CRE Exchange: Commercial Real Estate, Property Valuations, Real Estate Analytics and Property Tax Gen Z, AI, and the mall: What’s driving retail real estate’s next golden age
May 1, 2025
Brandon Isner, the Head of Retail Research at Newmark, shares his expertise on the retail real estate renaissance. He dives into how Gen Z is reviving in-person shopping and the transformative power of AI in enhancing retail experiences. The conversation highlights the evolution of malls into lifestyle hubs and the importance of tech-driven omni-channel strategies. With insights on the blend of e-commerce and physical stores, Isner reveals what market participants should keep an eye on as the retail sector enters a promising new era.
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Brandon's Unique Career Path
- Brandon Isner transitioned from performing arts to urban planning and retail real estate research.
- His city-dweller perspective fuels his passion for retail's interaction with community life.
Limited New Retail Construction
- Retail construction in the U.S. has been under 1% per year since the financial crisis, limiting new supply.
- This scarcity gives established retail assets a competitive advantage in their markets.
Retail Agility During Pandemic
- Retailers showed agility during the pandemic by quickly adapting with curbside pickup and drive-thru innovations.
- Retail evolves rapidly to meet shifting consumer behaviors and operational realities.