Where We Buy: Retail Real Estate with James Cook

Aaron Sorin from AnyRoad talks about the importance and impact of experiential events for retailers, restaurants, and shopping centers. He explains how AnyRoad’s event management software helps businesses measure and optimize their event strategies. He covers examples including Johnny Walker's personalized whiskey tours and Westfield's holiday Santa experience, showing how they u

Ryan McNeill, founder of Veritas Development talks about OAK, a new mixed-use development in Oklahoma City. He was inspired by iconic retail spaces like Santana Row and The Grove to spend over 15 years assembling land and building OAK. The project, featuring retail, food, hotel, and residential, aims to revitalize the area and bring high-quality amenities to the city. He discusses

Richard Lake, founding Principal of Roadside Development, and Catherine Timko, Principal at Riddle Company highlight transformative projects in Washington DC, including City Market at O and City Ridge. They discuss D.C.'s retail evolution and challenges in redeveloping office space into mixed use projects. After that, Michael Wheat, Managing Director of JLL's North Texas retail gro

Anne Mezzenga from Omni Talk joins James for a discussion about expanding retailers such as Five Below, Harbor Freight Tools, Burlington, Ulta, and Netflix House. They talk about innovative store concepts and technologies being implemented by H&M and Schnucks and touch on the economic implications of these trends and the importance of experiential retail to attract consumers. James

Jorge Barragan and Austin Wood are co-founders of The Picklr, an indoor pickleball chain. Discussing the sport's burgeoning popularity and demand, they share how The Picklr has sold 311 franchise locations in the U.S. and plans international expansions. They talk about their franchise model, the impact of the pandemic on the sport, partnerships with celebrities like Drew Brees, and

James Cook is joined by Sucharita Kodali, VP and Principal Analyst at Forrester to talk about five significant trends impacting the retail sector. They discuss consumer confidence amidst low unemployment and high inflation, the role of artificial intelligence in retail, the current state of the luxury market, and the potential merger between Saks and Neiman Marcus. They also explor

Tim Murphy, CEO of Boomers Parks, delves into the operations, challenges, and growth of Boomers Parks' family entertainment centers (FECs) and water parks. The discussion covers Murphy's extensive background in the entertainment industry, the evolution and modernization of Boomers Parks' offerings, and the significance of understanding demographic needs. Murphy also shares how Boom

Katie Grissom is the Head of Retail and Mixed-Use, Americas at Nuveen. She explains the company's retail investment strategy, emphasizing the importance of understanding consumer behavior. Katie points out the evolving demands of millennials, the significance of convenience culture, and the potential impacts of Gen Z's burgeoning buying power. Real-life examples of successful retai

Davon Barbour, President and CEO of the New Orleans Downtown Development District, discusses downtown New Orleans' vibrant retail, dining, and entertainment. Barbour elaborates on the the importance of public-private partnerships. He also highlights initiatives to support small businesses and attract new retailers, making downtown a hub for commerce and culture. James Cook is the D

Toby Harris, President & CEO of State of Play Hospitality discusses his company's three innovative entertainment offerings: Flight Club, Hijingo, and Bounce. Flight Club combines darts with upscale hospitality and cutting-edge technology, making it accessible and fun for all. He also shares insights into the origins and expansion plans for Hijingo, a high-energy, immersive bingo ex