Through the lens of a single neighborhood shopping center in Lawrenceville, GA, Chris Ressa lays out a compelling story of what’s happening across retail real estate today—and why the industry isn’t just surviving, it’s thriving.

Despite headlines about disruption and store closures, America is undersupplied when it comes to retail space, and demand is surging. In Lawrenceville, post-COVID success triggered a leasing domino effect that brought in over 40,000 SF of new tenants and added nearly $800K in NOI.

Takeaways:

• The power of low supply and high demand and how it’s reshaping site competition
• A behind-the-scenes look at a grocery-anchored center’s three-year transformation
• The diverse, modern tenant mix redefining “normal” retail—think healthcare, beauty, food, and auto alongside legacy brands
• How smart reinvestment and strong market forces create a flywheel of growth
• Why traditional metrics like “retail per capita” miss the mark in today's environment

Chapters

00:00 Retail Real Estate Fundamentals Post-COVID

05:23 The Lawrenceville Case Study: A Retail Success Story

09:28 The Evolution of Retail Tenant Mix

Summary

In this episode of What's in Store, Chris Ressa and Karly Iacono hold their feet to the fire—revisiting bold predictions made at ICSC to see what held up, what flopped, and what’s next. From the unshakable rise of value retail to the surge in food and beverage concepts, they dissect the real trends shaping retail today. They dig into the tug-of-war between experiential and convenience, the true state of omnichannel, and why sustainability is more than a buzzword. It's a candid, no-fluff look at where retail is heading—and how close they came to calling it right.

Takeaways

• The retail industry is experiencing a tight supply and high demand for space.
• Experiential retail is evolving, but convenience remains a priority for consumers.
• Omnichannel retailing has become a standard expectation for most retailers.
• Sustainability initiatives are not currently driving business decisions in real estate.
• Redevelopment and repurposing of properties are slower than anticipated due to various challenges.
• Food and beverage concepts are thriving, with a notable increase in coffee sales.
• Value retailing continues to be a strong focus for consumers amid economic pressures
• The conversation around tariffs and AI was less prominent than expected at ICSC.
• Mixed-use developments are still a hot topic, but execution remains challenging.
• Predictions for the future should consider longer timelines for significant changes.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Retail and Real Estate Predictions
• 04:58 Reflections on ICSC Predictions
• 09:52 Supply and Demand Dynamics in Retail
• 15:08 Experiential vs. Convenience Retail
• 19:54 The State of Omnichannel Retailing
• 25:00 Sustainability and ESG Initiatives
• 29:56 Repurposing and Mixed-Use Developments
• 33:47 Food and Beverage Trends

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It's an exciting time at DLC. In a perfect case study of how our vertically integrated team executes in unlocking the value of real estate, Chris Ressa interviews Jack Rosencrans, Vice President of Development at DLC, about DLC's foray into self-storage development in Columbus, OH.

The conversation covers the rise of self-storage as a viable asset class, the strategic decision to enter the Columbus market, the development process, including zoning approvals, underwriting, and construction challenges, as well as the early performance of the facility post-opening. Jack shares insights on the market dynamics, the importance of data in decision-making, and the potential for future self-storage projects at DLC.

Takeaways

• Self-storage has become a lucrative asset class post-COVID.
• Columbus was chosen for its under-supply of self-storage.
• DLC utilized in-house capabilities for construction and development.
• Zoning approvals were a significant part of the development process.
• The project faced scrutiny and required thorough feasibility studies.
• Underwriting involved collaboration with established operators like CubeSmart.Value engineering was crucial to manage construction costs.
• The facility opened ahead of schedule and is performing well.
• Local market knowledge was key in securing financing.
• DLC sees potential for more self-storage developments in the future.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Self-Storage Development
• 01:59 The Rise of Self-Storage as an Asset Class
• 04:59 Market Analysis: Why Columbus?
• 09:10 Navigating the Development Process
• 12:04 Underwriting and Financial Considerations
• 14:51 Construction Challenges and Solutions
• 21:13 Opening and Early Performance
• 23:54 Future of Self-Storage at DLC

In this episode of Retail Retold, host Chris Ressa speaks with Peyton Thomas, Vice President of Construction at Renovo Construction. They discuss Peyton’s unique journey from a career in acting to construction, the innovative approaches Renovo takes in the general contracting industry, and the challenges faced during the construction of a Dick’s Sporting Goods store in Ithaca, NY. The conversation highlights the importance of partnerships in the industry and how Renovo aims to build strong relationships with clients and tenants.

What you'll hear:

• Renovo focuses on providing a professional approach to contracting.
• The company aims to align with landlords’ and tenants’ goals.
• Creative problem-solving is essential in construction projects.
• Weather conditions can significantly impact construction schedules.
• Design changes can complicate project timelines.
• Team communication is crucial during construction challenges.
• Building relationships with clients is a priority for Renovo.
• Trust is fundamental in contractor-client relationships.
• Renovo’s experience enhances its partnership with DLC.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Peyton Thomas and Renovo

02:58 Peyton’s journey from acting to construction

05:57 Understanding Renovo’s unique position in the market

09:07 Building two projects at once – Dick’s Sporting Goods in Ithaca, NY

12:05 Navigating the challenges of changing designs and personnel

15:01 Future growth is built by building partnerships

In this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa discusses the current state of the retail market, highlighting growth in retail sales and the implications of recent bankruptcies. He shares a detailed case study of a redevelopment project in Lockport, New York, where a vacant Walmart was transformed into a multi-tenant property. Ressa emphasizes the importance of creativity and adaptability in commercial real estate, offering valuable lessons learned from the project.

What you'll hear:

• Retail sales showed growth at the end of 2024, exceeding expectations.
• Bankruptcies like Party City provide insights into market dynamics.
• There is a persistent shortage of retail space in America.
• Creative solutions can lead to successful retail developments.
• Adapting to market changes is crucial for success in real estate.
• Getting ahead early in a project increases the chances of success.
• Collaboration between parties can yield innovative outcomes.
• The transformation of a single property can enhance community options
• Understanding consumer behavior is key to retail success.
• Flexibility in strategy is essential in a changing market.

Chapters

00:00 Retail Market Overview and Trends

04:54 Case Study: Lockport, New York Redevelopment

10:06 Lessons Learned from Retail Development

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

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

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