In this episode host Matthew Wallace welcomes Michael Pakravan back to The Matthews Podcast. Michael is the FVP & National Director of Retail Leasing at Matthews™. With more than 20 years of brokerage expertise, Michael leads the National Retail Leasing Division, consisting of 25 agents nationwide. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Michael advises property owners, tenants, and buyers on retail leasing and investment sale transactions throughout Southern California. Today, Michael discusses retail leasing strategies and industry trends, including the importance of tenant and landlord communication in CRE, ways to build community to create a successful center, and strategies retailers are undertaking to match consumer preferences.

Topics Discussed:

• Consumer preferences and how they have changed since the start of the COVID pandemic, with a focus on community building
• Experiential retail and how landlords and tenants can work together on community engagement through amenities, activities, and social media
• Trends in retail tenants like health/wellness, fitness, pets, and daycare
• The impact of travel/tourism on the commercial real estate industry and how cities are adapting
• Challenges tenants face with timelines and costs to open new locations
• The importance of communication and cooperation between landlords, tenants, brokers, and municipalities