Where We Buy: Retail Real Estate with James Cook

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.  

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.  

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

Gregg Katz, Director of Business Industry Solutions for Real Estate at ESRI and a nostalgic retail aficionado, shares his insights on defunct brands like Blockbuster and Planet Hollywood. He discusses the critical lessons from their rises and falls, emphasizing the pitfalls of rapid growth and the need for brands to adapt to technology. Personal anecdotes and reflections on iconic establishments, including Howard Johnson's, highlight the evolving landscape of retail and consumer preferences, reminding us of the significance of brand identity.

Nishant Jain is CEO of Presso, a company with a self-service machine that autonomously cleans, deodorizes, refreshes, and presses garments in about five minutes. Jain explains how Presso's technology simplifies traditional, labor-intensive dry cleaning processes and makes them more efficient and environmentally friendly. He explores potential applications in different real estate settings, from apartment buildings and hotels to shopping centers and laundromats.  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.  

George Banks of Revel is an experience-driven retail real estate veteran. He talks about the elements that make for a great retail street and successful food hall. He explores the importance of location, density, and the right tenant mix in both scenarios. He shares insights from the various projects his company has worked on across the country and provides a nuanced perspective on pedestrian streets and the merits of local versus national tenants in retail developments. 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.