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“What are you wearing?” It’s been a common question in America’s daily vernacular, yet in 2020 — the year of dressing casually to work from home — it has never been less relevant. For those of us in the retail real estate industry, particularly owners of shopping centers, understanding the years-long downturn in apparel shopping has caused us to rethink what we will do with all the leasable area devoted to this retail segment. Much has been written about the demise of retail stores caused by the emergence of online …

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Written by Greg Lyon, principal and design director for Nadel Architecture + Planning Retail destinations have undergone an evolution over the past several years. The sharp rise of e-commerce has resulted in retail owners and developers working to ensure they are creating internet-resistant shopping centers that will stand the test of time. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the already-robust discussion surrounding incorporating more service-based retailers and items that consumers simply can’t get online. While these are certainly important components, one of the most essential aspects of an internet-resistant …

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Before the coronavirus pandemic, mall and shopping center owners were so much more to pop-up tenants than just landlords. Specialty leasing has become more about business mentoring and support than it has about filling empty space. These supports in design, technology, POS, merchandising, data collection and much more have resulted in top developers becoming incubators for fresh new brands to keep the shopping experience unique and unexpected. During the pandemic, many owners are still finding ways to help sustain their smaller, digital-first or local tenants and to supplement the Small …

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The COVID-19 outbreak had a tremendous impact on retail across the country, and Charlotte was no exception. As stores were forced to close, business owners had to devise creative ways to operate during the pandemic. Rent deferral, Paycheck Protection Program funds, layoffs and furloughs were some of the ways owners addressed cash flow. Many restaurants faced questions regarding takeout, delivery service, menu adjustments, table spacing and employee safety. Enhanced cleaning procedures, payment procedures, marketing adjustments and general overall operations were other issues facing many restaurants and retailers. Restaurants with drive-thrus …

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California Centers, a sister publication of Shopping Center Business, recently spoke with Brad Umansky, president of Rancho Cucamonga-based Progressive Real Estate Partners and the newly appointed president of the Retail Brokers Network. As Umansky assumed the volunteer role in May, the nation — and the retail real estate industry — was in the throes of dealing with closures and stay-in-place orders brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. He spoke with the magazine about assuming his role for the network at this time, and how its members are helping each other …

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By Ray Balfanz, Outlook Management Group What does Milwaukee bring to mind? Beer? Cheese? TV’s “Happy Days”? Perhaps the city chosen as the site for the 2020 Democratic National Convention? Yes, that’s us — being recognized and happy about it. But since I began penning this piece in March, we’ve experienced a world of change in the realities of group gatherings: We can hardly have 10 people in a group now, let alone thousands of delegates filling our new Fiserv Forum. It’s anybody’s guess how long the multi-trillion-dollar brick-and-mortar retail …

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The impact of COVID-19 has forced retailers, restaurants and service providers in the Northeast to improve their digital channels and adapt social distancing policies to continue serving customers. With retailers struggling to pay rent, landlords could find mutual benefit in reaching a compromise with existing tenants before temporary closures become permanent. Unfortunately, for many small businesses the virus has activated a Darwinian battle of the fittest among retailers with primarily physical channels. Meanwhile, e-commerce giants like Amazon are thriving in market conditions tailored to their already digital-focused business plans. Grocery …

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It seems that the hottest topic of conversation over the past few days is what to do when a tenant’s business is adversely affected by “the virus.”  Based upon conversations with landlords, tenants and property managers there is no doubt that many tenants and landlords are already thinking about how to handle the April 1 rent payment.  Since we work with both, I’m writing this blog from both perspectives.  Please note that whether you are a tenant or landlord, I encourage you to read the entire blog as there are …

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“Some people look for a beautiful place, others make a place beautiful.” — Inayat Khan This sentiment captures what today’s developers and city leaders are striving to achieve through the art of placemaking. Nowhere is this trend more evident than in the retail sector. Today’s retail owners and developers are becoming increasingly collaborative with city stakeholders and artists in an effort to create retail destinations that are more beautiful, impactful and powerful — ultimately attracting more guests, encouraging higher lengths of stay and increasing overall return on investment (ROI). One …

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When I talk to out-of-staters about Texas, they often think I mean “Dallas” when discussing the Metroplex as a whole. That’s when I explain how important the Fort Worth market is to our thriving and healthy Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) retail scene. Weitzman, which operates offices in Texas’ major markets, has handled development, leasing and management in the Fort Worth market since our founding 30 years ago. Today, the Fort Worth area is home to some of the state’s most robust residential, commercial and cultural growth. In terms of retail, our …

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