Retail Retold

Latest Episodes:

What's in Store? - Vegas Fever: What's on everyone's mind leading into ICSC Las Vegas May 15, 2025

Show notes

Summary

In this episode of What's in Store, Chris Ressa and Karly Iacono are building up the buzz leading into ICSC Las Vegas—the "Super Bowl" of retail real estate. It's not just about big deals; it's about the mindsets of the retailers, landlords, and other industry stakeholders.

The trio of hot topics? Tariffs, AI, and supply-demand warfare. While tariffs continue to ripple uncertainty, AI's footprint in site selection and real estate decisions is exploding, despite concerns over its imperfections. On the ground, the supply crunch is forcing retailers to get creative—even snapping up bankrupt spaces just to get in the game. Ressa and Iacono see Vegas as a litmus test for who's truly playing offense in this market squeeze.

Takeaways

The Real Estate Gala showcased a diverse group of non-institutional investors.
Tariffs are a significant concern, with varying opinions on their impact.
Retailers are generally optimistic and sticking to expansion plans despite challenges.
Artificial intelligence is becoming ubiquitous in business operations.
There is a need for consolidation in AI tools to avoid inefficiencies
Supply and demand dynamics are still favoring landlords in retail real estate.
Retailers are being creative in accessing real estate despite constraints.
The conversation around tariffs and AI will dominate discussions at ICSC.
Investors are anxious about the impact of tariffs on retailer earnings.
New concepts in retail are emerging, but traditional methods still hold value.

Chapters

00:00 Insights from the Real Estate Gala

04:07 Leading into the retail real estate Super Bowl, ICSC Las Vegas

06:00 The Impact of Tariffs on Retail

13:45 Artificial Intelligence in Retail

26:12 Supply and Demand Dynamics in Retail

Raising the Roof: How solar tenants are powering NOI May 08, 2025

Show notes

Your best new tenant might be sitting right above your head.

On this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa is joined by Bill Fitzgerald of Radial Power to reveal a game-changing secret for retail landlords: your rooftop is prime real estate. Backed by industry heavyweights like Starwood and Related, Radial Power is turning unused roof space into pure NOI with zero CapEx. Forget about just cutting costs—solar is adding revenue streams, hitting ESG goals, and future-proofing properties.

Bill breaks down how Radial operates as a tenant, not just a service, paying you for your roof space and handling everything from installation to energy sales. This is rooftop leasing redefined, and it’s supercharging the balance sheets of forward-thinking landlords.

Ready to make your roof work for you? Tune in now.

Takeaways

Bill Fitzgerald has been in solar for about seven years.
Radial Power helps drive sustainability through rooftop solar.
Solar can drive value add and increase net operating income (NOI).
There are two main ways to operate solar on properties: ownership or leasing.
Radial Power operates as a rooftop tenant, managing all costs and risks.
Monetization of solar includes selling electricity and environmental credits.
Regulatory environments significantly impact solar operations and pricing.
Solar energy is geographically sensitive due to varying regulations.
Solar providers like Radial Power are often misunderstood as sellers of solar systems.
Solar installations can create additional NOI without upfront capital expenditures.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Solar and Retail Real Estate

02:45 Understanding Radial Power's Mission

04:56 Exploring Solar Ownership Models

08:47 Monetizing Solar Assets

13:39 Regulatory Challenges in Solar Energy

The deals that real estate legends are made of May 01, 2025

Show notes

Guy Morris is a legend in the real estate business and in this episode, you will hear why.

He started in advertising but quickly realized that real estate was where it was at for him. Guy shares with Chris Ressa his experiences in building a portfolio, the resilience of retail real estate post-COVID, and the current dynamics of the market in New York City. He emphasizes the importance of central business districts, the shift in tenant profiles, and the competitive landscape of real estate investment. The stories of some of Guy's deals are not to be missed. Exploring themes such as sale leasebacks, the impact of 9/11 on property values, and the strategic use of air rights. They reflect on the evolution of Floor Area Ratios (FAR) and its implications for future developments. The discussion also touches on nostalgia for iconic retailers like Toys R Us and the joy of giving $2 bills, highlighting the personal connections and stories behind these experiences.

Takeaways

Guy emphasizes the importance of central business districts in real estate investment.
He prefers deals that allow for value enhancement rather than passive income.
The retail real estate market has shown resilience post-COVID, contrary to initial fears and many markets have recovered from COVID-related challenges.
The competitive landscape in New York remains strong, with more buyers than sellers.
Interest rates and cap rates have both increased, affecting deal structures.
Guy shares a unique deal experience where he acted as both broker and buyer. Sale leasebacks can provide low initial cash flow but future value.
The impact of significant events like 9/11 can reshape real estate markets.
Air rights can be a lucrative asset in urban development.
FAR changes can lead to unexpected windfalls for property owners.
Chris' three questions: Nostalgia for brands like Toys R Us reflects deeper connections to childhood.
Retail experiences are evolving with consumer preferences.
Creative financing strategies can enhance investment returns.
The joy of giving can create meaningful connections with others.
Long-term real estate investments can yield significant returns over time.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Guy Morris and His Journey

03:11 Transitioning to Real Estate and Building a Portfolio

05:57 Current Business Model: Ownership vs. Brokerage

08:57 Types of Deals and Value Enhancement Strategies

11:59 Resilience of Retail Real Estate Post-COVID

14:52 Market Dynamics: Supply, Demand, and Tenant Changes

17:58 Current Landscape of Retail Real Estate in Metro New York

20:53 Competitive Landscape and Investment Trends

24:03 Unique Deal Experiences and Insights

27:47 Navigating Sale-Leasebacks and Financing Strategies

30:09 The Impact of 9/11 on Real Estate Transactions

32:13 Leveraging Air Rights for Profit

34:36 The Evolution of FAR and Its Implications

38:34 Reflections on Retail and Nostalgia

42:24 The Joy of Giving: $2 Bills and Their Significance

What's in Store? - What changes would improve CRE? Apr 25, 2025

Show notes

Data transparency? Transaction timelines?

In this episode of "What's In Store?" Chris Ressa and Karly Iacono discuss what they would love to see improve in CRE. Focusing on the need for data transparency, the inefficiencies in transaction timelines, and the complexity of documentation, they explore potential solutions and innovations that could enhance the industry's efficiency and effectiveness.

Takeaways

Data transparency is crucial for efficiency in commercial real estate.
Transaction timelines are often unnecessarily long due to multiple approvals.
Simplification of documentation can significantly improve transaction speed.
Retailers are willing to share sales data if it aligns with their interests.
The industry needs to adopt clearer and more straightforward agreements.
Foot traffic data is not always reliable for sales attribution.
The complexity of leases can lead to confusion and delays.
Standardizing building measurements could streamline due diligence processes.
Blockchain technology could revolutionize property records and transactions.
The industry is evolving, and there is hope for addressing these challenges.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Industry Challenges

01:18 The Need for Data Transparency

12:21 Transaction Timelines and Efficiency

22:37 Simplification of Documentation

30:47 Future Innovations in Real Estate

Anchoring success Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

If it's happening in CRE in Ohio, Tori Nook is all over it. But her journey to starting her brokerage, Anchor Retail, was definitely unexpected.

In this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa and Tori talk about the current state of the retail landscape and the unique characteristics of the Ohio market, where DLC now has four open-air shopping centers. She highlights the challenges and opportunities in retail real estate, including the impact of construction delays and the emergence of new retail concepts. Tori also shares insights on her recent work with Academy Sports and the evolving dynamics of tenant representation.

Takeaways

Tori Nook has been in the retail real estate business since 1999.
Anchor Retail specializes in retail brokerage and property management.
The journey to starting Anchor Retail was unexpected and driven by circumstances.
Tori emphasizes the importance of having a good team to manage operations.
The retail landscape has changed significantly since 2021, with fewer new constructions.
Ohio is a strong market for retail due to its spending power and demographics.
Retailers often enter Ohio through the three C's: Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati.
Academy Sports is a significant new tenant in Ohio, marking a fresh entry since 2012.
The deal-making process has become longer and more complex due to various factors.
AI may play a role in streamlining the waiver process in real estate.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tori Nook and Anchor Retail

02:00 The Journey of Starting Anchor Retail

06:40 Balancing Business Management and Deal-Making

08:54 Current Trends in Retail Real Estate

11:52 Ohio as a Retail Market

17:11 Exciting New Retail Developments in Ohio

The 3 things you didn't know about foot traffic Apr 11, 2025

Show notes

What do you think you know about measuring foot traffic?

In this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa and Carla Henson, Vice President of Solutions at MRI Software discuss the evolution of foot traffic analytics, the integration of AI in retail, and how data can optimize customer experiences.

Carla shares insights on the potential of visual AI in understanding consumer behavior and the importance of capturing accurate data for better decision-making in retail and office spaces.

Takeaways

Carla Henson is the Vice President of Solutions at MRI Software, focusing on strategy and go-to-market initiatives.
MRI Software is known for property management and supports clients across various segments, including residential and commercial real estate.
AI is increasingly being integrated into personal and professional lives, enhancing productivity and decision-making.
Visual AI technology allows for detailed foot traffic analysis, linking to existing security cameras to track customer behavior.
Understanding foot traffic is crucial for retailers to optimize marketing strategies and improve customer experiences.
Capture rates are essential metrics for retailers to measure the effectiveness of their storefronts and marketing efforts.
Data-driven insights can reveal discrepancies in perceived versus actual customer demographics.
The evolution of technology has shifted expectations from personal to professional environments, impacting how businesses adopt new tools.
AI has been in development since the 1950s, but its accessibility and application in retail are relatively new.
The future of data analytics in retail and office spaces holds significant potential for optimizing space usage and enhancing customer engagement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to MRI Software and Carla Henson

07:25 The Role of AI in Retail and Personal Life

10:58 Understanding Foot Traffic: Potential, Performance, and Optimization

17:09 The Future of Data in Retail and Office Spaces

Retail Retold Replay - Stuck-ey'd on a roadside icon Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

What does it take to revive a retail brand? And, have you heard the most incredible grassroots approach to site selection?

In this episode of Retail Retold, host Chris Ressa speaks with Stephanie Stuckey, CEO of Stuckey's, about her journey and the rich history of the iconic roadside retailer from its 1937 to its peak during the Great American Road Trip era. She discusses her plans for expansion, the importance of branding and marketing, and the unique roadside experience that Stuckey's offers. The conversation highlights the challenges and opportunities in the retail landscape, emphasizing the nostalgic connection that customers have with the brand.

This episode was initially released on September 10, 2020.

Takeaways

Stephanie Stuckey invested her life savings to buy Stuckey's.
Stuckey's has a rich history aligned with America's road trip culture.
The brand is focusing on standalone stores to enhance its identity.
Marketing and branding are top priorities for Stuckey's moving forward.
Stuckey's offers a unique product line that differentiates it from convenience stores.
Customer feedback is taken seriously, with Stephanie personally responding to reviews.
The company is exploring franchise expansion while maintaining brand integrity.
Nostalgia plays a significant role in Stuckey's appeal to customers.
The original design elements of Stuckey's stores are being preserved in new builds.
Stephanie aims to revive the great American road trip experience.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Stuckey's and Stephanie Stuckey

04:54 The Evolution of Stuckey's: A Family Legacy

10:43 Reviving the Brand: Marketing and Expansion Plans

16:12 The Roadside Retail Experience: Differentiation and Nostalgia

24:02 Future Vision: Store Design and Growth Strategy

32:58 Retail Wisdom: Insights and Advice

What's in Store: What are the impacts of privatization in retail? Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

Will Chris and Karly agree on the impacts of privatization on retail?

In this episode, Chris Ressa and Karly Iacono focus on significant deals such as Walgreens' privatization by Sycamore Partners, Nordstrom's strategic move to go private, and Blackstone's acquisition of ROIC. What are the implications of these changes for investors? Plus, they recap the highlights of ICSC OAC from earlier this month. Takeaways were the changing role of AI in retail and the overall sentiment in the industry.

Takeaways

The retail real estate market remains positive despite volatility.
AI is becoming increasingly integrated into retail operations.
Privatization can offer retailers flexibility and strategic growth opportunities.
Investors need to consider the implications of ownership changes on loan covenants.
Walgreens' privatization raises questions about future store closures.
Nordstrom's move to go private reflects confidence in long-term growth.
Blackstone's acquisition of ROIC signals bullishness in retail real estate.
The trend of consolidation among public REITs continues.
Retailers are exploring innovative ways to grow through acquisitions and assignments.
The importance of understanding the real estate implications in privatization deals.

Chapters

00:00 Key Takeaways from ICSE OAC Conference

05:53 The Impact of AI on Retail

09:11 Understanding Retailers Going Private

12:01 Financial Flexibility and Strategic Growth

14:53 Real Estate Investor Perspectives on Ownership Changes

17:57 Case Study: Walgreens and Sycamore Partners

24:06 Case Study: Nordstrom's Strategic Move

29:53 Case Study: ROIC and Blackstone's Acquisition

Positraction in real estate and the tire business Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever thought about real estate beneath the stores where you shop? Evan Mouhalis does, and he does it well.

In this conversation, Chris Ressa and Evan, a real estate entrepreneur and managing partner of Mahalas Capital Management, discuss Evan's journey from commercial real estate finance to developing retail properties and venturing into the tire business. The conversation covers various aspects of real estate development strategies, market challenges, tenant relationships, and insights into operating a tire business. Evan shares his experiences, lessons learned, and future plans, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and strategic decision-making in a changing market.

What you'll hear:

How Evan's career in commercial real estate finance helped develop his primary focus on retail development, particularly single-tenant net lease assets.
Why he prefers to enter deals with tenants already in place to minimize risk.
How he has developed properties for notable tenants like Chipotle and Sprouts.
He has thoughts on the current market challenges of high costs and compressed spreads.
The importance of transparency with tenants during negotiations.
How the tire business was his path to gain control over his expansion plans.
The importance of marketing in the success of his tire business.
Why owning the real estate for his tire stores is a long-term play.
What Evan thinks the future holds many opportunities despite market uncertainties.

00:00 Introduction to Evan Mahalas and his journey

02:59 Real estate development strategies

06:09 Navigating market challenges and tenant relationships

08:50 Venturing into the tire business

11:53 Insights on operating a tire business

14:58 Marketing and customer engagement in the tire industry

18:03 Future plans and market predictions

Sweet secrets behind It'Sugar's explosive growth Mar 14, 2025

Show notes

It'Sugar is more than just a candy store. It's an immersive experience. In this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa interviews Jonathan Schwartz, the Vice President of It'Sugar. Jonathan shares his journey in real estate, detailing his experiences from corporate real estate to leading the real estate department at It's Sugar. He discusses the unique positioning of It's Sugar as more than just a candy store, focusing on immersive experiences and growth in various retail formats. Jonathan also provides insights into market trends, the success of flagship stores, and the company's innovative approach to product offerings.

Takeaways