Retail isn’t oversupplied — it’s “under demolished.”

Bryan Furze is buzzing with insights. In this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa and Bryan, Senior Vice President at Charter Realty, talk about his bold move from landlord to broker after 25 years in retail real estate. Brian shares how his career has taken him from leading portfolios at major landlords to now building Charter’s Northern New England business, giving him a unique perspective on both sides of the deal.

Together, Chris and Brian break down why retail real estate isn’t oversupplied but rather “under demolished,” how construction costs are reshaping small-shop leasing, and why secondary markets like New Hampshire and Maine are becoming hotbeds of growth. Brian also tells the story of a high-stakes Boston acquisition that tested his team but ultimately transformed a neighborhood. Plus, the conversation touches on sustainability, pollinator-friendly practices, and the personal side of balancing career, family, and passion projects.

What Do Cold Plunges, K-Pop, and Loyalty Clubs Tell Us About Consumer Behavior?

Shifting the focus from real estate to consumer behavior, Chris Ressa and Natalie Chambers, Executive Creative Director at the Dealey Group, dive into the shifting landscape of what makes the consumer tick. Natalie shares three standout trends that you might not expect —ancient wellness rituals, pluralversal storylines, and the rise of social silos—and Chris debates her on what’s hype versus what’s here to stay.

From cold plunges and sound baths to Korean corn dogs and Baseball Lifestyle 101, the conversation weaves together fun examples with deeper insights on belonging, loyalty, and retail programming. They also cover the balance between convenience and dwell time, debating how shopping centers should position themselves for consumers who want it all.

Part debate, part discovery, this episode looks at how AI, culture, and community are reshaping what it means to shop—and what it means to connect.

What you'll hear:

• How the rise of AI is pushing consumers toward both high-tech convenience and “ancient wellness” rituals like cold plunges and sound baths
• Why pluralversal storylines—from K-pop hits to unexpected food trends—are reshaping cultural consumption
• The growing power of social silos and loyalty clubs in making shoppers feel like they belong
• Chris and Natalie’s spirited debate on convenience vs. dwell time and what it means for shopping centers
• Real-world examples of how retail can turn “points on a map” into places people love

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Consumer Behavior

02:51 The Impact of AI on Consumer Trends

05:58 Exploring Ancient Wellness Trends

08:57 Plural-versal Design in Consumer Culture

11:54 The Rise of Niche Markets and Social Silos

17:55 Balancing Convenience and Dwell Time in Retail

20:48 Implementing Insights in Real Estate Marketing

23:46 The Future of Retail in an AI-Driven World

What does it take to turn a passion for running into a thriving retail business?

With fall marathon training season in full swing, we thought we would throw it back to a conversation that Chris Ressa had with Kim Caruso, owner of Fleet Feet Poughkeepsie, located at DLC’s Shops at South Hills. Kim shares her journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship, explaining how a casual 5K inspired her passion for running and ultimately led to opening a specialty running store in her hometown.

Kim reflects on the challenges and opportunities of owning a retail business, especially navigating the pandemic. From shifting to appointment-based fittings and curbside pickup to building community through virtual running groups and challenges, she highlights the resilience of specialty retail. Throughout, Kim emphasizes the importance of connection, experience, and service—showing how brick-and-mortar retail thrives when rooted in relationships.

Chris underscores a core truth in retail real estate: the people behind the business are as important as the location itself. Fleet Feet Poughkeepsie’s success wasn’t just about market demand, but about Kim’s relentless energy, passion, and community focus.

What you'll hear:

• Passion to Business: Kim turned a personal love for running into a successful small business, proving that spotting a gap in the market can open doors for entrepreneurship.
• Pandemic Pivot: By introducing online appointments, curbside pickup, and creative virtual events, Fleet Feet kept customers engaged and sales steady—even while doors were closed.
• Community is the Differentiator: Specialty retail wins not just on product, but by building experiences and relationships. Customers return because they feel part of something bigger than a transaction.
• The Value of Franchise Support: Partnering with Fleet Feet gave Kim access to vendors, training, and expertise that would have been unattainable as an independent startup.
• Real Estate Lessons: Location matters, but the people running the store drive its ultimate success. Kim’s active involvement and vision made Poughkeepsie one of Fleet Feet’s strongest openings.
• Resilience & Optimism: Despite being down 15% in 2020, Fleet Feet weathered the storm and positioned itself for a strong rebound with pent-up demand expected in 2021.
• Entrepreneurial Advice: Know what you’re good at, lean on experts for what you’re not (like commercial real estate), and give customers a reason to choose you over online competitors.

Chapters

00:16 Kim Caruso's Journey to Fleet Feet

03:29 Navigating the Pandemic: Challenges and Innovations

08:02 The Future of Physical Retail

09:41 Community Engagement and Events

11:56 Connecting with Customers Digitally

15:13 Reflections on the Pandemic Experience

18:38 The Franchise Journey with Fleet Feet

26:12 Choosing the Right Location

30:18 The Importance of Teamwork in Business

Are You Measuring Foot Traffic Accurately—or Guessing?

In this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa sits down with Carla Hinson, Vice President of Solutions at MRI Software, to uncover the top three things most people don’t know about foot traffic. Carla explains how advancements in data collection have moved from simple counters to cell phone tracking, and now to visual AI that provides true, real-time insights into consumer behavior. She highlights three critical dimensions: potential—the ability to capture more granular and accurate traffic data; performance—understanding capture rates and linking them to revenue outcomes; and optimized experiences—using data to refine in-store layouts, marketing strategies, and customer engagement. With MRI’s OnLocation Footfall Analytics, retailers and landlords can track who’s walking by, who’s entering, and how customers behave once inside. Carla also emphasizes the growing role of AI—both personally and professionally—in shaping expectations around technology adoption and decision-making in real estate.

What you'll hear:

• 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

Can a Dead-End Street Become the Hottest Retail Destination in Town?

In this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa sits down with Howard Aspinwall, the dynamic owner of Mellow Monkey, a destination home décor and gift shop tucked away on a dead-end street in Stratford, Connecticut. Howard shares his unconventional journey from art school to chef, tech executive, and finally retail entrepreneur—starting Mellow Monkey as an online-only business before making the rare move into brick-and-mortar. He reveals how his eclectic background, unique product curation, and immersive in-store experience turned an unlikely warehouse location into a tri-state shopping draw.

Howard also dives into his social media strategy, how humor and personality fuel customer engagement, the agility needed to pivot product lines, and the looming impacts of tariffs and supply chain challenges on the retail landscape. It’s a masterclass in building a retail brand that people seek out—even when it’s literally at “the end of the earth.”

What you'll hear:

• Howard's diverse background includes art, culinary arts, and technology.
• Mellow Monkey started as an online business before transitioning to brick-and-mortar.
• The store is located in an unconventional area, creating a unique shopping experience.
• Social media plays a crucial role in driving traffic to the store.
• Howard emphasizes the importance of creating a fun and immersive environment for customers.
• The store features a constantly changing inventory of unique products.
• Customer acquisition costs online are high, making brick-and-mortar more profitable.
• Howard's approach to marketing includes humor and personal engagement.
• The store has a small but dedicated team that fluctuates with the seasons.
• Economic conditions are impacting retail, but Mellow Monkey has maintained strong consumer confidence.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Mellow Monkey

13:22 Transitioning from Online to Brick-and-Mortar

21:15 The Unique Store Experience

24:56 Navigating Economic Challenges

29:56 Connecting with Customers and Community

Can you really train your brain to remember everything?

In this fascinating episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa is joined by Chester Santos, 2008 U.S. Memory Champion and world-renowned memory expert, to explore how mastering memory can transform your personal and professional life. Chester breaks down the science behind memory training, shares practical applications for business leaders, and even puts Chris on the spot with a live memory test. From eliminating to-do lists to improving client relationships, this episode proves that memory isn't just a gift—it's a skill you can build.

What you'll hear:

• Memory is a skill that can be developed and improved.
• There is no limit to human memory; the more you know, the easier it is to learn new things.
• Chester trained for the memory championship like an Olympic athlete.
• Memory techniques can help minimize the use of notes during presentations.
• Maintaining eye contact during meetings enhances professional relationships.
• Visual representation aids in memory retention.
• Involving multiple senses can strengthen memory connections.
• Making information unusual or extraordinary helps in remembering it.
• Memory skills can significantly impact personal and professional success.
• Chester offers online memory training resources for those interested.

Chapters

00:00 – Intro: What happens when memory becomes your superpower?

01:13 – Meet Chester Santos: U.S. Memory Champion & “International Man of Memory”

02:30 – Why Memory Is an Overlooked Professional Skill

03:08 – Clear the Air: Chester’s surprising answers

05:38 – From 2020 Segment to Memory Champion

08:00 – What It Takes to Win a Memory Championship

10:20 – Self-Taught Success: Training like an Olympian

11:10 – What Happens at a Memory Championship? (Hint: Decks of Cards)

13:00 – What Science Says About Super Memory

14:35 – Real-World Applications: Business, Sales, and Public Speaking

20:25 – Ditching To-Do Lists and Meeting Notes—Seriously

26:00 – 3 Core Principles to Improve Your Memory Today

30:00 – Interactive Exercise: The Story Method Memory Challenge

35:00 – How to Apply Memory Skills to Presentations

37:15 – How You Can Train with Chester

39:20 – Where to Find Chester Online

40:15 – Fun Questions: Blockbuster, Chinatown Suitcases & Target Electronics

How did Jason Olsen take a lightbulb idea of improving salon suite experiences to a nationwide franchise with 120 locations?

In this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa sits down with Jason, the founder and CEO of Image Studios, to explore his remarkable journey from running a $100M used car dealership to building and scaling his business. Jason shares how the 2008 recession pushed him to rethink his future and the lessons he learned in creating a recession-resilient, asset-light business. From negotiating leases and launching on credit cards to creating a franchise model that empowers beauty professionals, this episode is a masterclass in entrepreneurial grit, real estate savvy, and franchise growth.

What you'll hear:

• How Jason pivoted from the auto industry to the beauty and real estate space
• Why salon suites are a recession-resistant business model
• The key strategies behind scaling from one location to a national franchise
• Insights on site selection, lease negotiation, and supporting franchisee profitability

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jason Olson and Image Studios

02:02 The Journey to Founding Image Studios

05:59 Lessons from the Automotive Industry

11:53 Building a Unique Business Model

15:56 The Launch of Image Studios

22:11 Franchising and Expansion

30:01 Current Operations and Future Growth

Is the expansion of specialty retailers surprising? Ultimately, physical stores remain vital for consumer interaction and brand loyalty.

In this episode of 'What's in Store', Chris Ressa and Karly Iacono explore the reasons behind the success of physical stores in an increasingly digital world, emphasizing the importance of customer experience, pricing strategies, and the discovery element in retail. The conversation highlights how various sectors, including cell phones, fashion, and home improvement, continue to thrive in physical retail despite the convenience of online shopping.

Takeaways:

• Batteries Plus is expanding despite being a commodity item.
• Physical stores drive traffic and offer better pricing for many items.
• Customer experience and service are crucial in retail success.
• Retailers are using stores for fulfillment and distribution.
• The gap between online and in-store prices is widening.
• Consumers prefer the immediacy of physical stores for urgent needs.
• Discovery of new products is easier in-store than online.
• Retailers benefit from having a physical presence in a market.
• Physical retail is more valuable now than pre-COVID.
• The relationship built in-store cannot be replicated online.