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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 But today, that map is outdated and will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
Corner of Main & Main
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
Nostalgic Retail Series
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
Nostalgic Retail Series
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
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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
Nostalgic Retail Series
Founded in 1962 (and originally two words: Dress Barn) by Roslyn Jaffe in Stamford, Connecticut, Dressbarn began as a dedicated women’s clothing retailer, quickly expanding across the U.S. and becoming a household name. Dressbarn went public in 1982, marking its growth on the NASDAQ, and in 2011, it
Nostalgic Retail Series
Founded in 1956 by cousins Louis and Shaol Pozez in Topeka, Kansas, Payless started as a small family-run business. Through offering trendy shoes at budget-friendly prices, it quickly built a reputation for making fashion accessible, especially for families on tight budgets. The 1960s marked the beginning of Payless’
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#CRE Data & Technology - The Next Frontier Outdated, legacy systems and disparate data are cornerstones of the commercial real estate world. Yes, #Proptech, #AI, #MachineLearning and other buzzwords have been circulating in this sector for many years now, but take a closer look and there is both cause for concern
Retailer
Founded in 1977 in Birmingham, Alabama, Just For Feet rapidly became a household name and one of the fastest-growing athletic shoe chains in the United States. By 1999, it boasted over 140 superstores across 25 states and Puerto Rico. What set Just For Feet apart were its innovative store
Corner of Main & Main
Let me start out right up front with this: I am not making any political statements...pro or con. I am simply discussing what is at hand for retail and commercial real estate. I also want to acknowledge that the idea for the title font was inspired by the awesome