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In the commercial real estate industry, data-driven decision-making has become essential. Among the various data sources available, mobile location data (MLD) has emerged as a powerful tool, but one that requires careful understanding and application. I talked about this many years ago, not long after this data became mainstream in
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Back in 2022, I did a presentation where I started to touch on the idea that sales per square foot was no longer a good measure of retailer performance (and don't judge on the slide format - I was in my "dark mode mood" back then)
Retailer
Founded in 1951 by Sam Gutowitz, Sam Goody built its reputation on discounted vinyl records and became a major music retailer in the 1980s and 1990s. It operated more than 800 locations at its peak and was especially known for its “Goody Got It” slogan and broad selection of music,
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Why Retail Must Rethink Generational Stereotypes There's a fundamental shift happening in how we understand consumers, and it's forcing retail and commercial real estate to evolve beyond traditional demographic segmentation. The Perennial Mindset Gina Pell introduced the concept of "Perennials" in 2016: Individuals of
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I have heard a lot lately about both data fatigue and disparate data in #CRE. The former relates to the industry being swamped with data and trying to make sense of the noise. The latter comes once you decide on the data you need (a feat in itself), and none
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For decades, retail real estate professionals have leaned on trade area analysis as a compass for site selection, portfolio strategy, and market forecasting. Draw a circle around a store location, count the rooftops, layer in some demographic data, and voilà, instant insight. But today, that map is outdated and will
Restaurant
Sweet Tomatoes began its journey in 1978 in San Diego, California, with a vision to provide fresh, wholesome food in a welcoming, family-friendly environment. Its all-you-can-eat buffet featured salads, soups, pastas, and baked goods made from scratch. The concept resonated with customers, and Sweet Tomatoes expanded across the country, becoming
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If AI feels like the latest buzzword in commercial real estate, you’re not wrong. It's been the main topic at almost every conference, meeting, social gathering that I have been to for most of 2024 and 2025. AI is definitely more than just hype. It is already
Retailer
Founded in New York City in 1826 by Samuel Lord and George Gilman, Lord & Taylor was originally opened as a dry goods store in 1824 on Broadway 9the name became Lord & Taylor in 1826). Little did they know, this modest beginning would grow into one of America’s
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Commercial Real Estate's Decision Paralysis in 2025 The commercial real estate industry entered 2025 in a state of cautious limbo. After several years of turbulence, market participants find themselves caught between conflicting signals— positive economic indicators on one hand and persistent uncertainties on the other. This hesitation is
Retailer
Founded in 1958 in Southbridge, Massachusetts, by three brothers: Milton, Irving and Herbert Gilman, Ames Department Stores initially focused on industrial sites to open its first stores. 1960s-1970s: Expansion and Growth Ames grew rapidly, targeting rural and small-town markets across the U.S. Midwest and East Coast. The company differentiated
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What Is a Third Place? The concept of the "third place" was coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg in his 1989 book The Great Good Place to describe social environments that are distinct from home (the "first place") and work (the "second place")—settings where