Retail Retold

Can a Dead-End Street Become the Hottest Retail Destination in Town?

In this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa sits down with Howard Aspinwall, the dynamic owner of Mellow Monkey, a destination home décor and gift shop tucked away on a dead-end street in Stratford, Connecticut. Howard shares his unconventional journey from art school to chef, tech executive, and finally retail entrepreneur—starting Mellow Monkey as an online-only business before making the rare move into brick-and-mortar. He reveals how his eclectic background, unique product curation, and immersive in-store experience turned an unlikely warehouse location into a tri-state shopping draw.

Howard also dives into his social media strategy, how humor and personality fuel customer engagement, the agility needed to pivot product lines, and the looming impacts of tariffs and supply chain challenges on the retail landscape. It’s a masterclass in building a retail brand that people seek out—even when it’s literally at “the end of the earth.”

What you'll hear:

• Howard's diverse background includes art, culinary arts, and technology.
• Mellow Monkey started as an online business before transitioning to brick-and-mortar.
• The store is located in an unconventional area, creating a unique shopping experience.
• Social media plays a crucial role in driving traffic to the store.
• Howard emphasizes the importance of creating a fun and immersive environment for customers.
• The store features a constantly changing inventory of unique products.
• Customer acquisition costs online are high, making brick-and-mortar more profitable.
• Howard's approach to marketing includes humor and personal engagement.
• The store has a small but dedicated team that fluctuates with the seasons.
• Economic conditions are impacting retail, but Mellow Monkey has maintained strong consumer confidence.

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Mellow Monkey

13:22 Transitioning from Online to Brick-and-Mortar

21:15 The Unique Store Experience

24:56 Navigating Economic Challenges

29:56 Connecting with Customers and Community

Can you really train your brain to remember everything?

In this fascinating episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa is joined by Chester Santos, 2008 U.S. Memory Champion and world-renowned memory expert, to explore how mastering memory can transform your personal and professional life. Chester breaks down the science behind memory training, shares practical applications for business leaders, and even puts Chris on the spot with a live memory test. From eliminating to-do lists to improving client relationships, this episode proves that memory isn't just a gift—it's a skill you can build.

What you'll hear:

• Memory is a skill that can be developed and improved.
• There is no limit to human memory; the more you know, the easier it is to learn new things.
• Chester trained for the memory championship like an Olympic athlete.
• Memory techniques can help minimize the use of notes during presentations.
• Maintaining eye contact during meetings enhances professional relationships.
• Visual representation aids in memory retention.
• Involving multiple senses can strengthen memory connections.
• Making information unusual or extraordinary helps in remembering it.
• Memory skills can significantly impact personal and professional success.
• Chester offers online memory training resources for those interested.

Chapters

00:00 – Intro: What happens when memory becomes your superpower?

01:13 – Meet Chester Santos: U.S. Memory Champion & “International Man of Memory”

02:30 – Why Memory Is an Overlooked Professional Skill

03:08 – Clear the Air: Chester’s surprising answers

05:38 – From 2020 Segment to Memory Champion

08:00 – What It Takes to Win a Memory Championship

10:20 – Self-Taught Success: Training like an Olympian

11:10 – What Happens at a Memory Championship? (Hint: Decks of Cards)

13:00 – What Science Says About Super Memory

14:35 – Real-World Applications: Business, Sales, and Public Speaking

20:25 – Ditching To-Do Lists and Meeting Notes—Seriously

26:00 – 3 Core Principles to Improve Your Memory Today

30:00 – Interactive Exercise: The Story Method Memory Challenge

35:00 – How to Apply Memory Skills to Presentations

37:15 – How You Can Train with Chester

39:20 – Where to Find Chester Online

40:15 – Fun Questions: Blockbuster, Chinatown Suitcases & Target Electronics

How did Jason Olsen take a lightbulb idea of improving salon suite experiences to a nationwide franchise with 120 locations?

In this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa sits down with Jason, the founder and CEO of Image Studios, to explore his remarkable journey from running a $100M used car dealership to building and scaling his business. Jason shares how the 2008 recession pushed him to rethink his future and the lessons he learned in creating a recession-resilient, asset-light business. From negotiating leases and launching on credit cards to creating a franchise model that empowers beauty professionals, this episode is a masterclass in entrepreneurial grit, real estate savvy, and franchise growth.

What you'll hear:

• How Jason pivoted from the auto industry to the beauty and real estate space
• Why salon suites are a recession-resistant business model
• The key strategies behind scaling from one location to a national franchise
• Insights on site selection, lease negotiation, and supporting franchisee profitability

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jason Olson and Image Studios

02:02 The Journey to Founding Image Studios

05:59 Lessons from the Automotive Industry

11:53 Building a Unique Business Model

15:56 The Launch of Image Studios

22:11 Franchising and Expansion

30:01 Current Operations and Future Growth

Is the expansion of specialty retailers surprising? Ultimately, physical stores remain vital for consumer interaction and brand loyalty.

In this episode of 'What's in Store', Chris Ressa and Karly Iacono explore the reasons behind the success of physical stores in an increasingly digital world, emphasizing the importance of customer experience, pricing strategies, and the discovery element in retail. The conversation highlights how various sectors, including cell phones, fashion, and home improvement, continue to thrive in physical retail despite the convenience of online shopping.

Takeaways:

• Batteries Plus is expanding despite being a commodity item.
• Physical stores drive traffic and offer better pricing for many items.
• Customer experience and service are crucial in retail success.
• Retailers are using stores for fulfillment and distribution.
• The gap between online and in-store prices is widening.
• Consumers prefer the immediacy of physical stores for urgent needs.
• Discovery of new products is easier in-store than online.
• Retailers benefit from having a physical presence in a market.
• Physical retail is more valuable now than pre-COVID.
• The relationship built in-store cannot be replicated online.

What's a 1031 exchange and how can you use it to make money in real estate?

In this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa sits down with 1031 exchange expert David Foster to demystify one of real estate’s most powerful wealth-building tools. David, a seasoned Qualified Intermediary (QI), breaks down how 1031 exchanges allow investors to legally defer capital gains taxes when selling and reinvesting in real estate. From common pitfalls (don’t call after the sale!) to best practices and market trends, David shares insider knowledge gleaned from decades of experience and thousands of transactions.

Takeaways:

• A 1031 exchange allows investors to defer taxes on profits from real estate sales.
• Qualified intermediaries (QIs) are essential for facilitating 1031 exchanges.
• Documentation and compliance with IRS regulations are critical in 1031 exchanges.
• The best time to involve a QI is when a property is under contract for sale.
• Costs for QIs are generally reasonable and vary by location.Market conditions can significantly impact the effectiveness of 1031 exchanges.
• Investors should be aware of depreciation and its impact on taxable gains.
• The 1031 exchange has historical roots in supporting agricultural growth.
• Strategic asset selection is key to successful 1031 exchanges.
• Over-leveraging can lead to challenges in executing a 1031 exchange.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to 1031 Exchanges

04:57 Understanding the Role of a Qualified Intermediary

09:32 The Process of a 1031 Exchange

14:42 Cost and Value of 1031 Exchanges

19:14 Market Trends and 1031 Exchanges

24:19 Challenges and Lessons from 1031 Exchanges

27:02 Fun Questions and Conclusion

It's Shawarma with Swagger, and it's coming to America.

From humble beginnings in London, Ontario, to a thriving restaurant chain with over 64 locations, Tahini’s is now poised for U.S. expansion—fueled by innovative flavors, a massive social media following, and a franchise model centered around local ownership and community engagement. This week, Chris Ressa talks with Tahini's Founder and CEO Omar Hamam and Business Development Officer Shawn Saraga, on the big plans the company has in the U.S.

Takeaways:

From One Store to a Franchise Empire

Omar Hamam grew Tahini’s from a single restaurant into 64+ locations—and he’s just getting started.

U.S. Expansion Is Underway

First U.S. locations are launching in Illinois, New Jersey, Baltimore, and Miami—with 100 planned in 2–3 years.

Fusion-Forward Menu

Tahini’s blends Mediterranean staples with bold global flavors—think butter chicken shawarma and smoked brisket.

Massive Social Following

With 5M+ followers and 12M weekly views, Tahini’s built U.S. demand before opening a single U.S. store.

Owner-Operator Franchise Model

They reject master franchises—every franchisee must be hands-on, local, and deeply involved in the community.

Built for Delivery and Late Night

Most locations are fast-casual with strong off-premise sales—and 70% stay open until 2 a.m.

Real Estate Sweet Spot

Ideal sites: grocery-anchored centers, 1,200–2,000 SF, with smart infill and non-traditional site flexibility.

Healthier, Guilt-Free Eats

Fresh, grilled, and made-to-order—Tahini’s hits the crave factor without the fast-food regret.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tahini's and Founders' Backgrounds

07:53 Expansion Journey and Franchise Model

10:51 Store Concept and Market Positioning

13:31 Innovative Menu and Unique Offerings

16:10 Social Media Influence and Brand Awareness

18:45 Franchisee Selection and Community Engagement

22:12 Owner-Operator Approach to Expansion

24:06 Future Growth and Market Strategy

28:54 Health-Conscious Menu and Customer Appeal

In this Retail Retold Replay, Chris Ressa dives into the winding path of a complex lease deal at a DLC shopping center in Cheektowaga, NY — where Five Below ultimately took the space, but not before a rollercoaster of negotiations, tenant terminations, and lessons in legal vs. physical possession.

The story starts with Office Depot downsizing, a prospective tenant backing out, and ends with a successful Five Below opening. Along the way, you'll hear why contingencies in commercial real estate deals are everything — and how timing, relationships, and flexibility can turn a near-miss into a win.

A must-listen for anyone in leasing, development, or deal-making.

Takeaways:

• Buy now, pay later options are on the rise and appealing to younger consumers, and retailers are investing heavily in buy now, pay later platforms.
• Supply chain challenges can vary based on ordering behaviors. Retailers who continued ordering during the pandemic are better positioned.
• Five Below's entry into Cheektowaga, NY involved complex negotiations.
• Possession in commercial real estate can be legally defined but physically contested.
• The importance of having tenants who are committed to their locations.
• Understanding the contingencies in real estate agreements is crucial.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Retail Retold

02:47 The Buy Now, Pay Later Craze

05:40 Supply Chain Insights

08:20 The Five Below Story

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 $800K in NOI.

Takeaways:

• The power of low supply and high demand and how it’s reshaping site competition
• A behind-the-scenes look at a grocery-anchored center’s three-year transformation
• The diverse, modern tenant mix redefining “normal” retail—think healthcare, beauty, food, and auto alongside legacy brands
• How smart reinvestment and strong market forces create a flywheel of growth
• Why traditional metrics like “retail per capita” miss the mark in today's environment

Chapters

00:00 Retail Real Estate Fundamentals Post-COVID

05:23 The Lawrenceville Case Study: A Retail Success Story

09:28 The Evolution of Retail Tenant Mix

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 look at where retail is heading—and how close they came to calling it right.

Takeaways

• The retail industry is experiencing a tight supply and high demand for space.
• Experiential retail is evolving, but convenience remains a priority for consumers.
• Omnichannel retailing has become a standard expectation for most retailers.
• Sustainability initiatives are not currently driving business decisions in real estate.
• Redevelopment and repurposing of properties are slower than anticipated due to various challenges.
• Food and beverage concepts are thriving, with a notable increase in coffee sales.
• Value retailing continues to be a strong focus for consumers amid economic pressures
• The conversation around tariffs and AI was less prominent than expected at ICSC.
• Mixed-use developments are still a hot topic, but execution remains challenging.
• Predictions for the future should consider longer timelines for significant changes.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Retail and Real Estate Predictions
• 04:58 Reflections on ICSC Predictions
• 09:52 Supply and Demand Dynamics in Retail
• 15:08 Experiential vs. Convenience Retail
• 19:54 The State of Omnichannel Retailing
• 25:00 Sustainability and ESG Initiatives
• 29:56 Repurposing and Mixed-Use Developments
• 33:47 Food and Beverage Trends

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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 challenges, as well as the early performance of the facility post-opening. Jack shares insights on the market dynamics, the importance of data in decision-making, and the potential for future self-storage projects at DLC.

Takeaways

• Self-storage has become a lucrative asset class post-COVID.
• Columbus was chosen for its under-supply of self-storage.
• DLC utilized in-house capabilities for construction and development.
• Zoning approvals were a significant part of the development process.
• The project faced scrutiny and required thorough feasibility studies.
• Underwriting involved collaboration with established operators like CubeSmart.Value engineering was crucial to manage construction costs.
• The facility opened ahead of schedule and is performing well.
• Local market knowledge was key in securing financing.
• DLC sees potential for more self-storage developments in the future.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Self-Storage Development
• 01:59 The Rise of Self-Storage as an Asset Class
• 04:59 Market Analysis: Why Columbus?
• 09:10 Navigating the Development Process
• 12:04 Underwriting and Financial Considerations
• 14:51 Construction Challenges and Solutions
• 21:13 Opening and Early Performance
• 23:54 Future of Self-Storage at DLC