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 $...
Jun 27, 2025•10 min•Season 1Ep. 335
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...
Jun 20, 2025•34 min•Season 1Ep. 334
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 chall...
Jun 12, 2025•21 min•Season 1Ep. 333
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 rel...
Jun 06, 2025•17 min•Season 1Ep. 332
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...
May 29, 2025•13 min•Season 1Ep. 331
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 imperfe...
May 15, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 330
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 brea...
May 08, 2025•17 min•Season 1Ep. 329
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 invest...
May 01, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 328
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 timelin...
Apr 25, 2025•36 min•Season 1Ep. 327
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...
Apr 17, 2025•20 min•Season 1Ep. 326
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 ...
Apr 11, 2025•16 min•Season 1Ep. 325
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. ...
Apr 02, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 324
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. Tak...
Mar 27, 2025•39 min•Season 1Ep. 323
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...
Mar 20, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 322
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 ...
Mar 14, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 321
In this episode of Retail Retold, host Chris Ressa speaks with Aaron Harris , Vice President of Real Estate and Construction for Dutch Bros Coffee. They discuss the unique drive-thru experience at Dutch Bros, the company's rapid expansion plans, and how they navigated the challenges of the pandemic. Aaron shares insights on the Albuquerque store's opening, the importance of market knowledge, and the lessons learned throughout his career in retail real estate. Takeaways Dutch Bros Coffee operates...
Mar 07, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 320
Can two retail real estate thought leaders really pick five "favorite" retailers? It's like picking a favorite kid! In this episode of 'What's in Store,' hosts Chris Ressa and Karly Iacono do pick some favorites, spotlighting innovative retailers across various categories. They explore the performance of general merchandisers, grocery stores, soft goods, specialty retailers, hard goods, and food and beverage businesses, highlighting their growth strategies and consumer appeal. The conversation e...
Feb 27, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 319
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, New York. The conversation highlights the importance of partnerships in the industry and how Renovo aims to build stro...
Feb 20, 2025•17 min•Season 1Ep. 318
In this episode of Retail Retold, host Chris Ressa speaks with bankruptcy counsel Scott Fleischer , partner at Barclay Damon , about the intricacies of retail bankruptcies, focusing on the Chuck E. Cheese case during the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss the unique challenges faced by retailers, the role of landlords, and the impact of lender support in bankruptcy outcomes. The conversation also touches on the contrasting experiences of Chuck E. Cheese and Container Store in their respective bankr...
Feb 13, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 317
In this episode of Retail Retold, host Chris Ressa and Travis Farren, Vice President of Leasing at DLC are feeling the vibes of a unique coffee shop that opened at La Frontera Village, just outside of Austin, TX. Putting the customer experience at the center of the shop, the owner was executing on a robust business plan that has set him up for success. With over 20 years in the industry, Travis shares his experience with the dynamic changes in retail leasing over the past five years, the impact ...
Feb 07, 2025•16 min•Season 1Ep. 316
This week, host Chris Ressa interviews Josh Suffin, president of RetailStat (formerly CreditIntel), about the evolution of the company, the importance of relationships in retail real estate, and insights into the current state of the industry. Josh shares his journey in the retail sector - he started part time at RetailStat at the age of 15! - the significance of understanding client needs, and the future of PropTech. The discussion also touches on the challenges and opportunities within retail ...
Jan 29, 2025•19 min•Season 1Ep. 315
Topics: Retail, real estate, consumer spending, holiday sales, health and wellness, gym industry, marketing psychology, e-commerce, value retail, consumer trends In this episode of What's in Store, hosts Chris Ressa and Karly Iacono are in the nitty-gritty of consumer spending trends, holiday sales performance, and the HOT category of health and wellness. They also discuss the psychology behind marketing headlines, the significance of value in retail, and the booming gym industry, all while emph...
Jan 23, 2025•42 min•Season 1Ep. 314
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. Creativity and adaptability are key drivers in commercial real estate. Takeaways Retail sales showed growth at the end of 2024, exceeding expectations. Bankruptcies like Pa...
Jan 17, 2025•13 min•Season 1Ep. 313
In this episode of ‘Retail Retold’, host Chris Ressa and Charlie Arbing, Senior Vice President of Real Estate and Construction at Boot Barn , discuss the company’s growth trajectory, marketing strategies, and the importance of partnerships in retail real estate. He highlights the unique positioning of Boot Barn in the Western wear market and the company’s approach to customer segmentation. Charlie also shares insights from his transition from Starbucks to Boot Barn, emphasizing the value of a ni...
Jan 10, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 312
In this solo episode, Chris Ressa discusses the current state of retail as we enter 2025, focusing on the recent wave of bankruptcies among both traditional and e-commerce retailers. He highlights the challenges faced by digitally native brands and the significant market opportunities that arise from the struggles of larger retailers. Ressa emphasizes the importance of understanding consumer behavior and market dynamics to capitalize on these changes in the retail landscape. Takeaways Retail ban...
Jan 03, 2025•12 min•Season 1Ep. 311
In this episode, host Chris Ressa takes a look at the world of retail security. Sedgwick Davis, co-owner of Myles Davis Protective Services, joins Chris and shares his extensive background in security, transitioning from executive protection to retail security, and discusses the founding of his company. What is driving Myles' success is their dedication to quality service, understanding community dynamics, and the importance of building relationships with local law enforcement to enhance safety ...
Dec 23, 2024•13 min•Season 1Ep. 310
In this episode of 'What's in Store', hosts Karly Iacono, Senior Vice President at CBRE, and Chris Ressa, COO at DLC, discuss their key takeaways from ICSC New York 2024. Creativity in deal-making, the importance of long-term strategies like five-year plans, the evolving use of retail space, market shifts towards grocery growth in the Northeast, and the aggressive expansion of mature retailers are top of their list. The need for flexibility in retail strategies and the potential for growth in va...
Dec 19, 2024•30 min•Season 1Ep. 309
Guest: Maria Pope Toliopoulos Topics: retail, sales reporting, leasing, tenant rights, exclusives, broker fees, leasing process, online sales, physical stores, real estate In this special live episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa and Maria Toliopoulos, Senior Vice President of Global Retail at Ashle y Global Retail, debate the complexities of retail leasing. At RetailStat's annual panel event leading up to ICSC New York, Chris, representing the landlord, and Maria, representing the tenant, on t...
Dec 13, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 308
In this Retail Retold Replay, we revisit Chris Ressa and Karly Iacono's top five predictions for retail real estate in 2024. They explore the dominance of suburban markets, the increasing focus on sustainability in retail properties, the shift towards flexible store sizes, the muted development pipeline, and the optimistic outlook for deal-making in the coming year. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of retail and real estate, driven by changing consumer preferences and market dy...
Dec 06, 2024•29 min•Season 1Ep. 307
In this episode of What's in Store, hosts Chris Ressa and Dana Telsey , founder of the Telsey Advisory Group , about the current state of retail, emerging trends, and predictions for the future. They discuss product trends, holiday sales forecasts, the impact of marketing on consumer behavior, and the significance of leadership changes in the retail sector. Telsey shares insights on consumer spending habits, the importance of innovation, and the evolving landscape of retail as they look ahead to...
Nov 29, 2024•25 min•Season 1Ep. 306
