The TreppWire Podcast: A Commercial Real Estate Show 372. Carmen Spinoso on Leasing, Experiential Retail, & Why Enclosed Malls Still Matter | Spinoso Real Estate Group
Jan 6, 2026
Carmen Spinoso, Chairman and CEO of Spinoso Real Estate Group, brings over 35 years of experience in transforming retail spaces. He discusses the surprising resilience of enclosed malls, highlighting that they still capture 75-80% of sales. Carmen illustrates how Gen Z is rejuvenating foot traffic through experiential retail concepts. He shares success stories on repositioning vacant anchors and stresses the importance of community events. With an optimistic outlook for 2026, Spinoso showcases why malls remain a valuable investment, promoting creative marketing and engaging local communities.
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From Leasing Rep To CEO
- Carmen Spinoso started as a leasing rep after college and fell in love with leasing as a core value driver in real estate.
- He recounts his first deal (a pet store) and how building tenant relationships shaped his career and community impact.
Winning Grand Central Management
- Spinoso Real Estate Group competed for and won the management contract for Grand Central Terminal after a year-long RFP process.
- Carmen describes the personal significance, recalling his first visit to Grand Central as a child and now managing it.
Physical Stores Still Dominate Sales
- Brick-and-mortar still captures roughly 75–80% of all sales despite e-commerce growth.
- Enclosed malls remain central to regional commerce because physical presence continues to drive consumer connection and sales.