Experiential Shopping with Al Urbanski of Chain Store Age (Part 1)

In this two-part episode, Trademark’s VP of Experience, Chuck Steelman, sits down with Al Urbanski, Real Estate Editor at Chain Store Age, to discuss the building blocks of experiential shopping. Al gives a peak behind the journalist curtain to share what properties across the nation are doing to better their retail experiences. He and Chuck talk about CSA’s Top 10 Retail Center Experiences of 2021 list and how Trademark’s Galleria Dallas earned its No. 3 spot. Learn what still surprises Al about the industry, even after 10 years working with it, and the top 10 list.

Leaning In is published every second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Be sure to follow the show on your preferred podcast app to hear our next episode.

Timestamps

(0:49) - Al’s background and CSA’s current editorial focuses

(2:27) - From your perspective of the industry, what do you think needs to change most in brick-and-mortar retail? And what do you see as the future of brick and mortar?

(4:09) - Chain storage recently announced its top 10 retail center experiences for 2021. Trademark’s Galleria Dallas was named number three on that list. Can you please share more about this award? Like what was the criteria and how did you guys find and determine the centers that were named on the list?

(7:38) - Are you seeing diversity and inclusion as a growing trend across the industry and did that trend weigh into the top 10 rankings?

(12:39) - what makes for a good retail experience and what elements are needed do you think that centers need to incorporate to have a successful guest experience?

(14:08) - Over the years, what has been the most surprising thing to you about the list and were there any new surprises this year on that top 10 retail experience list?