Navigating Retail Real Estate: Insights from Kimco CEO Conor Flynn

In this episode of Leaning In, host Terry Montesi sits down with Conor Flynn, CEO of Kimco Realty, for an in-depth discussion about the evolution of retail real estate, the future of mixed-use development, and the trends shaping consumer behavior. Conor shares lessons from his two decades at Kimco, detailing the company’s strategic shift toward grocery-anchored shopping centers, its multifamily expansion efforts, and the advantages of scale in today’s REIT landscape. The conversation also explores how technology, capital markets, and macroeconomic uncertainty are influencing decisions across the retail and development sectors.

They discuss:

• Lessons learned from a career built within Kimco Realty

• How grocery-anchored centers became the foundation of Kimco’s portfolio

• The company’s multifamily strategy and use of joint venture partnerships

• Navigating today’s capital markets and managing risk amid uncertainty

• Emerging retail trends, from off-price and grocery to health and wellness

• How technology and consumer behavior will shape the next generation of shopping centers

Links:

Trademark Property

Terry on LinkedIn

Kimco Realty

Conor on LinkedIn

Topics:

(00:00:00) - Intro

(00:01:13) - Connor Flynn's journey at Kimco

(00:04:09) - Lessons learned in real estate

(00:07:44) - Kimco's strategic position and mission

(00:15:03) - Multifamily expansion and redevelopment

(00:18:07) - Navigating economic uncertainty

(00:26:10) - Building for a 300 spread

(00:26:30) - Navigating uncertainty in development

(00:27:50) - Institutional partnerships and success stories

(00:29:29) - Retailer categories and trends

(00:30:51) - Grocery anchors and leasing strategies

(00:39:04) - National vs. local tenants

(00:40:42) - Future of retail real estate

(00:45:13) - Advice for young professionals

(00:46:57) - Conclusion and final thoughts