Features

— By Martin Zurauskas, Managing Director for nFusion — The perception versus reality of the “demise” of traditional retail has long been disconnected. Much of this disconnect is centered on a misunderstanding of retail’s role in the lives of consumers. Today, the role of retail centers is increasingly based upon giving consumers what they demand — entertainment-focused experiences that they can’t get elsewhere. This goes beyond adding a movie theater or bowling alley. Entertainment finally has a real seat at the table in retail development. So how can developers, owners, and …

— By Greg Miller, Chief Executive Officer and President of Henry S. Miller Cos. — The retail market, both online and in physical stores, is evolving dramatically due in large part to Amazon’s continuing domination of online sales — i.e. the “Amazon effect.” However, there is no retail apocalypse, just ever increasing disruption. Consumer spending is the main driver of our economy. According to ITR Economics, U.S. retail sales for 2018 are expected to be over $6 Trillion, up 5 percent from last year. Overall retail sales rose 6.4 percent …

— By Sheldon Gross, president and CEO of Sheldon Gross Realty — The future of retail-focused real estate is a hot topic, and has been for quite a while. Everyone seems to have an opinion on the proliferation of big-box chains and the plight both of traditional “Main Street” properties and 1970s-era indoor malls. But there’s another component of the retail real estate spectrum that, to date, has received only limited attention in terms of future prospects. I’m referring to the strip malls that dot the American landscape, typically standing …

— By Gary E. Mozer, Principal/Co-Founder, George Smith Partners — Retail financing, both debt and equity, has become a challenge for many owners, developers and investors throughout the U.S. based on negative press about retail, a perception that the internet will take down many tenants and the weak financial condition of a number of large retailers. Though capital markets are strong, many property owners and investors are finding it difficult to identify lenders willing to provide the type of financing they need for their retail developments, acquisitions and redevelopments. Some …

— By Luanne Carleton, FRCH Design Worldwide — Jan Gehl states: “First life, then spaces, then buildings — the other way around never works.” Placemaking is about creating a space for human experiences. In the simplest form Placemaking is about transforming and activating a space into a Place. It is about crafting elements to support activity and foster social interaction, involving the process of matching the right offerings, experiences, and environment. The goal is to create something of value for the community. As designers we can only create the structure for …

Las Vegas is known for many things, with novel, unique experiences being at the top of the list. It is, after all, the Entertainment Capital of the World. As retail experts the world over descended upon the city to learn about providing more experiences that get people off their couches and into their establishments, they were convening in a city that is the ideal case study.