shops at South Hills. Kim shares her journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship, explaining how a casual 5K inspired her passion for running and ultimately led to opening a specialty running store in her hometown.

Kim reflects on the challenges and opportunities of owning a retail business, especially navigating the pandemic. From shifting to appointment-based fittings and curbside pickup to building community through virtual running groups and challenges, she highlights the resilience of specialty retail. Throughout, Kim emphasizes the importance of connection, experience, and service—showing how brick-and-mortar retail thrives when rooted in relationships.

Chris underscores a core truth in retail real estate: the people behind the business are as important as the location itself. Fleet Feet Poughkeepsie’s success wasn’t just about market demand, but about Kim’s relentless energy, passion, and community focus.

What you'll hear:

• Passion to Business: Kim turned a personal love for running into a successful small business, proving that spotting a gap in the market can open doors for entrepreneurship.
• Pandemic Pivot: By introducing online appointments, curbside pickup, and creative virtual events, Fleet Feet kept customers engaged and sales steady—even while doors were closed.
• Community is the Differentiator: Specialty retail wins not just on product, but by building experiences and relationships. Customers return because they feel part of something bigger than a transaction.
• The Value of Franchise Support: Partnering with Fleet Feet gave Kim access to vendors, training, and expertise that would have been unattainable as an independent startup.
• Real Estate Lessons: Location matters, but the people running the store drive its ultimate success. Kim’s active involvement and vision made Poughkeepsie one of Fleet Feet’s strongest openings.
• Resilience & Optimism: Despite being down 15% in 2020, Fleet Feet weathered the storm and positioned itself for a strong rebound with pent-up demand expected in 2021.
• Entrepreneurial Advice: Know what you’re good at, lean on experts for what you’re not (like commercial real estate), and give customers a reason to choose you over online competitors.

Chapters

00:16 Kim Caruso's Journey to Fleet Feet

03:29 Navigating the Pandemic: Challenges and Innovations

08:02 The Future of Physical Retail

09:41 Community Engagement and Events

11:56 Connecting with Customers Digitally

15:13 Reflections on the Pandemic Experience

18:38 The Franchise Journey with Fleet Feet

26:12 Choosing the Right Location

30:18 The Importance of Teamwork in Business

In this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa sits down with Carla Hinson, Vice President of Solutions at MRI Software, to uncover the top three things most people don’t know about foot traffic. Carla explains how advancements in data collection have moved from simple counters to cell phone tracking, and now to visual AI that provides true, real-time insights into consumer behavior. She highlights three critical dimensions: potential—the ability to capture more granular and accurate traffic data; performance—understanding capture rates and linking them to revenue outcomes; and optimized experiences—using data to refine in-store layouts, marketing strategies, and customer engagement. With MRI’s OnLocation Footfall Analytics, retailers and landlords can track who’s walking by, who’s entering, and how customers behave once inside. Carla also emphasizes the growing role of AI—both personally and professionally—in shaping expectations around technology adoption and decision-making in real estate.

What you'll hear:

• Carla Henson is the Vice President of Solutions at MRI Software, focusing on strategy and go-to-market initiatives.
• MRI Software is known for property management and supports clients across various segments, including residential and commercial real estate.
• AI is increasingly being integrated into personal and professional lives, enhancing productivity and decision-making.
• Visual AI technology allows for detailed foot traffic analysis, linking to existing security cameras to track customer behavior.
• Understanding foot traffic is crucial for retailers to optimize marketing strategies and improve customer experiences.
• Capture rates are essential metrics for retailers to measure the effectiveness of their storefronts and marketing efforts.
• Data-driven insights can reveal discrepancies in perceived versus actual customer demographics.
• The evolution of technology has shifted expectations from personal to professional environments, impacting how businesses adopt new tools.
• AI has been in development since the 1950s, but its accessibility and application in retail are relatively new.
• The future of data analytics in retail and office spaces holds significant potential for optimizing space usage and enhancing customer engagement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to MRI Software and Carla Henson

07:25 The Role of AI in Retail and Personal Life

10:58 Understanding Foot Traffic: Potential, Performance, and Optimization

17:09 The Future of Data in

In this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa sits down with Howard Aspinwall, the dynamic owner of Mellow Monkey, a destination home décor and gift shop tucked away on a dead-end street in Stratford, Connecticut. Howard shares his unconventional journey from art school to chef, tech executive, and finally retail entrepreneur—starting Mellow Monkey as an online-only business before making the rare move into brick-and-mortar. He reveals how his eclectic background, unique product curation, and immersive in-store experience turned an unlikely warehouse location into a tri-state shopping draw.

Howard also dives into his social media strategy, how humor and personality fuel customer engagement, the agility needed to pivot product lines, and the looming impacts of tariffs and supply chain challenges on the retail landscape. It’s a masterclass in building a retail brand that people seek out—even when it’s literally at “the end of the earth.”

What you'll hear:

• Howard's diverse background includes art, culinary arts, and technology.
• Mellow Monkey started as an online business before transitioning to brick-and-mortar.
• The store is located in an unconventional area, creating a unique shopping experience.
• Social media plays a crucial role in driving traffic to the store.
• Howard emphasizes the importance of creating a fun and immersive environment for customers.
• The store features a constantly changing inventory of unique products.
• Customer acquisition costs online are high, making brick-and-mortar more profitable.
• Howard's approach to marketing includes humor and personal engagement.
• The store has a small but dedicated team that fluctuates with the seasons.
• Economic conditions are impacting retail, but Mellow Monkey has maintained strong consumer confidence.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Mellow Monkey

13:22 Transitioning from Online to Brick-and-Mortar

21:15 The Unique Store Experience

24:56 Navigating Economic Challenges

29:56 Connecting with Customers and Community

In this fascinating episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa is joined by Chester Santos, 2008 U.S. Memory Champion and world-renowned memory expert, to explore how mastering memory can transform your personal and professional life. Chester breaks down the science behind memory training, shares practical applications for business leaders, and even puts Chris on the spot with a live memory test. From eliminating to-do lists to improving client relationships, this episode proves that memory isn't just a gift—it's a skill you can build.

What you'll hear:

• Memory is a skill that can be developed and improved.
• There is no limit to human memory; the more you know, the easier it is to learn new things.
• Chester trained for the memory championship like an Olympic athlete.
• Memory techniques can help minimize the use of notes during presentations.
• Maintaining eye contact during meetings enhances professional relationships.
• Visual representation aids in memory retention.
• Involving multiple senses can strengthen memory connections.
• Making information unusual or extraordinary helps in remembering it.
• Memory skills can significantly impact personal and professional success.
• Chester offers online memory training resources for those interested.

Chapters

00:00 – Intro: What happens when memory becomes your superpower?

01:13 – Meet Chester Santos: U.S. Memory Champion & “International Man of Memory”

02:30 – Why Memory Is an Overlooked Professional Skill

03:08 – Clear the Air: Chester’s surprising answers

05:38 – From 2020 Segment to Memory Champion

08:00 – What It Takes to Win a Memory Championship

10:20 – Self-Taught Success: Training like an Olympian

11:10 – What Happens at a Memory Championship? (Hint: Decks of Cards)

13:00 – What Science Says About Super Memory

14:35 – Real-World Applications: Business, Sales, and Public Speaking

20:25 – Ditching To-Do Lists and Meeting Notes—Seriously

26:00 – 3 Core Principles to Improve Your Memory Today

30:00 – Interactive Exercise: The Story Method Memory Challenge

35:00 – How to Apply Memory Skills to Presentations

37:15 – How You Can Train with Chester

39:20 – Where to Find Chester Online

40:15 – Fun Questions: Blockbuster, Chinatown Suitcases & Target Electronics

In this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa sits down with Jason, the founder and CEO of Image Studios, to explore his remarkable journey from running a $100M used car dealership to building and scaling his business. Jason shares how the 2008 recession pushed him to rethink his future and the lessons he learned in creating a recession-resilient, asset-light business. From negotiating leases and launching on credit cards to creating a franchise model that empowers beauty professionals, this episode is a masterclass in entrepreneurial grit, real estate savvy, and franchise growth.

What you'll hear:

• How Jason pivoted from the auto industry to the beauty and real estate space
• Why salon suites are a recession-resistant business model
• The key strategies behind scaling from one location to a national franchise
• Insights on site selection, lease negotiation, and supporting franchisee profitability

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jason Olson and Image Studios

02:02 The Journey to Founding Image Studios

05:59 Lessons from the Automotive Industry

11:53 Building a Unique Business Model

15:56 The Launch of Image Studios

22:11 Franchising and Expansion

30:01 Current Operations and Future Growth

In this episode of 'What's in Store', Chris Ressa and Karly Iacono explore the reasons behind the success of physical stores in an increasingly digital world, emphasizing the importance of customer experience, pricing strategies, and the discovery element in retail. The conversation highlights how various sectors, including cell phones, fashion, and home improvement, continue to thrive in physical retail despite the convenience of online shopping.

Takeaways:

• Batteries Plus is expanding despite being a commodity item.
• Physical stores drive traffic and offer better pricing for many items.
• Customer experience and service are crucial in retail success.
• Retailers are using stores for fulfillment and distribution.
• The gap between online and in-store prices is widening.
• Consumers prefer the immediacy of physical stores for urgent needs.
• Discovery of new products is easier in-store than online.
• Retailers benefit from having a physical presence in a market.
• Physical retail is more valuable now than pre-COVID.
• The relationship built in-store cannot be replicated online.

In this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa sits down with 1031 exchange expert David Foster to demystify one of real estate’s most powerful wealth-building tools. David, a seasoned Qualified Intermediary (QI), breaks down how 1031 exchanges allow investors to legally defer capital gains taxes when selling and reinvesting in real estate. From common pitfalls (don’t call after the sale!) to best practices and market trends, David shares insider knowledge gleaned from decades of experience and thousands of transactions.

Takeaways:

• A 1031 exchange allows investors to defer taxes on profits from real estate sales.
• Qualified intermediaries (QIs) are essential for facilitating 1031 exchanges.
• Documentation and compliance with IRS regulations are critical in 1031 exchanges.
• The best time to involve a QI is when a property is under contract for sale.
• Costs for QIs are generally reasonable and vary by location.Market conditions can significantly impact the effectiveness of 1031 exchanges.
• Investors should be aware of depreciation and its impact on taxable gains.
• The 1031 exchange has historical roots in supporting agricultural growth.
• Strategic asset selection is key to successful 1031 exchanges.
• Over-leveraging can lead to challenges in executing a 1031 exchange.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to 1031 Exchanges

04:57 Understanding the Role of a Qualified Intermediary

09:32 The Process of a 1031 Exchange

14:42 Cost and Value of 1031 Exchanges

19:14 Market Trends and 1031 Exchanges

24:19 Challenges and Lessons from 1031 Exchanges

27:02 Fun Questions and Conclusion

From humble beginnings in London, Ontario, to a thriving restaurant chain with over 64 locations, Tahini’s is now poised for U.S. expansion—fueled by innovative flavors, a massive social media following, and a franchise model centered around local ownership and community engagement. This week, Chris Ressa talks with Tahini's Founder and CEO Omar Hamam and Business Development Officer Shawn Saraga, on the big plans the company has in the U.S.

Takeaways:

From One Store to a Franchise Empire

Omar Hamam grew Tahini’s from a single restaurant into 64+ locations—and he’s just getting started.

U.S. Expansion Is Underway

First U.S. locations are launching in Illinois, New Jersey, Baltimore, and Miami—with 100 planned in 2–3 years.

Fusion-Forward Menu

Tahini’s blends Mediterranean staples with bold global flavors—think butter chicken shawarma and smoked brisket.

Massive Social Following

With 5M+ followers and 12M weekly views, Tahini’s built U.S. demand before opening a single U.S. store.

Owner-Operator Franchise Model

They reject master franchises—every franchisee must be hands-on, local, and deeply involved in the community.

Built for Delivery and Late Night

Most locations are fast-casual with strong off-premise sales—and 70% stay open until 2 a.m.

Real Estate Sweet Spot

Ideal sites: grocery-anchored centers, 1,200–2,000 SF, with smart infill and non-traditional site flexibility.

Healthier, Guilt-Free Eats

Fresh, grilled, and made-to-order—Tahini’s hits the crave factor without the fast-food regret.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tahini's and Founders' Backgrounds

07:53 Expansion Journey and Franchise Model

10:51 Store Concept and Market Positioning

13:31 Innovative Menu and Unique Offerings

16:10 Social Media Influence and Brand Awareness

18:45 Franchisee Selection and Community Engagement

22:12 Owner-Operator Approach to Expansion

24:06 Future Growth and Market Strategy

28:54 Health-Conscious Menu and Customer Appeal

The story starts with Office Depot downsizing, a prospective tenant backing out, and ends with a successful Five Below opening. Along the way, you'll hear why contingencies in commercial real estate deals are everything — and how timing, relationships, and flexibility can turn a near-miss into a win.

A must-listen for anyone in leasing, development, or deal-making.

Takeaways:

• Buy now, pay later options are on the rise and appealing to younger consumers, and retailers are investing heavily in buy now, pay later platforms.
• Supply chain challenges can vary based on ordering behaviors. Retailers who continued ordering during the pandemic are better positioned.
• Five Below's entry into Cheektowaga, NY involved complex negotiations.
• Possession in commercial real estate can be legally defined but physically contested.
• The importance of having tenants who are committed to their locations.
• Understanding the contingencies in real estate agreements is crucial.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Retail Retold

02:47 The Buy Now, Pay Later Craze

05:40 Supply Chain Insights

08:20 The Five Below Story

Despite headlines about disruption and store closures, America is undersupplied when it comes to retail space, and demand is surging. In Lawrenceville, post-COVID success triggered a leasing domino effect that brought in over 40,000 SF of new tenants and added nearly $800K in NOI.

Takeaways:

• The power of low supply and high demand and how it’s reshaping site competition
• A behind-the-scenes look at a grocery-anchored center’s three-year transformation
• The diverse, modern tenant mix redefining “normal” retail—think healthcare, beauty, food, and auto alongside legacy brands
• How smart reinvestment and strong market forces create a flywheel of growth
• Why traditional metrics like “retail per capita” miss the mark in today's environment

Chapters

00:00 Retail Real Estate Fundamentals Post-COVID

05:23 The Lawrenceville Case Study: A Retail Success Story

09:28 The Evolution of Retail Tenant Mix

In this episode of What's in Store, Chris Ressa and Karly Iacono hold their feet to the fire—revisiting bold predictions made at ICSC to see what held up, what flopped, and what’s next. From the unshakable rise of value retail to the surge in food and beverage concepts, they dissect the real trends shaping retail today. They dig into the tug-of-war between experiential and convenience, the true state of omnichannel, and why sustainability is more than a buzzword. It's a candid, no-fluff look at where retail is heading—and how close they came to calling it right.

Takeaways

• The retail industry is experiencing a tight supply and high demand for space.
• Experiential retail is evolving, but convenience remains a priority for consumers.
• Omnichannel retailing has become a standard expectation for most retailers.
• Sustainability initiatives are not currently driving business decisions in real estate.
• Redevelopment and repurposing of properties are slower than anticipated due to various challenges.
• Food and beverage concepts are thriving, with a notable increase in coffee sales.
• Value retailing continues to be a strong focus for consumers amid economic pressures
• The conversation around tariffs and AI was less prominent than expected at ICSC.
• Mixed-use developments are still a hot topic, but execution remains challenging.
• Predictions for the future should consider longer timelines for significant changes.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Retail and Real Estate Predictions
• 04:58 Reflections on ICSC Predictions
• 09:52 Supply and Demand Dynamics in Retail
• 15:08 Experiential vs. Convenience Retail
• 19:54 The State of Omnichannel Retailing
• 25:00 Sustainability and ESG Initiatives
• 29:56 Repurposing and Mixed-Use Developments
• 33:47 Food and Beverage Trends

Enjoy the show! Remember to rate and review!

The conversation covers the rise of self-storage as a viable asset class, the strategic decision to enter the Columbus market, the development process, including zoning approvals, underwriting, and construction challenges, as well as the early performance of the facility post-opening. Jack shares insights on the market dynamics, the importance of data in decision-making, and the potential for future self-storage projects at DLC.

Takeaways

• Self-storage has become a lucrative asset class post-COVID.
• Columbus was chosen for its under-supply of self-storage.
• DLC utilized in-house capabilities for construction and development.
• Zoning approvals were a significant part of the development process.
• The project faced scrutiny and required thorough feasibility studies.
• Underwriting involved collaboration with established operators like CubeSmart.Value engineering was crucial to manage construction costs.
• The facility opened ahead of schedule and is performing well.
• Local market knowledge was key in securing financing.
• DLC sees potential for more self-storage developments in the future.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Self-Storage Development
• 01:59 The Rise of Self-Storage as an Asset Class
• 04:59 Market Analysis: Why Columbus?
• 09:10 Navigating the Development Process
• 12:04 Underwriting and Financial Considerations
• 14:51 Construction Challenges and Solutions
• 21:13 Opening and Early Performance
• 23:54 Future of Self-Storage at DLC

What you'll hear:

• Renovo focuses on providing a professional approach to contracting.
• The company aims to align with landlords’ and tenants’ goals.
• Creative problem-solving is essential in construction projects.
• Weather conditions can significantly impact construction schedules.
• Design changes can complicate project timelines.
• Team communication is crucial during construction challenges.
• Building relationships with clients is a priority for Renovo.
• Trust is fundamental in contractor-client relationships.
• Renovo’s experience enhances its partnership with DLC.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Peyton Thomas and Renovo

02:58 Peyton’s journey from acting to construction

05:57 Understanding Renovo’s unique position in the market

09:07 Building two projects at once – Dick’s Sporting Goods in Ithaca, NY

12:05 Navigating the challenges of changing designs and personnel

15:01 Future growth is built by building partnerships

What you'll hear:

• Retail sales showed growth at the end of 2024, exceeding expectations.
• Bankruptcies like Party City provide insights into market dynamics.
• There is a persistent shortage of retail space in America.
• Creative solutions can lead to successful retail developments.
• Adapting to market changes is crucial for success in real estate.
• Getting ahead early in a project increases the chances of success.
• Collaboration between parties can yield innovative outcomes.
• The transformation of a single property can enhance community options
• Understanding consumer behavior is key to retail success.
• Flexibility in strategy is essential in a changing market.

Chapters

00:00 Retail Market Overview and Trends

04:54 Case Study: Lockport, New York Redevelopment

10:06 Lessons Learned from Retail Development

In this episode of What's in Store, Chris Ressa and Karly Iacono are building up the buzz leading into ICSC Las Vegas—the "Super Bowl" of retail real estate. It's not just about big deals; it's about the mindsets of the retailers, landlords, and other industry stakeholders.

The trio of hot topics? Tariffs, AI, and supply-demand warfare. While tariffs continue to ripple uncertainty, AI's footprint in site selection and real estate decisions is exploding, despite concerns over its imperfections. On the ground, the supply crunch is forcing retailers to get creative—even snapping up bankrupt spaces just to get in the game. Ressa and Iacono see Vegas as a litmus test for who's truly playing offense in this market squeeze.

Takeaways

• The Real Estate Gala showcased a diverse group of non-institutional investors.
• Tariffs are a significant concern, with varying opinions on their impact.
• Retailers are generally optimistic and sticking to expansion plans despite challenges.
• Artificial intelligence is becoming ubiquitous in business operations.
• There is a need for consolidation in AI tools to avoid inefficiencies
• Supply and demand dynamics are still favoring landlords in retail real estate.
• Retailers are being creative in accessing real estate despite constraints.
• The conversation around tariffs and AI will dominate discussions at ICSC.
• Investors are anxious about the impact of tariffs on retailer earnings.
• New concepts in retail are emerging, but traditional methods still hold value.

Chapters

00:00 Insights from the Real Estate Gala

04:07 Leading into the retail real estate Super Bowl, ICSC Las Vegas

06:00 The Impact of Tariffs on Retail

13:45 Artificial Intelligence in Retail

26:12 Supply and Demand Dynamics in Retail

On this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa is joined by Bill Fitzgerald of Radial Power to reveal a game-changing secret for retail landlords: your rooftop is prime real estate. Backed by industry heavyweights like Starwood and Related, Radial Power is turning unused roof space into pure NOI with zero CapEx. Forget about just cutting costs—solar is adding revenue streams, hitting ESG goals, and future-proofing properties.

Bill breaks down how Radial operates as a tenant, not just a service, paying you for your roof space and handling everything from installation to energy sales. This is rooftop leasing redefined, and it’s supercharging the balance sheets of forward-thinking landlords.

Ready to make your roof work for you? Tune in now.

Takeaways

• Bill Fitzgerald has been in solar for about seven years.
• Radial Power helps drive sustainability through rooftop solar.
• Solar can drive value add and increase net operating income (NOI).
• There are two main ways to operate solar on properties: ownership or leasing.
• Radial Power operates as a rooftop tenant, managing all costs and risks.
• Monetization of solar includes selling electricity and environmental credits.
• Regulatory environments significantly impact solar operations and pricing.
• Solar energy is geographically sensitive due to varying regulations.
• Solar providers like Radial Power are often misunderstood as sellers of solar systems.
• Solar installations can create additional NOI without upfront capital expenditures.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Solar and Retail Real Estate

02:45 Understanding Radial Power's Mission

04:56 Exploring Solar Ownership Models

08:47 Monetizing Solar Assets

13:39 Regulatory Challenges in Solar Energy

He started in advertising but quickly realized that real estate was where it was at for him. Guy shares with Chris Ressa his experiences in building a portfolio, the resilience of retail real estate post-COVID, and the current dynamics of the market in New York City. He emphasizes the importance of central business districts, the shift in tenant profiles, and the competitive landscape of real estate investment. The stories of some of Guy's deals are not to be missed. Exploring themes such as sale leasebacks, the impact of 9/11 on property values, and the strategic use of air rights. They reflect on the evolution of Floor Area Ratios (FAR) and its implications for future developments. The discussion also touches on nostalgia for iconic retailers like Toys R Us and the joy of giving $2 bills, highlighting the personal connections and stories behind these experiences.

Takeaways

• Guy emphasizes the importance of central business districts in real estate investment.
• He prefers deals that allow for value enhancement rather than passive income.
• The retail real estate market has shown resilience post-COVID, contrary to initial fears and many markets have recovered from COVID-related challenges.
• The competitive landscape in New York remains strong, with more buyers than sellers.
• Interest rates and cap rates have both increased, affecting deal structures.
• Guy shares a unique deal experience where he acted as both broker and buyer. Sale leasebacks can provide low initial cash flow but future value.
• The impact of significant events like 9/11 can reshape real estate markets.
• Air rights can be a lucrative asset in urban development.
• FAR changes can lead to unexpected windfalls for property owners.
• Chris' three questions: Nostalgia for brands like Toys R Us reflects deeper connections to childhood.
• Retail experiences are evolving with consumer preferences.
• Creative financing strategies can enhance investment returns.
• The joy of giving can create meaningful connections with others.
• Long-term real estate investments can yield significant returns over time.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Guy Morris and His Journey

03:11 Transitioning to Real Estate and Building a Portfolio

05:57 Current Business Model: Ownership vs. Brokerage

08:57 Types of Deals and Value Enhancement Strategies

11:59 Resilience of Retail Real Estate Post-COVID

14:52 Market Dynamics: Supply, Demand, and Tenant Changes

17:58 Current Landscape of Retail Real Estate in Metro New York

20:53 Competitive Landscape and Investment Trends

24:03 Unique Deal Experiences and Insights

27:47 Navigating Sale-Leasebacks and Financing Strategies

30:09 The Impact of 9/11 on Real Estate Transactions

32:13 Leveraging Air Rights for Profit

34:36 The Evolution of FAR and Its Implications

38:34 Reflections on Retail and Nostalgia

42:24 The Joy of Giving: $2 Bills and Their Significance

In this episode of "What's In Store?" Chris Ressa and Karly Iacono discuss what they would love to see improve in CRE. Focusing on the need for data transparency, the inefficiencies in transaction timelines, and the complexity of documentation, they explore potential solutions and innovations that could enhance the industry's efficiency and effectiveness.

Takeaways

• Data transparency is crucial for efficiency in commercial real estate.
• Transaction timelines are often unnecessarily long due to multiple approvals.
• Simplification of documentation can significantly improve transaction speed.
• Retailers are willing to share sales data if it aligns with their interests.
• The industry needs to adopt clearer and more straightforward agreements.
• Foot traffic data is not always reliable for sales attribution.
• The complexity of leases can lead to confusion and delays.
• Standardizing building measurements could streamline due diligence processes.
• Blockchain technology could revolutionize property records and transactions.
• The industry is evolving, and there is hope for addressing these challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Industry Challenges

01:18 The Need for Data Transparency

12:21 Transaction Timelines and Efficiency

22:37 Simplification of Documentation

30:47 Future Innovations in Real Estate

In this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa and Tori talk about the current state of the retail landscape and the unique characteristics of the Ohio market, where DLC now has four open-air shopping centers. She highlights the challenges and opportunities in retail real estate, including the impact of construction delays and the emergence of new retail concepts. Tori also shares insights on her recent work with Academy Sports and the evolving dynamics of tenant representation.

Takeaways

• Tori Nook has been in the retail real estate business since 1999.
• Anchor Retail specializes in retail brokerage and property management.
• The journey to starting Anchor Retail was unexpected and driven by circumstances.
• Tori emphasizes the importance of having a good team to manage operations.
• The retail landscape has changed significantly since 2021, with fewer new constructions.
• Ohio is a strong market for retail due to its spending power and demographics.
• Retailers often enter Ohio through the three C's: Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
• Academy Sports is a significant new tenant in Ohio, marking a fresh entry since 2012.
• The deal-making process has become longer and more complex due to various factors.
• AI may play a role in streamlining the waiver process in real estate.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tori Nook and Anchor Retail

02:00 The Journey of Starting Anchor Retail

06:40 Balancing Business Management and Deal-Making

08:54 Current Trends in Retail Real Estate

11:52 Ohio as a Retail Market

17:11 Exciting New Retail Developments in Ohio

In this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa and Carla Henson, Vice President of Solutions at MRI Software discuss the evolution of foot traffic analytics, the integration of AI in retail, and how data can optimize customer experiences.

Carla shares insights on the potential of visual AI in understanding consumer behavior and the importance of capturing accurate data for better decision-making in retail and office spaces.

Takeaways

• Carla Henson is the Vice President of Solutions at MRI Software, focusing on strategy and go-to-market initiatives.
• MRI Software is known for property management and supports clients across various segments, including residential and commercial real estate.
• AI is increasingly being integrated into personal and professional lives, enhancing productivity and decision-making.
• Visual AI technology allows for detailed foot traffic analysis, linking to existing security cameras to track customer behavior.
• Understanding foot traffic is crucial for retailers to optimize marketing strategies and improve customer experiences.
• Capture rates are essential metrics for retailers to measure the effectiveness of their storefronts and marketing efforts.
• Data-driven insights can reveal discrepancies in perceived versus actual customer demographics.
• The evolution of technology has shifted expectations from personal to professional environments, impacting how businesses adopt new tools.
• AI has been in development since the 1950s, but its accessibility and application in retail are relatively new.
• The future of data analytics in retail and office spaces holds significant potential for optimizing space usage and enhancing customer engagement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to MRI Software and Carla Henson

07:25 The Role of AI in Retail and Personal Life

10:58 Understanding Foot Traffic: Potential, Performance, and Optimization

17:09 The Future of Data in Retail and Office Spaces

In this episode of Retail Retold, host Chris Ressa speaks with Stephanie Stuckey, CEO of Stuckey's, about her journey and the rich history of the iconic roadside retailer from its 1937 to its peak during the Great American Road Trip era. She discusses her plans for expansion, the importance of branding and marketing, and the unique roadside experience that Stuckey's offers. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities in the retail landscape, emphasizing the nostalgic connection that customers have with the brand.

This episode was initially released on September 10, 2020.

Takeaways

• Stephanie Stuckey invested her life savings to buy Stuckey's.
• Stuckey's has a rich history aligned with America's road trip culture.
• The brand is focusing on standalone stores to enhance its identity.
• Marketing and branding are top priorities for Stuckey's moving forward.
• Stuckey's offers a unique product line that differentiates it from convenience stores.
• Customer feedback is taken seriously, with Stephanie personally responding to reviews.
• The company is exploring franchise expansion while maintaining brand integrity.
• Nostalgia plays a significant role in Stuckey's appeal to customers.
• The original design elements of Stuckey's stores are being preserved in new builds.
• Stephanie aims to revive the great American road trip experience.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Stuckey's and Stephanie Stuckey

04:54 The Evolution of Stuckey's: A Family Legacy

10:43 Reviving the Brand: Marketing and Expansion Plans

16:12 The Roadside Retail Experience: Differentiation and Nostalgia

24:02 Future Vision: Store Design and Growth Strategy

32:58 Retail Wisdom: Insights and Advice

In this episode, Chris Ressa and Karly Iacono focus on significant deals such as Walgreens' privatization by Sycamore Partners, Nordstrom's strategic move to go private, and Blackstone's acquisition of ROIC. What are the implications of these changes for investors? Plus, they recap the highlights of ICSC OAC from earlier this month. Takeaways were the changing role of AI in retail and the overall sentiment in the industry.

Takeaways

• The retail real estate market remains positive despite volatility.
• AI is becoming increasingly integrated into retail operations.
• Privatization can offer retailers flexibility and strategic growth opportunities.
• Investors need to consider the implications of ownership changes on loan covenants.
• Walgreens' privatization raises questions about future store closures.
• Nordstrom's move to go private reflects confidence in long-term growth.
• Blackstone's acquisition of ROIC signals bullishness in retail real estate.
• The trend of consolidation among public REITs continues.
• Retailers are exploring innovative ways to grow through acquisitions and assignments.
• The importance of understanding the real estate implications in privatization deals.

Chapters

00:00 Key Takeaways from ICSE OAC Conference

05:53 The Impact of AI on Retail

09:11 Understanding Retailers Going Private

12:01 Financial Flexibility and Strategic Growth

14:53 Real Estate Investor Perspectives on Ownership Changes

17:57 Case Study: Walgreens and Sycamore Partners

24:06 Case Study: Nordstrom's Strategic Move

29:53 Case Study: ROIC and Blackstone's Acquisition

In this conversation, Chris Ressa and Evan, a real estate entrepreneur and managing partner of Mahalas Capital Management, discuss Evan's journey from commercial real estate finance to developing retail properties and venturing into the tire business. The conversation covers various aspects of real estate development strategies, market challenges, tenant relationships, and insights into operating a tire business. Evan shares his experiences, lessons learned, and future plans, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and strategic decision-making in a changing market.

What you'll hear:

• How Evan's career in commercial real estate finance helped develop his primary focus on retail development, particularly single-tenant net lease assets.
• Why he prefers to enter deals with tenants already in place to minimize risk.
• How he has developed properties for notable tenants like Chipotle and Sprouts.
• He has thoughts on the current market challenges of high costs and compressed spreads.
• The importance of transparency with tenants during negotiations.
• How the tire business was his path to gain control over his expansion plans.
• The importance of marketing in the success of his tire business.
• Why owning the real estate for his tire stores is a long-term play.
• What Evan thinks the future holds many opportunities despite market uncertainties.

00:00 Introduction to Evan Mahalas and his journey

02:59 Real estate development strategies

06:09 Navigating market challenges and tenant relationships

08:50 Venturing into the tire business

11:53 Insights on operating a tire business

14:58 Marketing and customer engagement in the tire industry

18:03 Future plans and market predictions

Takeaways

• It'Sugar focuses on creating immersive retail experiences.
• The company has grown from 85 to 125 locations since acquisition.
• Retail vacancies are at an all-time low, impacting market dynamics.
• It's Sugar is exploring opportunities in airports for future growth.
• The flagship store concept blends retail with entertainment.
• Unique product offerings differentiate It's Sugar from competitors.
• The company prioritizes locations with high foot traffic and dwell time.
• All flagship stores are profitable, contributing to brand visibility.
• It's Sugar aims to expand its footprint with smaller store formats.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jonathan Schwartz and It's Sugar

02:31 Jonathan's Journey in Real Estate

05:56 The Evolution of It's Sugar

09:34 Market Insights and Growth Opportunities

12:47 Unique Store Concepts and Experiences

19:00 Flagship Store Success Stories

Takeaways

• Dutch Bros Coffee operates 415 locations, all run by operating partners.
• The drive-thru model creates a unique guest experience focused on personal connection.
• Dutch Bros has never closed a store, showcasing strong operational success.
• The company is expanding into new markets, including Texas and Oklahoma.
• During the pandemic, Dutch Bros leaned into growth rather than retreating.
• The Albuquerque store opened with significant community excitement and support.
• Data analytics play a crucial role in site selection for new stores.
• The importance of persistence in securing desired retail locations is emphasized.
• Dutch Bros aims to treat every customer equally, regardless of their purchase size.
• The conversation highlights the evolving consumer behavior in the food and beverage sector.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Retail Retold

00:57 Meet Aaron Harris and Dutch Bros Coffee

04:05 The Unique Drive-Thru Experience

08:11 Expansion Plans and Market Insights

12:05 Navigating the Pandemic and Consumer Behavior

16:05 The Story Behind the Albuquerque Store

25:10 Lessons Learned and Retail Wisdom

In this episode of 'What's in Store,' hosts Chris Ressa and Karly Iacono do pick some favorites, spotlighting innovative retailers across various categories. They explore the performance of general merchandisers, grocery stores, soft goods, specialty retailers, hard goods, and food and beverage businesses, highlighting their growth strategies and consumer appeal. The conversation emphasizes the importance of innovation, market adaptation, and delivering value to consumers in today's competitive landscape.

Takeaways

• Walmart continues to innovate with drone deliveries and cashier-less stores.
• Trader Joe's focuses on thoughtful growth and a positive shopping experience.
• TJX is thriving despite challenges in the home goods sector.
• Boot Barn capitalizes on the outdoor lifestyle trend and country music popularity.
• Tractor Supply is expanding its appeal to suburban and urban consumers.
• Home Depot is actively redeveloping obsolete malls for new store locations.
• Sherwin-Williams is outperforming competitors with strong financials and a clear brand.
• Wingstop's unique franchise model has led to significant growth and market expansion.
• Texas Roadhouse offers a family-friendly dining experience at an affordable price.
• Value-oriented retailers are thriving in the current market.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Retail and Real Estate Trends

01:51 Spotlighting Innovative Retailers

06:04 General Merchandisers and Grocery Insights

12:03 Soft Goods Retailers and Their Growth

15:59 Specialty Retailers Making Waves

19:58 Hard Goods Retailers and Market Adaptation

23:48 Food and Beverage Retail Trends

29:56 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Takeaways

• Renovo focuses on providing a professional approach to contracting.
• The company aims to align with landlords' and tenants' goals.
• Creative problem-solving is essential in construction projects.
• Weather conditions can significantly impact construction schedules.
• Design changes can complicate project timelines.
• Team communication is crucial during construction challenges.
• Building relationships with clients is a priority for Renovo.
• Trust is fundamental in contractor-client relationships.
• Renovo's experience enhances its partnership with DLC.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Peyton Thomas and Renovo

02:58 Peyton's journey from acting to construction

05:57 Understanding Renovo's unique position in the market

09:07 Building two projects at once - Dick's Sporting Goods in Ithaca, NY

12:05 Navigating the challenges of changing designs and personnel

15:01 Future growth is built by building partnerships

Takeaways

• The Chuck E. Cheese bankruptcy case was notable for its timing during COVID-19.
• A unique provision in the bankruptcy code allowed for rent delays.
• Landlords were able to secure insurance requirements during bankruptcy.
• The judge's decision favored landlords in the Chuck E. Cheese case.
• Lender support is crucial for a successful reorganization in bankruptcy.
• Container Store's bankruptcy was a pre-packaged restructuring.
• Retail bankruptcies can present opportunities for landlords.
• Misconceptions exist about the causes of retail bankruptcies.
• Bankruptcies can lead to significant changes in retail real estate.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bankruptcy and Retail

01:36The Chuck E. Cheese Bankruptcy Case

05:14Navigating Rent Delays and Abatement

10:09The Role of Lenders in Bankruptcy

12:39Comparing Chuck E. Cheese and Container Store

18:50Lessons Learned from Retail Bankruptcies

With over 20 years in the industry, Travis shares his experience with the dynamic changes in retail leasing over the past five years, the impact of COVID-19, and the innovative retail concepts and trends that are emerging in the market.

Takeaways

• RetailStat has evolved significantly, expanding its client base and product offerings.
• Building relationships is crucial in the retail real estate sector.
• Understanding client needs quickly can drive business growth.
• Mentorship played a key role in Josh's career development.
• The retail industry is seeing a shift towards PropTech solutions.
• Retail real estate is slower to adopt new technologies compared to other sectors.
• Successful retailers understand their customers and adapt to their needs.
• Merchandising and product selection are critical for retail success.
• The future of retail real estate looks promising with new technologies and strategies.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Retail Stat and Josh Suffin

02:49 Growth and Evolution of Retail Stat

06:08 The Importance of Relationships in Retail Real Estate

09:02 Navigating the Retail Real Estate Landscape

11:56 Advice for Future Generations in Retail Real Estate

14:55 The State of PropTech and Its Future

17:47 Current Trends in Retail Real Estate

21:00 Conclusion and Reflections on the Industry

In this episode of What's in Store, hosts Chris Ressa and Karly Iacono are in the nitty-gritty of consumer spending trends, holiday sales performance, and the HOT category of health and wellness. They also discuss the psychology behind marketing headlines, the significance of value in retail, and the booming gym industry, all while emphasizing the importance of understanding consumer sentiment in today's market.

Takeaways

• Betteridge's Law suggests headlines ending in a question mark usually have a 'no' answer.
• Holiday sales outperformed expectations, indicating strong consumer spending.
• Consumers are willing to spend more despite rising debt and inflation.
• E-commerce growth is significant, especially for retailers with omni-channel platforms.
• Value retailers, such as discount and off-price stores, outperformed during the holiday season.
• Health and wellness is a rapidly growing sector, driven by cultural shifts towards healthier lifestyles.
• Gym memberships are at an all-time high, indicating a strong interest in fitness.
• The competition in the gym industry is fierce, with many specialized offerings available.
• Consumers are more value-conscious when purchasing goods compared to services.
• Retail real estate must consider both goods and services in their strategies.

Chapters

00:00 The Psychology of Headlines

03:03 Holiday Sales Performance

06:05 Consumer Spending Trends

09:03 Retail Categories and Value

11:56 The Rise of Health and Wellness

21:09 The Gym Industry Landscape

30:02 Consumer Sentiment and Spending Behavior

About Retail Retold:

The Retail Retold Podcast highlights community retailer stories from across the country and gives a behind-the-scenes perspective from business leaders in both retail and real estate industries. The show’s episodes contain valuable insights that help solve the needs of entrepreneurs and real estate pros. Join host Chris Ressa and new guests weekly for amazing insights and thought-provoking stories.

Takeaways

• Retail sales showed growth at the end of 2024, exceeding expectations.
• Bankruptcies like Party City provide insights into market dynamics.
• There is a persistent shortage of retail space in America.
• Creative solutions can lead to successful retail developments.
• Adapting to market changes is crucial for success in real estate.
• Getting ahead early in a project increases the chances of success.
• Collaboration between parties can yield innovative outcomes.
• The transformation of a single property can enhance community options.
• Understanding consumer behavior is key to retail success.
• Flexibility in strategy is essential in a changing market.

Chapters

00:00 Retail Market Overview and Trends

04:54 Case Study: Lockport, New York Redevelopment

10:06 Lessons Learned from Retail Development

• Boot Barn has grown from 250 to 425 stores in four years.
• The Western wear market is expanding and becoming mainstream.
• Marketing strategies have evolved to attract diverse customer segments.
• Boot Barn values partnerships with landlords and sees them as crucial for successful store openings.
• The company focuses on a long-term growth strategy rather than short-term gains.
• Current market trends show a demand for A centers over C centers.

00:00 Introduction to Boot Barn and Charlie Arbing

02:14 Boot Barn’s Growth and Market Positioning

06:47 Marketing Strategies and Customer Segmentation

10:21 Transitioning from Starbucks to Boot Barn

12:59 Partnerships and Real Estate Strategies

19:39 Current Market Trends in Retail Real Estate

25:41 Navigating Development Challenges and Future Outlook

Takeaways

• Retail bankruptcies are gaining attention as we enter 2025.
• E-commerce brands face high failure rates, often unnoticed in the news.
• The retail landscape is shifting, with opportunities for growth.
• Understanding the struggles of e-commerce can inform brick-and-mortar strategies.
• Bankruptcies can lead to significant market share opportunities.
• Local entrepreneurs may capitalize on the demise of larger brands.
• Big retailers like Walmart and Amazon are poised to gain market share.
• The dynamics of consumer behavior are crucial in retail success.
• The future of retail will depend on adaptability and innovation.
• Staying informed about market trends is essential for retailers.

Chapters

00:00 Retail Landscape Overview for 2025

07:19 E-Commerce Bankruptcy Trends

12:29 Opportunities in Retail After Bankruptcies

Takeaways

• Understanding the specific security needs of a property is crucial.
• Building relationships with local law enforcement enhances security effectiveness.
• Security should make customers and tenants feel welcomed, not just safe.
• The transition from executive protection to retail security can be challenging.
• A strong commitment to service is essential for security companies.
• Community engagement is vital for effective security operations.
• Security companies should be proactive in problem-solving.
• Creating a positive culture within the security team is important.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Security in Retail

06:03 Catalyst for Starting Myles Davis Protective Services

12:00 Building Community Relationships for Effective Security

Takeaways

• The creativity of deal-making is becoming more prominent.
• Retailers are focusing on long-term strategies with five-year plans.
• The use of retail space is evolving with new innovations.
• Grocery growth is shifting towards the Northeast market.
• Mature retailers are aggressively expanding their footprints.
• Flexibility in retail strategies is increasing among retailers.
• Investors are looking for growth opportunities in established markets.
• The retail landscape is stabilizing after recent fluctuations.
• Creative deal-making is essential for navigating current market conditions.
• The importance of adapting to changing consumer behaviors is critical.

Chapters

00:00 Holiday spirit and conference kickoff

01:06 Creative deal-making and business plans

04:07 Long-term strategies: The five-year plan

08:01 Changing retail space: Innovations and flexibility

14:12 Market shifts: Focus on grocery and Northeast growth

19:57 Mature retailers: Expansion and stability

Topics: retail, sales reporting, leasing, tenant rights, exclusives, broker fees, leasing process, online sales, physical stores, real estate

In this special live episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa and Maria Toliopoulos, Senior Vice President of Global Retail at Ashley Global Retail, debate the complexities of retail leasing. At RetailStat's annual panel event leading up to ICSC New York, Chris, representing the landlord, and Maria, representing the tenant, on the necessity of sales reporting by tenants, the implications of exclusives in leasing agreements, and the responsibilities of landlords and tenants in creating successful retail environments. The discussion also touches on the evolving nature of retail, the impact of online sales, and the importance of relationships in the industry.

Takeaways

• Transparency in sales reporting can enhance retail performance.
• Sales figures alone do not determine the value of a retail space.
• Traffic data is crucial for assessing retail asset performance.
• Retailers should focus on customer experience to drive sales.
• Exclusives can complicate leasing agreements but may be necessary for sales.
• The relationship between landlords and tenants is vital for success.
• Broker fees are often a burden on landlords due to market dynamics.
• Streamlining the leasing process can lead to faster deal closures.
• Physical stores play a significant role in driving online sales.
• Effective communication can expedite the leasing process.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Debate on Retail Sales Reporting

12:09 The Role of Exclusives in Retail Leasing

20:02 Flexibility in Leasing Terms and Tenant Rights

21:57 Who Should Pay the Tenant's Broker?

26:40 Streamlining the Leasing Process

What do you think? Did they get it right?

Takeaways

• Suburban markets are expected to dominate retail real estate in 2024.
• The trend towards sustainability is gaining momentum in retail properties.
• Retailers are shifting towards flexible store sizes rather than strictly adhering to prototypes.
• Development activity is likely to remain muted due to high construction costs.
• There is optimism for increased deal-making in the second half of 2024.
• Remote work trends are influencing suburban migration and retail dynamics.
• Green initiatives in retail are becoming more financially viable and attractive.
• Retailers are becoming more adept at inventory management and logistics post-COVID.
• The retail landscape is evolving beyond traditional cookie-cutter store formats.
• Market conditions are creating opportunities for creative deal-making strategies.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Retail Predictions for 2024

03:15 Suburban Dominance in Retail Real Estate

11:10 The Green Revolution in Retail Properties

16:31 The Shift Towards Flexible Store Sizes

21:49 Muted Development Pipeline for 2024Summary

Takeaways

• Footwear trends are shifting towards brands like Hoka and Ugg.
• The demand for experiences is growing, influencing retail trends.
• Holiday sales are expected to rise, but margins may be tighter.
• Marketing spend is increasingly seen as a driver of sales conversion.
• Leadership changes in retail indicate a need for refresh and innovation.
• Consumer spending is shifting towards essentials and food.
• The home sector may see a pickup with interest rate cuts.
• New private brands are gaining traction in the apparel sector.
• Retailers are focusing on remodeling stores and enhancing customer experience.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dana Telsey and Her Background

06:00 Holiday Sales Predictions and Consumer Behavior

11:48 Leadership Changes in Retail: Impacts and Insights

18:01 Sector Insights: Home, Apparel, and Discount Retailers

00:00 Thanksgiving plans and family traditions

02:30 Retail Mergers: The state of the industry

10:17 Amazon Fresh: Innovations in grocery retail

18:15 WH Smith's Expansion into Airport Retail

24:25 Conclusion and Retail Roundup

About Retail Retold:

The Retail Retold Podcast highlights community retailer stories from across the country and gives a behind-the-scenes perspective from business leaders in both retail and real estate industries. The show’s episodes contain valuable insights that help solve the needs of entrepreneurs and real estate pros. Join host Chris Ressa and new guests weekly for amazing insights and thought-provoking stories.

00:00 Introduction to LeasePilot and David Saltman

06:00 The Evolution of Contract Types and Automation

11:55 The Future of Contract Generation and Human Oversight

17:50 Overcoming Resistance to Automation in Legal Processes

24:00 Integration and Future of Contract Automation

00:00 Introduction to Retail Retold

02:46 The Concept Behind Zero Empty Spaces

06:29 Business Model and Artist Engagement

13:45 Expansion Plans and Community Impact

22:54 Challenges and Opportunities in Scaling

32:41 The First Location Story

39:36 Retail Wisdom and Closing Thoughts

00:00 Introduction to Retail Retold

00:24 Listener Request Episode Introduction

01:35 Question 1: Retail Predictions for 2025

03:58 Question 2: Concerns and Desires in Retail Categories

08:11 Question 3: Growing Mature Retail Categories

10:53 Question 4: Changes in Retail Leases Post-COVID

12:44 Question 5: Future of Retail Leasing Demand

14:57 Bonus Question and Conclusion

• The change in federal monetary policy can create both opportunities and competition.
• Legacy brands are still expanding, contrary to headlines about retail closings.
• Geographic expansion remains a key strategy for established brands.
• Events like the Olympics can serve as catalysts for brand growth.
• New concepts within legacy brands can capture additional market share.
• Ace Hardware's Elevate concept exemplifies local engagement in retail.
• Fresh Grocer is a new concept focusing on produce in suburban areas.
• Established companies like Netflix are entering physical retail with immersive experiences.
• Retail closings are a natural part of the industry's evolution.
• The durability of retail is evident in the various growth strategies being employed.

00:00 Introduction

00:24 Excitement over federal monetary policy

01:44 Today's episode: legacy brands expanding

02:37 Geographic expansion strategies

03:48 Global events as catalysts for retail growth

08:35 New concepts within established brands

14:08 Established companies entering brick-and-mortar

14:22 Netflix's bold move into physical retail

17:50 The strategy behind Netflix's location choices

21:15 Wayfair's transition to physical stores

22:08 The future of non-retail businesses in physical spaces

24:54 Concluding thoughts on retail durability

• Boot Barn has grown from 250 to 425 stores in four years.
• The Western wear market is expanding and becoming mainstream.
• Marketing strategies have evolved to attract diverse customer segments.
• Boot Barn values partnerships with landlords and sees them as crucial for successful store openings.
• The company focuses on a long-term growth strategy rather than short-term gains.
• Current market trends show a demand for A centers over C centers.

00:00 Introduction to Boot Barn and Charlie Arbing

02:14 Boot Barn's Growth and Market Positioning

06:47 Marketing Strategies and Customer Segmentation

10:21 Transitioning from Starbucks to Boot Barn

12:59 Partnerships and Real Estate Strategies

19:39 Current Market Trends in Retail Real Estate

25:41 Navigating Development Challenges and Future Outlook

About Retail Retold:

The Retail Retold Podcast highlights community retailer stories from across the country and gives a behind-the-scenes perspective from business leaders in both retail and real estate industries. The show’s episodes contain valuable insights that help solve the needs of entrepreneurs and re

 Kelly shares insights from his architecture and social science approach, including his work with clients like Harley Davidson and Whole Foods. Discussing his book 'Irreplaceable', he touches on society's shift due to digital disruption and the critical nature of maintaining physical spaces for human interaction. He emphasizes the significance of involving retail processes in public venues and the importance of mixing behavioral study in architecture for impactful design. From case studies, he highlights the emotional connection people have with spaces and the need to innovate in physical retail to thrive.

00:00 Introduction to Retail Retold

00:21 Meet Kevin Kelly: Architect and Author

00:41 Kevin's Unique Perspective on Architecture

02:01 The Founding of Shook Kelly

02:36 The Importance of Environment in Retail

03:52 Kevin's Book: Irreplaceable

04:36 The Impact of Technology on Human Interaction

14:08 Case Study: Fresen Bros.

17:56 Challenges in Modern Architecture

19:55 The Role of Public Places in Society

21:30 Shook Kelly's Operations and Services

28:29 The Power of Senses in Design

34:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Anjee provides insights on the recent leasing activities, the challenges faced by retailers in store openings, and the projections for year-end growth in the retail sector. Anjee and her team at Colliers recently published a report on AI in retail, covering how both retailers and landlords are adopting AI, the potential power infrastructure needs, and the impact on consumer experience. Tune in for an engaging conversation on the evolving landscape of retail real estate and the role of AI in shaping it.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:24 State of the Union on Retail Real Estate

01:58 Challenges in Retail Leasing and Occupancy

02:58 Discussion on Rent and Fixed Costs

08:22 AI in Retail: Insights and Impacts

09:53 Landlord and Retailer Perspectives on AI

15:36 Consumer Adoption and Future of AI

24:09 Final Thoughts and Future Outlook

38:45 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa chats with Kelly Perry, co-owner of Perry's Pork Rinds and Country Store in Bronson, Kansas. Kelly shares her journey from starting an e-commerce pork rind business to owning a multi-SKU grocery store in a town of 304 people. Faced with numerous challenges, including licensing, food handling certification, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Kelly and her husband transitioned from their full-time jobs to build a thriving rural grocery store. With a focus on community relationships, local sourcing, and innovative product offerings, Perry's Pork Rinds and Country Store has become a local favorite and achieved significant growth. Kelly's inspiring story underscores resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in community-focused business success.

00:00 Introduction to Retail Retold

00:22 Meet Kelly Perry: From Kansas to pork rinds

01:18 The Unexpected journey to retail

02:35 Building a business from scratch

04:19 Expanding during the pandemic

06:15 Creating a micro grocery store

08:30 Learning the retail ropes

11:41 Community engagement and produce programs

13:39 The popularity of fresh produce

16:01 The difference between pork rinds and cracklins

18:20 24-Hour access inspiration

19:50 Website impressions and social media

20:14 Sales and Growth Journey

21:25 Expanding beyond the store

22:24 Online sales and email marketing

23:40 Local sourcing and community engagement

26:24 Building the store and overcoming challenges

28:29 Unique products and customer service

32:05 Future plans and pork rind expansion

34:48 Fun questions and conclusion

In this episode of Retail Retold, host Chris welcomes Valerie Warren, the dynamic founder and owner of Mabel's Landing, a women's clothing store in Williamsville, NY.

Valerie shares her inspiring journey of stepping into entrepreneurship from over 30 years in accounting following the closure of a beloved local store, Mabel Danahy’s. She talks about her transition from accounting to retail, the process of setting up her store, and the challenges and successes she encountered along the way. Valerie discusses the importance of location, her selective inventory approach, and how she maintains a personal touch through unique offerings like gift wrapping and in-house alterations.

She highlights the value of having a supportive team and the vital role of vendor relationships in her business success. Listeners also get a glimpse of Valerie's love for the local community, her stance on shopping local, and her thoughts on possibly expanding Mabel's Landing in the future.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:23 Valerie's Background and Journey to Retail

01:28 Transition from Accounting to Retail

03:18 The Legacy of Mabel Danahy's

04:48 Starting Mabel's Landing

05:32 Building Relationships with Vendors

06:38 Choosing the Right Location

11:17 Challenges and Surprises in Retail

13:22 Customer Experience and Unique Offerings

18:44 Future Plans and Final Thoughts

20:14 Fun Questions and Conclusion

They explore why banks are opening more branches, the challenges facing drugstores amid health care system complexities, and the sustained appeal of movie theaters despite rising entertainment costs.

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

01:15 Hot Topics in Net Lease Sector

01:48 The Resilience of Banks

09:13 The Future of Drugstores

18:27 The Evolution of Movie Theaters

27:32 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of Retail Retold, host Chris Ressa welcomes the founder and owner of Half Baked Cookies, Angie Snediker. Angie shares her journey from baking in her home kitchen to expanding her cookie business to three locations, including Lockport, Williamsville, and Buffalo. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of starting a business, the importance of providing freshly baked cookies for customers, and her unique flavors that set Half Baked Cookies apart from competitors. Angie also touches on her strategic approach to selecting store locations and her plans for future expansion.

00:00 Introduction

00:19 Meet Angie Snediker: Founder of Half Baked Cookies

00:47 The Journey from Kitchen to Storefront

01:47 Expansion and Success in New Locations

02:34 Unique Selling Points of Half Baked Cookies

03:43 Business Challenges and Triumphs

04:34 Choosing the Right Locations

08:54 Williamsville Store: A Success Story

14:49 Future Plans and Industry Insights

18:58 Fun Questions with Angie

20:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join host Chris Ressa on this episode of Retail Retold as he delves into the intricacies of co-tenancy clauses in retail leases. Discover the obligations landlords face, from maintaining occupancy levels to the potential remedies tenants can invoke. Chris discusses the high costs and effort associated with negotiating these clauses, the limited instances of lease termination, and proposes a need to evolve these provisions to better suit today's dynamic retail landscape. Tune in for insightful discussions and a thought-provoking look at an often overlooked aspect of commercial real estate.

00:00 Introduction to Retail Retold

00:24 Understanding Co-Tenancy Clauses

04:34 Types of Co-Tenancy Clauses

07:00 Challenges and Negotiations in Co-Tenancy

14:10 The Future of Co-Tenancy Provisions

21:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of Retail Retold, host Chris Ressa delves into the world of franchise real estate with guest Ty Brewster, a franchise broker from Phoenix, Arizona, who specializes in national expansions.

Ty shares fascinating insights into his unique role, including utilizing LocateAI to track cell phone data and provide valuable location analytics for client franchises. He explains his journey from running Cold Stone Creamery locations to representing over 70 franchise brands, all while maintaining a tenant-only focus at his firm.

Ty's story about investing heavily in attending conferences and building relationships offers listeners a deep dive into the intricacies and commitments of succeeding in the franchise space.

Chris and Ty also touch on industry trends, the impact of rising interest rates on corporate growth, and the growing appeal of franchises amid economic uncertainty. The episode wraps up with a compelling case study of how Ty helped bring Hawaii’s beloved Seven Brothers Burgers to Utah, showcasing his dedication to franchise growth and strategic real estate decisions.

00:00 Introduction to Retail Retold

00:22 Meet Ty Brewster: Franchise Specialist

00:45 Understanding Franchise Real Estate

01:00 The Role of Technology in Franchise Growth

04:17 Challenges and Strategies in Franchise Real Estate

10:39 The Journey into Franchise Real Estate

17:54 The Importance of Investing in Yourself

26:28 Success Stories: Seven Brothers Burgers

31:54 Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion

In this episode of Retail Retold, host Chris Ressa sits down with Dave Burton, a Tampa-based restaurateur. Dave shares his passion for the restaurant industry, detailing his journey from running Gen X Tavern and Soho Sushi, to opening the exciting new Storm Runners Tavern. He discusses the challenges and joys of restaurant ownership, building a strong team, and navigating the evolving market. The episode also highlights Dave's innovative approach to opening The Getaway in St. Petersburg, transforming a neglected property into one of Florida's top beach bars. Dive into the world of hospitality with insider stories from one of the industry's biggest influencers.

Chris Ressa and CBRE's Karly Iacono are back and this months episode is all about the restaurant industry as Chris and Karly seek to answer one question; why are so many Americans going out to eat?

Chris Ressa and CoStar's National Director of Retail Analytics Brandon Svec sat down at ICSC Las Vegas for a quick and dirty conversation about data.

What You’ll Learn:

1. How does one of the industry's research teams aggregate data from 1.5 million properties across the US to provide insights on the retail real estate sector?
2. How the unique value of CoStar's census-level approach sets it apart from other research firms and brokerages.
3. The challenges of undocumented information in commercial real estate.

Chris Ressa talked with Louis Asbury, Diamonds Direct's Vice President of Real Estate about the addition of some new bling to the Houston area.

Diamonds Direct opened a new store at Wood Ridge Plaza built from the ground up by Renovo Construction, DLC's GC company.

If you missed it in January, we're sharing one of this year's most downloaded episodes is this week's Retail Retold Replay.

• There is a positive sentiment among retailers and a distinct lack of recession talk.
• Interest rates. Will they come down? When will it happen, and what will the impact be on pricing?
• What are the shifting buyer trends?
• What's driving lease terms?
• Franchising growth is a significant trend that is here to stay.
• The importance of real estate fundamentals and retail execution.

Tune in as they talk about the impact of proptech in CRE, the challenges it faces, and what the future of proptech in commercial real estate will look like.

In this week's episode, Chris sits down with DLC CEO, Adam Ifshin live from Vegas!

Adam and Chris are breaking down DLC's newest white paper which features data and insights from CBRE, Co-Star, Placer AI, and many more into what smart investors need to know about the best investment asset in CRE.

In this week's episode, Chris and Karly Iacono, Senior Vice President of Investment Properties at CBRE, are gearing up for ICSC 2024.

They are talking about the hottest topics of discussion this time around, and specifically those themes that they did not expect to be a focal point of conversation. Tune in to hear about 6 things you don't have on your ICSC bingo card that you should.

With ICSC 2024 quickly approaching, it is the perfect opportunity to review how data is being used to drive real estate decisions amidst an ever-changing retail landscape. Listen in for expert insights from two real estate professionals!

Find out what it took to make Brian's vision a reality. From financing to finding a location to buildout costs, this episode is valuable for every aspiring entrepreneur and real estate professional!



In this week's episode of Retail Retold, Chris sits down with Ariel Schuster, Vice Chairman at Newmark and NYC retail real estate expert. Ariel offers a deep dive into the NYC retail real estate market, down to which neighborhoods are the hottest destinations for brands right now. 

Challenges in funding direct-to-consumer products due to market changes and investor caution.

           •         Funding for direct-to-consumer products is challenging, with a 97% decrease in venture capital funding in 2022 compared to 2021.

           •         Chris Ressa notes that this shift in funding is changing how brands are coming to existence, with DTC brands needing to be more creative in their financing strategies.

           •         Ressa and Iacono discuss the decline of institutional investment in DTC brands, citing higher costs and a less favorable IPO market.

           •         They also mention the challenges of scaling DTC brands during a slowdown in discretionary spending, particularly for lifestyle-related products.

Consumer spending habits and the challenges of scaling DTC brands.

           •         Ressa and Iacono discuss the impact of the pandemic on consumer spending, with a shift towards more essential items and away from discretionary spending.

           •         They also highlight the success of Stanley, a brand that has managed to penetrate various demographics through effective marketing.

           •         Iacono and Ressa discuss the challenges of selling products through various channels, including brick-and-mortar, online, and omnichannel.

           •         They argue that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to selling products, and that the right channel depends on the product and market.

           •         Ressa argues that eliminating the middleman in retail can be challenging and expensive.

           •         She suggests that leveraging existing brands like Target and Walmart can be more achievable for DTC brands.

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) retail models, challenges, and potential future changes.

           •         The speaker believes that physical retail should be the starting point for many businesses, with e-commerce added later for omnichannel presence.

           •         The speaker agrees that the traditional model of creating a product, building an e-commerce website, and relying on customer acquisition costs may not be the most effective approach.

           •         Ressa suggests that DTC startups may need to reconsider their approach, following the success of brands that started in physical stores before expanding online.

           •         Iacono agrees, noting that history repeats itself and that the old concept of starting in physical stores before expanding online may become new again.

           •         Ressa and Iacono discuss the challenges of launching a successful DTC brand in the retail market.

           •         They highlight the importance of considering alternative channels, such as wholesale and omni-channel sales, in addition to DTC.

Listen in to learn about the future of workplace culture, shifting recruitment strategies, and measuring success in DEI!

In this week's episode, Chris sits down with Ethan Chernofsky, head of marketing at Placer.AI as they discuss the most important retail real estate trends in 2024. 

You'll also learn:

1. What is "affordable luxury"
2. What context is necessary to accurately analyze segments of retail real estate?
3. How resilient has the grocery category been over the past five years?

Listen in as two commercial real estate experts give their takes!

Chris dives into the perspectives of both tenants and landlords, the importance of finding a balance between flexibility and control, and what factors to consider during the approval process for assignments.

Today's episode is all about cold hard cash, and how to get more of it from your retail properties!

Tune in as Karly and Chris discuss densification, ancillary income, working with existing tenants on renewal terms, financial strategies, and property upgrades.

In the real estate industry, adding value is the name of the game. Today's solo episode explores three ways to add value in a low-vacancy environment along with the story of navigating a tricky development deal for a Starbucks in Newburgh, NY.

You'll learn:

1. How to balance patience with urgency in the dealmaking process
2. How strong is leasing momentum in the Inland Empire?
3. What is bad real estate vs. bad pricing?
4. What is a conditional use permit?
5. How quickly deals change, the importance of being adaptive

Listen in as two experts in commercial real estate discuss seven common kinds of lease provisions, their thoughts on each, and the best tips for negotiating these provisions with tenants.

Join Chris and Louis as they tell the story behind one of Diamond Direct’s newest locations at the Woodlands in Houston. 

This week Chris Ressa tackles this game-changing aspect of retail real estate deals – possession contingencies. Find out why this clause is a game-changer when signing leases for retail spaces. And why.

BONUS: 2024 is a perfect time to reflect on where you can skill-up both professionally and personally. We think you’ll be very curious to hear what is keeping Chris busy outside of work. Share your new skill below!

A year later, many of these predictions were right on target. Brin explains how brands can make informed decisions on store locations and enhance their retail strategies by leveraging customer data, demographics, and third-party insights, brands can make informed decisions on store locations and enhance their retail strategies.  

⭐ Shift to suburbs: Due to a shift in lifestyle preferences and an increase in hybrid work environments, suburbs will dominate retail real estate in the new year.

⭐ Green is in: Retail properties will embrace sustainability by trying out LED lighting, solar initiatives, and water conservation.

⭐ Flexibility rules: As store sizes evolve, retailers will adapt to existing spaces rather than adhere to strict prototypes.

Listen in now!

Ty is a retail broker for Locate AI, a company that provides location and revenue analysis for potential store locations for franchisees.  By taking risks and investing in his career, Ty was able to build a team of brokers around the country that now drives millions of dollars in revenue.

This week Barone, President of Barone Enterprises, joins Chris Ressa on Retail Retold to dive into the world of retail real estate management.

What are the unique challenges and opportunities of the snowplowing industry?

From insurance hurdles to life-saving efforts during extreme storms, learn what it takes to succeed in snowy markets!

Chris Ressa and Karly Iacono guide us through the dynamics of recent REIT mergers, from Kimco’s strategic moves to Regency’s suburban market plans.

⭐ a shift towards consolidation

⭐ challenges of scaling in a competitive market

⭐ clever capital structures influencing acquisitions

Listen in now to hear more!

You should. In a special episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa dives into DLC’s $100M blockbuster acquisition of four properties in four states.  

The unique dynamics of this deal, combined with the challenges commercial real estate companies face in the current economic climate, make this a one of-a-kind story.   

There are incredibly exciting prospects coming to DLC's portfolio. 

No better time than Black Friday, the official kick-off of the holiday shopping season to hear from Tom McGee, CEO and President of the International Conference of Shopping Centers (ICSC).

Listen to this week’s episode of Retail Retold with Chris Ressa and you’ll get the answers to all your burning retail questions not to mention some extra insights into his leadership role.

⭐how companies are adapting to consumer trends

⭐the importance of collaboration and partnerships

⭐why we should expect a positive holiday season

seller.”🔥

Gary Rappaport’s story is a testament to seizing opportunities and thriving in the world of retail real estate. As the CEO of Rappaport, he preaches about the importance of embracing entrepreneurship and being willing to take risks.

📕 the art of creating long-term assets, embracing risk, and finding value in every property

💻the evolving relationship between brick-and-mortar and e-commerce

🏠how Gary turned a small home builder business into a retail empire

Listen in now to hear more!