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 into operating a tire business. Evan shares his experiences, lessons learned, and future plans, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and strategic decision-making in a changing market.

What you'll hear:

• How Evan's career in commercial real estate finance helped develop his primary focus on retail development, particularly single-tenant net lease assets.
• Why he prefers to enter deals with tenants already in place to minimize risk.
• How he has developed properties for notable tenants like Chipotle and Sprouts.
• He has thoughts on the current market challenges of high costs and compressed spreads.
• The importance of transparency with tenants during negotiations.
• How the tire business was his path to gain control over his expansion plans.
• The importance of marketing in the success of his tire business.
• Why owning the real estate for his tire stores is a long-term play.
• What Evan thinks the future holds many opportunities despite market uncertainties.

00:00 Introduction to Evan Mahalas and his journey

02:59 Real estate development strategies

06:09 Navigating market challenges and tenant relationships

08:50 Venturing into the tire business

11:53 Insights on operating a tire business

14:58 Marketing and customer engagement in the tire industry

18:03 Future plans and market predictions

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 provides insights into market trends, the success of flagship stores, and the company's innovative approach to product offerings.

Takeaways

• It'Sugar focuses on creating immersive retail experiences.
• The company has grown from 85 to 125 locations since acquisition.
• Retail vacancies are at an all-time low, impacting market dynamics.
• It's Sugar is exploring opportunities in airports for future growth.
• The flagship store concept blends retail with entertainment.
• Unique product offerings differentiate It's Sugar from competitors.
• The company prioritizes locations with high foot traffic and dwell time.
• All flagship stores are profitable, contributing to brand visibility.
• It's Sugar aims to expand its footprint with smaller store formats.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jonathan Schwartz and It's Sugar

02:31 Jonathan's Journey in Real Estate

05:56 The Evolution of It's Sugar

09:34 Market Insights and Growth Opportunities

12:47 Unique Store Concepts and Experiences

19:00 Flagship Store Success Stories

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 415 locations, all run by operating partners.
• The drive-thru model creates a unique guest experience focused on personal connection.
• Dutch Bros has never closed a store, showcasing strong operational success.
• The company is expanding into new markets, including Texas and Oklahoma.
• During the pandemic, Dutch Bros leaned into growth rather than retreating.
• The Albuquerque store opened with significant community excitement and support.
• Data analytics play a crucial role in site selection for new stores.
• The importance of persistence in securing desired retail locations is emphasized.
• Dutch Bros aims to treat every customer equally, regardless of their purchase size.
• The conversation highlights the evolving consumer behavior in the food and beverage sector.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Retail Retold

00:57 Meet Aaron Harris and Dutch Bros Coffee

04:05 The Unique Drive-Thru Experience

08:11 Expansion Plans and Market Insights

12:05 Navigating the Pandemic and Consumer Behavior

16:05 The Story Behind the Albuquerque Store

25:10 Lessons Learned and Retail Wisdom

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 emphasizes the importance of innovation, market adaptation, and delivering value to consumers in today's competitive landscape.

Takeaways

• Walmart continues to innovate with drone deliveries and cashier-less stores.
• Trader Joe's focuses on thoughtful growth and a positive shopping experience.
• TJX is thriving despite challenges in the home goods sector.
• Boot Barn capitalizes on the outdoor lifestyle trend and country music popularity.
• Tractor Supply is expanding its appeal to suburban and urban consumers.
• Home Depot is actively redeveloping obsolete malls for new store locations.
• Sherwin-Williams is outperforming competitors with strong financials and a clear brand.
• Wingstop's unique franchise model has led to significant growth and market expansion.
• Texas Roadhouse offers a family-friendly dining experience at an affordable price.
• Value-oriented retailers are thriving in the current market.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Retail and Real Estate Trends

01:51 Spotlighting Innovative Retailers

06:04 General Merchandisers and Grocery Insights

12:03 Soft Goods Retailers and Their Growth

15:59 Specialty Retailers Making Waves

19:58 Hard Goods Retailers and Market Adaptation

23:48 Food and Beverage Retail Trends

29:56 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

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 strong relationships with clients and tenants.

Takeaways

• 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, 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 bankruptcy proceedings, highlighting lessons learned and the evolving landscape of retail bankruptcy.

Takeaways

• The Chuck E. Cheese bankruptcy case was notable for its timing during COVID-19.
• A unique provision in the bankruptcy code allowed for rent delays.
• Landlords were able to secure insurance requirements during bankruptcy.
• The judge's decision favored landlords in the Chuck E. Cheese case.
• Lender support is crucial for a successful reorganization in bankruptcy.
• Container Store's bankruptcy was a pre-packaged restructuring.
• Retail bankruptcies can present opportunities for landlords.
• Misconceptions exist about the causes of retail bankruptcies.
• Bankruptcies can lead to significant changes in retail real estate.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bankruptcy and Retail

01:36The Chuck E. Cheese Bankruptcy Case

05:14Navigating Rent Delays and Abatement

10:09The Role of Lenders in Bankruptcy

12:39Comparing Chuck E. Cheese and Container Store

18:50Lessons Learned from Retail Bankruptcies

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 of COVID-19, and the innovative retail concepts and trends that are emerging in the market.

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 real estate, emphasizing the need for strong merchandising and customer understanding.

Takeaways

• RetailStat has evolved significantly, expanding its client base and product offerings.
• Building relationships is crucial in the retail real estate sector.
• Understanding client needs quickly can drive business growth.
• Mentorship played a key role in Josh's career development.
• The retail industry is seeing a shift towards PropTech solutions.
• Retail real estate is slower to adopt new technologies compared to other sectors.
• Successful retailers understand their customers and adapt to their needs.
• Merchandising and product selection are critical for retail success.
• The future of retail real estate looks promising with new technologies and strategies.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Retail Stat and Josh Suffin

02:49 Growth and Evolution of Retail Stat

06:08 The Importance of Relationships in Retail Real Estate

09:02 Navigating the Retail Real Estate Landscape

11:56 Advice for Future Generations in Retail Real Estate

14:55 The State of PropTech and Its Future

17:47 Current Trends in Retail Real Estate

21:00 Conclusion and Reflections on the Industry

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 emphasizing the importance of understanding consumer sentiment in today's market.

Takeaways

• Betteridge's Law suggests headlines ending in a question mark usually have a 'no' answer.
• Holiday sales outperformed expectations, indicating strong consumer spending.
• Consumers are willing to spend more despite rising debt and inflation.
• E-commerce growth is significant, especially for retailers with omni-channel platforms.
• Value retailers, such as discount and off-price stores, outperformed during the holiday season.
• Health and wellness is a rapidly growing sector, driven by cultural shifts towards healthier lifestyles.
• Gym memberships are at an all-time high, indicating a strong interest in fitness.
• The competition in the gym industry is fierce, with many specialized offerings available.
• Consumers are more value-conscious when purchasing goods compared to services.
• Retail real estate must consider both goods and services in their strategies.

Chapters

00:00 The Psychology of Headlines

03:03 Holiday Sales Performance

06:05 Consumer Spending Trends

09:03 Retail Categories and Value

11:56 The Rise of Health and Wellness

21:09 The Gym Industry Landscape

30:02 Consumer Sentiment and Spending Behavior

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 real estate pros. Join host Chris Ressa and new guests weekly for amazing insights and thought-provoking stories.

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 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