In this episode of I Own A Shopping Center. Now What?, I break down a lesson I teach over and over again—don’t trust outdated online data to guide your leasing strategy. I recently walked a market where CoStar claimed there was 10% vacancy… but when I hit the pavement, it was closer to 30%. That’s a huge difference—and it’s the kind of thing that could kill your deal velocity, pricing strategy, or NOI if you’re not paying attention.

I’ll share how that one walk led to a $14/SF rent increase, and why boots-on-the-ground intel always beats digital reports. Whether you're setting your 2026 strategy or trying to push your leasing team to the next level, this episode will help you lead with facts—not assumptions—and unlock value hiding in plain sight.

Key Takeaways:

• CoStar isn’t gospel—walk the market yourself
• In-person market studies will always reveal the truth
• Vacancy myths = pricing mistakes
• Push your brokers to ask better questions
• Sales data is your leverage during renewals
• Oversupplied office space needs creative pricing
• Meet face-to-face with leasing agents and their bosses
• Facts create leverage. Data creates power. Don’t wing it.

When it comes to leasing your shopping center, sticking to the “one broker to do it all” mentality could be your biggest mistake.

In this episode of I Own A Shopping Center. Now What?, I’m challenging the conventional wisdom that says one broker can handle every type of vacancy. From big-box spaces to restaurant outparcels, medical offices, and second-floor spaces—each requires specialized expertise. After 30+ years in the game, I’ve seen firsthand that niche brokers move faster and close deals more efficiently because they already know the tenants you need.

If you’re stuck with long-term vacancies or your leasing velocity is slower than you’d like, this episode will make you rethink your strategy. Sometimes, the best way to get better results is to challenge the norm and get a little more specific.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• One broker should never handle all types of vacancies
• Big-box, restaurant, medical, and office spaces all require different expertise
• Niche brokers lease faster because they know the right tenants
• Smaller markets and ancillary spaces benefit the most from specialization
• Tenant-rep brokers can be a powerful resource for specific uses
• Hiring experts in the niche can outperform broad listing agreements
• Riches are in the niches—depth trumps breadth

When you challenge the traditional approach to leasing, better results are just a decision away.

BECOME A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ROCKSTAR: https://www.bethazor.com/https://www.azoracademy.com/For more commercial real estate training: https://www.bethazor.com/training/FOLLOW ME ON SOCIALFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/azoradvisoryservices/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethazor1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethazor/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6315636/#retailleasing #commercialrealestateinvesting #retailleasingcoach #bethazor

What do Wine Enthusiast pop-ups, perfume clusters, and Soho sidewalks have in common? For Beth Azor—everything.

In this episode, Beth Azor shares takeaways from her recent trip to New York City for ICSC and a surprise game-changing experience: a guided Retail Safari through Soho. From trend-spotting new brands to seeing firsthand how tenant mix and experiential design shape leasing success, Beth breaks down why staying curious and walking retail neighborhoods is one of the best strategies for shopping center owners.

You’ll hear how grouping complementary uses, leveraging underutilized space for events, and drawing inspiration from high-street concepts can directly translate into NOI growth back home. Whether you’re leasing, buying, or just trying to spark new ideas—this retail recon mission will open your eyes to what’s next.

🔑 Key Takeaways

- Use travel to study retail trends and scout expanding brands

- Group complementary tenants to enhance foot traffic

- Prioritize experiential elements in tenant spaces

- Encourage tenants to activate unused hours (e.g., evenings/Sundays)

- Walk high-performing neighborhoods to find leasing inspiration

- Take notes, grab business cards, and look for growing brands

- Tenant mix is more powerful than any single lease

- Always be learning—from other markets, models, and mistakes

BECOME A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ROCKSTAR: 

https://www.bethazor.com/

https://www.azoracademy.com/

For more commercial real estate training: https://www.bethazor.com/training/

FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azoradvisoryservices/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethazor1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethazor/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6315636/

#retailleasing #commercialrealestateinvesting #retailleasingcoach #bethazor

Just because you’re tough doesn’t mean you can’t be strategic. In this episode, I walk you through exactly when I get lenient on deals—and when I hold firm.

I share real examples of consulting projects where the key to successful leasing wasn’t about lowering rent across the board—it was about understanding demand. From turning down a bank on Main Street to repositioning office tenants during a supply glut, I unpack how I coach landlords to evaluate each space individually, not the center as a whole. Plus, I explain how knowing your market, asking the right questions, and recognizing “needle-in-a-haystack” spaces can give you the confidence to stand your ground—or close smarter when supply is working against you.

If you’re struggling to lease tough spaces or worried about holding firm on rent, this episode gives you the playbook to stay smart, flexible, and profitable.

🔑 Key Takeaways

✔️ Know which spaces have demand—and which don’t

✔️ Don’t let one tough space define your entire strategy

✔️ Retail with strong demand deserves stronger terms

✔️ Office space with high vacancy? Prioritize occupancy

✔️ Use incoming leads to reposition existing tenants

✔️ End caps with drive-thrus = premium leverage

✔️ Negotiate each space, not the center as a whole

✔️ Get tenants on leases before you plan to sell

BECOME A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ROCKSTAR: 

https://www.bethazor.com/

https://www.azoracademy.com/

For more commercial real estate training: https://www.bethazor.com/training/

FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azoradvisoryservices/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethazor1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethazor/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6315636/

#retailleasing #commercialrealestateinvesting #retailleasingcoach #bethazor

A broker from a national pizza chain asked me to extend their lease and lower their rent by $5/SF. But instead of panicking, I asked a better question: “Would they be open to leaving instead?” In this episode, I break down the full story—and why more landlords need to stop reacting from fear and start thinking strategically.From understanding tenant exclusives in the market to knowing when to call a bluff, I walk you through exactly how I handled this pitch, the math behind restaurant margins, and why you should never drop rent without seeing sales. If you're being hit with rent reduction requests—especially from nationals—this is a must-listen playbook for keeping your NOI strong.🔑 Key Takeaways✔️ Never drop rent without seeing a 3-year sales history✔️ Pizza tenants have infrastructure—leverage that✔️ Know your competition’s exclusives and vacancies✔️ If they won’t share sales, it’s likely not a real hardship✔️ Brokers often get paid based on rent reductions✔️ Don’t panic—do your homework before agreeing to anything✔️ National chains often bluff to secure better terms✔️ You have more leverage than you think—use itBECOME A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ROCKSTAR: https://www.bethazor.com/https://www.azoracademy.com/For more commercial real estate training: https://www.bethazor.com/training/FOLLOW ME ON SOCIALFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/azoradvisoryservices/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethazor1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethazor/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6315636/#retailleasing #commercialrealestateinvesting #retailleasingcoach #bethazor

What would you risk to win the deal of a lifetime?

In this episode, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes story of one of the most competitive acquisitions of my career—where I took a $30,000 gamble before getting the deal, beat out five other buyers, and closed in just three days. And yes, I turned a former strip club into a retail center generating $740,000 in NOI.

This wasn’t luck—it was strategy, speed, and a little creative thinking. I’ll walk you through the relationships I spent years building, the unconventional move my partner suggested, and the mindset that helped me take the leap. If you’ve ever been neck-and-neck for a deal, this episode will challenge the way you play the game.

Because sometimes, the deal doesn’t go to the highest bidder—it goes to the boldest.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Build relationships before the deal is even on the table
• Speed is a superpower—especially for sellers on a timeline
• Offer to complete due diligence before you’re awarded the contract
• Be willing to risk money when the upside makes sense
• Creativity wins over cookie-cutter offers
• Know your market better than your competition
• Don’t wait to be chosen—take initiative
• When the moment comes, move fast with confidence

BECOME A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ROCKSTAR: 

https://www.bethazor.com/

https://www.azoracademy.com/

For more commercial real estate training: https://www.bethazor.com/training/

FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azoradvisoryservices/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethazor1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethazor/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6315636/

#retailleasing #commercialrealestateinvesting #retailleasingcoach #bethazor

In this episode, I break down a real-life situation that perfectly illustrates what happens when business goals steamroll smart real estate fundamentals. A doctor poured $2.5 million into renovating a two-story office building—without addressing the fact that the property only has six parking spaces. Six! Before signing a single lease.

I walk you through the candid coaching conversation I had with him, why building spec space with zero leases in hand is a risky move, and why parking is absolutely non-negotiable—no matter how great the visibility or how passionate you are about your business.

At the end of the day, the real estate must drive the business—not the other way around. If you’re investing, developing, or making big decisions about where your business lives, this episode is your reminder to slow down, analyze, and make choices through the real estate lens first.

This is a must-listen case study in what not to do—and how the right due diligence could save you millions.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Never build spec space without a signed lease

• Parking can make or break your deal

• Your business cannot monopolize shared property assets

• Always run a parking analysis before committing to renovations

• Visibility is great—but parking is essential

• Your business hat and your real estate hat require completely different decisions

• In some locations, residential may outperform commercial

• Bring advisors in before making million-dollar decisions

BECOME A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ROCKSTAR: https://www.bethazor.com/https://www.azoracademy.com/For more commercial real estate training: https://www.bethazor.com/training/FOLLOW ME ON SOCIALFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/azoradvisoryservices/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethazor1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethazor/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6315636/#retailleasing #commercialrealestateinvesting #retailleasingcoach #bethazor

Thinking of turning that vacant Dollar Tree into a food hall? Hit pause—this episode might save you a fortune.

Food halls are trendy, flashy, and tempting—especially when you’re sitting on 5,000 to 10,000 square feet of empty space. But after seeing too many landlords lose big, I’m here to sound the alarm. In this episode, I break down why most food halls fail, the false promises they offer, and what you should consider before signing on to build one. From startup tenant churn to high buildout costs and low foot traffic, I share real examples (including failed projects from close friends) and challenge the food hall hype with a dose of truth. If you're serious about NOI, you need to hear this.

Key Takeaways:

- Don’t default to a food hall just because you have a large vacancy

- Buildout costs are massive; especially without a strong operator

- Most food hall tenants are startups (and risky ones at that)

- Failure rates remain high, even in trendy concepts

- Location is everything: food halls only work with major traffic

- Tourist-heavy areas offer better chances of success

- Talk to real operators and visit proven sites before investing

- A vacant anchor space doesn’t equal a food hall opportunity

- There are better ways to fill space; don’t fall for the fad

BECOME A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ROCKSTAR: 

https://www.bethazor.com/

https://www.azoracademy.com/

For more commercial real estate training: https://www.bethazor.com/training/

FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azoradvisoryservices/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethazor1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethazor/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6315636/

#retailleasing #commercialrealestateinvesting #retailleasingcoach #bethazor

Before you blame the broker—check the agreement.

When I bring on a third-party leasing broker, I know my success depends on my systems just as much as their effort. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how I structure broker relationships to keep leasing activity transparent, accountable, and productive.

From the interview questions I ask to uncover true canvassing habits, to the monthly reporting structure that ensures I’m never left wondering what’s happening—I’m sharing the playbook I’ve refined over decades of owning and leasing retail centers. You’ll learn why I insist on activity reports, how to spot red flags like recycled leads and vague updates, and how to course-correct before months of momentum are lost.

Whether you’re an owner frustrated by slow lease-up or just starting to delegate leasing for the first time, this episode gives you a proven framework to make sure your broker delivers.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• Always include a 30-day termination clause in your broker agreements

• Require detailed monthly activity reports

• Don’t settle for weekly calls—push brokers to actively prospect

• Audit lead sources to confirm they’re proactive, not passive

• Make brokers document where every lead originates

• Review and compare reports each month

• Watch for recycled names with no progress

• Don’t hesitate to terminate if performance doesn’t improve

  
  

BECOME A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ROCKSTAR: 

https://www.bethazor.com/

https://www.azoracademy.com/

For more commercial real estate training: https://www.bethazor.com/training/

FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azoradvisoryservices/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethazor1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethazor/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6315636/

#retailleasing #commercialrealestateinvesting #retailleasingcoach #bethazor

Feeling stuck in your leasing? Here's how to get things moving again.

In this episode, I share how I helped one of my shopping centers generate major leasing momentum by bringing our entire team—property manager, broker, attorney, and ownership—together for a single, strategic call. You’ll hear how just one meeting led to five major leasing wins, and why alignment and accountability matter more than endless emails or disconnected updates.

Whether you’re trying to get your leasing broker to perform or need to push a deal across the finish line, this episode will give you a practical model to rally your team and unlock results—fast.

🔑 Key Takeaways

- Hold regular calls with your leasing team

- Bring together all stakeholders—broker, attorney, owner, property manager

- Push for updates on every LOI and deal

- Create urgency with hard deadlines

- Don't assume brokers are talking to tenants daily

- Use your presence to drive accountability

- A 30-minute call can lead to real momentum

- Brokers need structure and support to succeed

BECOME A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ROCKSTAR: 

https://www.bethazor.com/

https://www.azoracademy.com/

For more commercial real estate training: https://www.bethazor.com/training/

FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/azoradvisoryservices/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethazor1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethazor/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6315636/

#retailleasing #commercialrealestateinvesting #retailleasingcoach #bethazor