Retail Retold

Join Chris Ressa in a special listener-request episode of 'Retail Retold,' where he tackles diverse questions from the audience. Topics include the expected surge of M&A in 2025, the cautious outlook on the food and beverage sector, the promising future of health and wellness retail, the anticipated growth of the sneaker market, and the evolving complexity of retail leases post-COVID. Chris also affirms the robust leasing demand beyond 2025 and shares his current read, 'A World Without Email.' Tune in for predictions, concerns, and the latest trends in the retail sector.

00:00 Introduction to Retail Retold

00:24 Listener Request Episode Introduction

01:35 Question 1: Retail Predictions for 2025

03:58 Question 2: Concerns and Desires in Retail Categories

08:11 Question 3: Growing Mature Retail Categories

10:53 Question 4: Changes in Retail Leases Post-COVID

12:44 Question 5: Future of Retail Leasing Demand

14:57 Bonus Question and Conclusion

In this episode of 'What's in Store,' hosts Karly Iacono and Chris Ressa discuss the evolving landscape of retail, focusing on how legacy brands are adapting and expanding despite challenges. They explore geographic expansion strategies, innovative new concepts from established brands, and the entry of non-traditional companies into physical retail spaces. The conversation highlights the resilience of the retail sector and the various ways companies are leveraging brick-and-mortar locations to enhance growth and consumer engagement.

• The change in federal monetary policy can create both opportunities and competition.
• Legacy brands are still expanding, contrary to headlines about retail closings.
• Geographic expansion remains a key strategy for established brands.
• Events like the Olympics can serve as catalysts for brand growth.
• New concepts within legacy brands can capture additional market share.
• Ace Hardware's Elevate concept exemplifies local engagement in retail.
• Fresh Grocer is a new concept focusing on produce in suburban areas.
• Established companies like Netflix are entering physical retail with immersive experiences.
• Retail closings are a natural part of the industry's evolution.
• The durability of retail is evident in the various growth strategies being employed.

00:00 Introduction

00:24 Excitement over federal monetary policy

01:44 Today's episode: legacy brands expanding

02:37 Geographic expansion strategies

03:48 Global events as catalysts for retail growth

08:35 New concepts within established brands

14:08 Established companies entering brick-and-mortar

14:22 Netflix's bold move into physical retail

17:50 The strategy behind Netflix's location choices

21:15 Wayfair's transition to physical stores

22:08 The future of non-retail businesses in physical spaces

24:54 Concluding thoughts on retail durability

In this episode of 'Retail Retold', host Chris Ressa and guest 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 nimble and collaborative work environment. The discussion further explores current market trends in retail real estate and the challenges faced in development, underscoring the importance of long-term strategies and relationships with landlords.

• Boot Barn has grown from 250 to 425 stores in four years.
• The Western wear market is expanding and becoming mainstream.
• Marketing strategies have evolved to attract diverse customer segments.
• Boot Barn values partnerships with landlords and sees them as crucial for successful store openings.
• The company focuses on a long-term growth strategy rather than short-term gains.
• Current market trends show a demand for A centers over C centers.

00:00 Introduction to Boot Barn and Charlie Arbing

02:14 Boot Barn's Growth and Market Positioning

06:47 Marketing Strategies and Customer Segmentation

10:21 Transitioning from Starbucks to Boot Barn

12:59 Partnerships and Real Estate Strategies

19:39 Current Market Trends in Retail Real Estate

25:41 Navigating Development Challenges and Future Outlook

About Retail Retold:

The Retail Retold Podcast highlights community retailer stories from across the country and gives a behind-the-scenes perspective from business leaders in both retail and real estate industries. The show’s episodes contain valuable insights that help solve the needs of entrepreneurs and re

In this episode of 'Retail Retold', host Chris Ressa and Kevin Ervin Kelly, AIA, author of Irreplaceable and partner at Shook Kelly, an architecture firm, explore the influence of environment on behavior. It’s a topic Kelley has been fascinated with since childhood.

 Kelly shares insights from his architecture and social science approach, including his work with clients like Harley Davidson and Whole Foods. Discussing his book 'Irreplaceable', he touches on society's shift due to digital disruption and the critical nature of maintaining physical spaces for human interaction. He emphasizes the significance of involving retail processes in public venues and the importance of mixing behavioral study in architecture for impactful design. From case studies, he highlights the emotional connection people have with spaces and the need to innovate in physical retail to thrive.

00:00 Introduction to Retail Retold

00:21 Meet Kevin Kelly: Architect and Author

00:41 Kevin's Unique Perspective on Architecture

02:01 The Founding of Shook Kelly

02:36 The Importance of Environment in Retail

03:52 Kevin's Book: Irreplaceable

04:36 The Impact of Technology on Human Interaction

14:08 Case Study: Fresen Bros.

17:56 Challenges in Modern Architecture

19:55 The Role of Public Places in Society

21:30 Shook Kelly's Operations and Services

28:29 The Power of Senses in Design

34:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

 In this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa welcomes Anjee Solanki, the head of U.S. retail for Collier's, to jump into the current state and future of retail real estate.

Anjee provides insights on the recent leasing activities, the challenges faced by retailers in store openings, and the projections for year-end growth in the retail sector. Anjee and her team at Colliers recently published a report on AI in retail, covering how both retailers and landlords are adopting AI, the potential power infrastructure needs, and the impact on consumer experience. Tune in for an engaging conversation on the evolving landscape of retail real estate and the role of AI in shaping it.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:24 State of the Union on Retail Real Estate

01:58 Challenges in Retail Leasing and Occupancy

02:58 Discussion on Rent and Fixed Costs

08:22 AI in Retail: Insights and Impacts

09:53 Landlord and Retailer Perspectives on AI

15:36 Consumer Adoption and Future of AI

24:09 Final Thoughts and Future Outlook

38:45 Conclusion and Farewell

From Pork Rinds to Community Groceries: A Rural Success Story with Kelly Perry of Perry's Pork Rinds

In this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa chats with Kelly Perry, co-owner of Perry's Pork Rinds and Country Store in Bronson, Kansas. Kelly shares her journey from starting an e-commerce pork rind business to owning a multi-SKU grocery store in a town of 304 people. Faced with numerous challenges, including licensing, food handling certification, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Kelly and her husband transitioned from their full-time jobs to build a thriving rural grocery store. With a focus on community relationships, local sourcing, and innovative product offerings, Perry's Pork Rinds and Country Store has become a local favorite and achieved significant growth. Kelly's inspiring story underscores resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in community-focused business success.

00:00 Introduction to Retail Retold

00:22 Meet Kelly Perry: From Kansas to pork rinds

01:18 The Unexpected journey to retail

02:35 Building a business from scratch

04:19 Expanding during the pandemic

06:15 Creating a micro grocery store

08:30 Learning the retail ropes

11:41 Community engagement and produce programs

13:39 The popularity of fresh produce

16:01 The difference between pork rinds and cracklins

18:20 24-Hour access inspiration

19:50 Website impressions and social media

20:14 Sales and Growth Journey

21:25 Expanding beyond the store

22:24 Online sales and email marketing

23:40 Local sourcing and community engagement

26:24 Building the store and overcoming challenges

28:29 Unique products and customer service

32:05 Future plans and pork rind expansion

34:48 Fun questions and conclusion

From Accounting to Fashion: Valerie Warren’s Leap with Mabel’s Landing

In this episode of Retail Retold, host Chris welcomes Valerie Warren, the dynamic founder and owner of Mabel's Landing, a women's clothing store in Williamsville, NY.

Valerie shares her inspiring journey of stepping into entrepreneurship from over 30 years in accounting following the closure of a beloved local store, Mabel Danahy’s. She talks about her transition from accounting to retail, the process of setting up her store, and the challenges and successes she encountered along the way. Valerie discusses the importance of location, her selective inventory approach, and how she maintains a personal touch through unique offerings like gift wrapping and in-house alterations.

She highlights the value of having a supportive team and the vital role of vendor relationships in her business success. Listeners also get a glimpse of Valerie's love for the local community, her stance on shopping local, and her thoughts on possibly expanding Mabel's Landing in the future.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:23 Valerie's Background and Journey to Retail

01:28 Transition from Accounting to Retail

03:18 The Legacy of Mabel Danahy's

04:48 Starting Mabel's Landing

05:32 Building Relationships with Vendors

06:38 Choosing the Right Location

11:17 Challenges and Surprises in Retail

13:22 Customer Experience and Unique Offerings

18:44 Future Plans and Final Thoughts

20:14 Fun Questions and Conclusion

In this episode of 'What's in Store with Karly and Chris,' hosts Karly Iacono and Chris Ressa delve into the ongoing relevance of banks, drugstores, and movie theaters within the net lease sector.

They explore why banks are opening more branches, the challenges facing drugstores amid health care system complexities, and the sustained appeal of movie theaters despite rising entertainment costs.

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

01:15 Hot Topics in Net Lease Sector

01:48 The Resilience of Banks

09:13 The Future of Drugstores

18:27 The Evolution of Movie Theaters

27:32 Conclusion and Farewell

Sweet Success: Building a Cookie Empire with Angie Snediker

In this episode of Retail Retold, host Chris Ressa welcomes the founder and owner of Half Baked Cookies, Angie Snediker. Angie shares her journey from baking in her home kitchen to expanding her cookie business to three locations, including Lockport, Williamsville, and Buffalo. She discusses the challenges and triumphs of starting a business, the importance of providing freshly baked cookies for customers, and her unique flavors that set Half Baked Cookies apart from competitors. Angie also touches on her strategic approach to selecting store locations and her plans for future expansion.

00:00 Introduction

00:19 Meet Angie Snediker: Founder of Half Baked Cookies

00:47 The Journey from Kitchen to Storefront

01:47 Expansion and Success in New Locations

02:34 Unique Selling Points of Half Baked Cookies

03:43 Business Challenges and Triumphs

04:34 Choosing the Right Locations

08:54 Williamsville Store: A Success Story

14:49 Future Plans and Industry Insights

18:58 Fun Questions with Angie

20:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Unpacking Co-Tenancy Clauses: Are They Worth the Hassle?

Join host Chris Ressa on this episode of Retail Retold as he delves into the intricacies of co-tenancy clauses in retail leases. Discover the obligations landlords face, from maintaining occupancy levels to the potential remedies tenants can invoke. Chris discusses the high costs and effort associated with negotiating these clauses, the limited instances of lease termination, and proposes a need to evolve these provisions to better suit today's dynamic retail landscape. Tune in for insightful discussions and a thought-provoking look at an often overlooked aspect of commercial real estate.

00:00 Introduction to Retail Retold

00:24 Understanding Co-Tenancy Clauses

04:34 Types of Co-Tenancy Clauses

07:00 Challenges and Negotiations in Co-Tenancy

14:10 The Future of Co-Tenancy Provisions

21:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts