

Where We Buy: Retail Real Estate with James Cook
Where We Buy
James Cook and his fellow retail researchers visit shopping destinations around the world, interview retail and real estate executives and discuss market research in a fast-paced and fun setting. James researches retail and real estate for JLL.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 18, 2025 • 49min
Inside Level99 with Founder & CEO Matt DuPlessie - Where We Buy #343
Matt DuPlessie is founder and CEO of Level99, a real-world gaming venue designed for adults. He covers the origins of Level99, its unique concept of combining various physical and mental challenge rooms with high-quality dining, and plans for growth, including upcoming locations in Tysons, Virginia, Hartford, Connecticut, and Disney Springs in Orlando. Matt also discusses the technology and design process behind the games, the importance of integrating local art, and the investment in Level99 by Ron Shaich's Act 3 Holdings. James Cook is the director of retail research in the Americas for JLL. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Listen: WhereWeBuy.show Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here: http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.

Jul 11, 2025 • 28min
Electrify America's EV Charging Strategy for Shopping Centers - Where We Buy #342
Brandy Mathie is Director of Site Acquisition and Portfolio Management at Electrify America, the largest open hyper-fast electric vehicle charging network in the U.S. Mathie explains the company's growth, future goals, and the logistics of deploying charging stations in retail locations. She also covers customer experience, ideal site locations, and the increasing demand for EV infrastructure. James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL. Keisha Virtue is Retail Research Manager for JLL. James Cook is the director of retail research in the Americas for JLL. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Listen: WhereWeBuy.show Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here: http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.

Jul 4, 2025 • 30min
Dollar Tree: 9,000 Stores and Growing - Where We Buy #341
Kien Tsoi, regional director of leasing for Dollar Tree, talks about what it takes for a retailer to surpass 9,000 stores in North America. Kien talks about his background in retail brokerage and the unique shopping experience that Dollar Tree offers. He also speaks to the competition he faces for retail spaces and the impact of economic conditions on value retail. James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL. Keisha Virtue is Retail Research Manager for JLL. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Listen: WhereWeBuy.show Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here: http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.

Jun 27, 2025 • 40min
RockStep Capital's Hometown Investment Strategy - Where We Buy #340
Andy Weiner, President of RockStep Capital discusses his unique strategy of involving local investors and community bank lending to invest in open air and enclosed shopping centers. Andy shares insights from his background in retail and explains how RockStep mitigates risks by fostering strong local partnerships. He also delves into the company's principles, known as 'Rock Steps,' which guide their operations and culture. The conversation covers the evolution of retail real estate, the benefits of community alignment, and strategies for maintaining successful retail centers in hometown markets. James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Listen: WhereWeBuy.show Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here: http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.

Jun 20, 2025 • 31min
CEO Jennifer Schuler on the Legacy of Handel's Homemade Ice Cream - Where We Buy #339
Jennifer Schuler, CEO talks about the storied history of Handel's Homemade Ice Cream, from Alice Handel's dedication to quality ice cream starting in 1945 in Ohio, to today's franchise-driven expansion. Jennifer shares her own career journey from General Mills to Wetzel's Pretzels, highlighting her passion for the food industry. The conversation touches on the Handel's growth strategy, focus on quality, and the hands-on approach to ice cream making. She also discusses the nostalgic and emotional connections people have with ice cream, the importance of the right real estate, and the challenges of the labor market. James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Listen: WhereWeBuy.show Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here: http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.

Jun 13, 2025 • 32min
Behind the Scenes with StripMallGuy, Don Tepman - Where We Buy #338
Don Tepman, aka 'StripMallGuy,' is the founder of Town Center Capital, known for revitalizing neighborhood strip malls with mom-and-pop tenants. He candidly shares his journey from anonymous real estate commentator to social media sensation, revealing his strategies for selecting properties and the joys of supporting local businesses. Don discusses the challenges of managing strip centers, the complexities of environmental hazards, and the evolution of the retail market. He also emphasizes the power of authentic sharing on platforms like LinkedIn to connect with the real estate community.

Jun 6, 2025 • 32min
The Story of Yorba Linda Town Center - Where We Buy #337
James Cook discusses the successful collaboration between the city of Yorba Linda, California, and Zelman Development in creating the Yorba Linda Town Center. Featuring insights from Colleen Callahan, the Economic Development Manager for the city, and Brett Foy of Zelman Development, the conversation explores the project’s conception, early challenges, and the cooperative efforts that led to its realization. The episode also delves into post-completion roles, the impacts of COVID-19 on the development, and practical advice for developers and city officials looking to collaborate effectively. James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Listen: WhereWeBuy.show Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here: http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.

May 30, 2025 • 38min
The Unexpected Connection Between Retail and Flex - Where We Buy #336
Alex Zikakis is President of Capstone Advisors, which invests in retail and flex properties, mainly in Southern California, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City. Alex shares the evolution of Capstone over 28 years, from its initial opportunistic real estate investing to its current strategy of 'buy, fix, and keep'. He discusses the surprising similarities between retail and industrial flex properties and the company's efforts to revitalize underperforming assets. James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Listen: WhereWeBuy.show Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here: http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.

May 23, 2025 • 1h 4min
What Happened at ICSC Las Vegas 2025? - Where We Buy #335
Join industry experts Mike Jordan, David Spahn, Ana Leon, and Laura Fullington as they unpack the latest insights from the ICSC Las Vegas conference. Discover the impact of early back-to-school shopping strategies and evolving consumer behaviors. They explore diverse grocery options and the importance of adapting to tech trends like AI in retail. Amidst rising steel prices and economic unpredictability, the panel remains cautiously optimistic about future opportunities in retail real estate, showcasing resilience and innovation in the sector.

May 16, 2025 • 24min
Tanger Moves Beyond Outlet Centers - Where We Buy #334
Tanger CEO Stephen Yalof discusses the pivotal changes in Tanger's retail real estate strategy with JLL's Naveen Jaggi. Originally an outlet center company, Tanger is now pivoting towards experience-focused, full-price centers. Yalof outlines how post-COVID dynamics, such as the popularity of open-air environments and the addition of food and lifestyle experiences, inform this shift. The discussion also touches on retailers' cautious optimism reflected in their long-term strategies, the impact of blending full-price and outlet spaces, and Tanger's future investment plans in lesser-known but high-potential markets. The conversation concludes with insights into the evolving landscape of shopping centers, emphasizing the importance of creating compelling consumer experiences. James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify Listen: WhereWeBuy.show Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here: http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.