A newsletter at the intersection of retail and commercial real estate
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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
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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
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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
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#CRE Data & Technology - The Next Frontier Outdated, legacy systems and disparate data are cornerstones of the commercial real estate world.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
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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
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If you want to call this the "new normal" (a vastly over-used term since the pandemic), it would be TBD. Once thing though is certain, we have witnessed a shift in retail growth, moving away from traditional goods toward a greater emphasis on services. This transformation reflects
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Experiential retail has emerged as the strategic tool for brick-and-mortar stores to attract and retain customers and combat the convenience of e-commerce. By creating immersive and engaging experiences, retailers can drive foot traffic, increase dwell time, and ultimately boost sales. But, there are downsides to this focus
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The Resilience of Off-Price Retail: Thriving Amid Economic Uncertainty As we navigate through a period marked by economic uncertainty, one retail segment has consistently demonstrated its ability to weather the storm: off-price retail. Despite challenges faced by traditional retailers, off-price giants like The TJX Companies, Inc. , Ross
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I know. WTF does this have to do with commercial real estate, retail or the consumer? Well, let me explain, taking inspiration from a post by @mattschnuck Matt identified this Picasso sketch as Steve Jobs’ favorite piece of art. Why? Simplicity can take more time than complexity. Simplicity scales much
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It's been a hot topic at every conference, every industry meeting and get-together and within most retail and commercial real estate ("CRE") organizations. Hell...its' been a hot topic EVERYWHERE! Most say AI will "revolutionize" CRE. Transform the way we transact, process
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The headlines have been rampant lately.... So many store closings, the sky is falling, retail could be in trouble, 2025 is going to be even worse, and of course the retail apocalypse is back! Lets look at the non-headline perspective * Retail vacancies are low: 4.1% with retail demand
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Well...my Tuesday edition is on a Wednesday during this bi-weekly interval, but there is good reason. I had the opportunity to attend the 2025 National Retail Federation Big Show and wanted to use this edition to discuss my observations. 1. This Year's Show was 90% Technology