Retail Retold

On today’s podcast we have Adam Hirschfeld a partner at Rudolph Fields LLP. Adam has significant experience in the areas of retail and office leasing, as well as other areas or real estate law. Adam has worked on many new developments, re-developments, and expansions of shopping centers. In this episode Adam & Chris discuss the story of Cash Wise Grocers at the Prairie Hills Mall in Dickinson, North Dakota. Listen as Adam shares his unique legal perspective as they discuss the behind scenes legal challenges of leasing deals.

On today's episode of Retail Retold we have Jen Annello, Director of Real Estate for Planet Fitness Midwest, South Central U.S. & Mexico. Chris & Jen discuss the booming fitness industry and the future of Planet Fitness' growth. Jen shares her view on competition in the industry and the reason for Planet Fitness' success. In this episode Chris & Jen dive deep into the story of Planet Fitness' recent partnership with Kohls. Listen as Jen talks about the progress of this valuable relationship and the benefits that the two business' have on each other. 

On today's episode we have Shlomo Chopp the Founder & CEO of Anchor Shops by ShopFulfill. Chopp has over 15 years’ experience in technology and real estate with a focus on problem solving and asset turnaround. It's easy to hear Shlomo's passion as he tells Chris about his recent deal in Pennsylvania. Chopp will be debuting his new concept with the launch of Anchor Shops in Philadelphia's downtown Fashion District. Chopp dives deep into what makes the Anchor Shop a unique shopping experience for modern day consumers. Listen as he shares his view on the future of retail and find out how he's planning to merge the two worlds of e-commerce & physical retail. 

Shlomo Chopp, ShopFulfill, Anchor Shops

Real Talk Series #2 with Barry Wolfe

Prior to joining Marcus & Millichap, Barry Wolfe was a practicing attorney (JD, University of Georgia) specializing in retail real estate transactions and served as in-house counsel and head of the real estate-legal department for a NYSE-traded retailer. He is also a multi-year CoStar Power Broker with over 25 years of experience in the real estate industry. Listen as Chris & Barry discuss the world of triple net leases. Barry shares his personal insights on the industry and talks about the importance of focusing on all aspects of a deal instead of just judging an opportunity by the credit alone. 

Barry Wolfe LinkedIn

Deana Marcello is a Vice President at Logic Commercial Real Estate bringing over ten years’ experience specializing in commercial REO, investment and owner/user sales as well as representation for national retail tenants and institutional landlords. Listen as she tells the story of transforming a "retail graveyard" into a thriving shopping center with over 90% occupancy. Deana shares the story of a Floor and Decor deal which started this positive momentum.

In today's episode, we feature Amir Zwickel, Co-Founder & Chief Real Estate Officer at SHOWFIELDS. Amir describes the holistic approach to their store model, and tells the story of his new flagship store opening in Miami. 

He walks us through the new concept of "C" Commerce which contains the five C's: Convenience, Curation, Content, Community, and Connection. Listen as he shares the importance of curating an experience for consumers, providing them with a new way to discover new and local brands. 

Kyle Inserra currently works as Associate at CBRE specializing in restaurant brokerage but he didn’t take the traditional path to become one.

After studying Business Administration at Franklin & Marshall College, he attended the prestigious French Culinary Institute now known as International Culinary Institute. He spent 15 years as Executive Chef and Food & Beverage Manager working in the New York City, Hoboken and U.S. Virgin Islands.

Coming back to New York from U.S Virgin Island, he opened his former restaurant, Polpettina in 2009. Originally a deli store with just 10 seats, Kyle describes how he turned this place into a widely successful restaurant in Southern Westchester.

In today’s episode, Kyle shares rookie mistakes he has made in the earlier years of running Polpettina and how he turned these hard lessons learned into valuable experiences.

From tricky zoning permits to the importance of picking the right business partner, his story describes challenges that would be helpful for any first-time restaurant owners.

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) brands are skyrocketing in popularity — the shopping experience is convenient. But the downside is that you have to buy the product untouched and unseen. 

That's where pop-up stores come in. Not only these stores present consumers with the elements of fresh feel, exclusivity, and surprise, they give DTC and digitally native brands the opportunity to interact with their consumers and showcase their products - in person. 

No wonder there are more pop-up stores popping up everywhere. 

On today’s show, Chris talks to Melissa Gonzalez, retail strategist and CEO of The Lionesque Group. Since 2009, The Lionesque Group has worked with leading and emerging brands to open more than 150 brick and mortar locations. Their impressive client list includes Nordstrom Local, Madison Reed, Sally Hansen, Purple, Amazon Video and many more. 

Melissa dives deep into how pop-up stores are developed in a variety of shapes and how digitally native and DTC brands decide on their brick-and-mortar locations. Melissa shares her story of working with Purple (the world's first comfort tech company selling mattresses and pillows) to find their pop-up stores.

Last but not least, don’t forget to check out Melissa’s new book, The Pop Up Paradigm: How Brands Build Human Connections in a Digital Age!

In today’s episode Chris sits down with Jayson Siano, CEO of SABRE Real Estate and the Founder of b.creative and FitWell Advisors. Jayson is a renaissance man in the industry responsible for the expansion of many brands into the NY Metro market including Starbucks, Orange Theory Fitness, Chipotle, City MD and SolidCore. In this episode you’ll learn why patience is key as they discuss the story of Massage Envy at Lake Success Shopping Center in New Hyde Park, NY and other stories from Jayson’s past. Jayson also touches on the importance of differentiating your business and how consumers are shaping the future of retail real estate and other trends in the CRE world. 

Jayson Siano    /    Website: sabre.life    / Social: Instagram – JaysonSiano

LinkedIn’s top retail influencer, author of three books, internationally recognized business strategist, customer service expert, sales coach, marketing mentor, and motivational business speaker?

Yes, we’re talking about just one person. Impressive, right?

Bob Phibbs, aka the Retail Doctor, joins us on today’s jam-packed show.

In this episode, you’ll learn why it’s so critical for retailers to create an emotional connection between their brands and customers, and how improving soft skills of the frontline store staff can improve customer experiences, ultimately driving revenues up.

Also, stick around to hear Bob’s WILD story on opening a Howard and Phil’s Western Wear store in Pasadena, CA in just TWO days!

This is a great episode with a true retail rock star who has seen and experienced the ups and downs of the retail industry over the last 30 years.

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