Where We Buy

Bucky Mabe, CEO of FACE Amusement Group talks about his family's history in the amusement business, the importance of innovative branding, and strategic planning. He delves into FACE's recent acquisition and redevelopment of Myrtle Beach Mall, blending unique entertainment experiences with traditional retail. The episode covers challenges and successes in the amusement industry, touching on market selection and technological advancements, with insights into the future of retail entertainment. This interview was recorded at Entertainment Experience Evolution 2025, a conference by InterFace Conference Group, which is a division of France Media Inc. James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.    

Lauren Ball, COO of Westwood Financial, talks about the company's $1.6 billion retail real estate portfolio, which includes about 125 centers, primarily in the Sunbelt states. Lauren highlights some standout properties, like Glenwood Park in Atlanta and Paradise Valley Shopping Center in Phoenix, explaining their unique attributes and tenant mixes. She also delves into the strategic growth decisions in markets like Austin, Texas, and the value-centric approach of Westwood Financial. Lauren shares her career journey from making cold calls at 16 to her current expansive role overseeing multiple teams at Westwood.  James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.  

Nate Minnis is the Head of Real Estate for Smalls Sliders. Nate shares his journey from working at Subway to leading real estate strategies for multiple franchise brands, including Smalls Sliders. He discusses the unique aspects of the Smalls Sliders concept, its growth driven by simplicity and modular design, and the key factors for choosing optimal locations. He also touches upon challenges he faces, including educating city officials on modular construction and finding suitable real estate, and the company's plans for expansion across the U.S. and globally. James Cook is the Director of Retail research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.  

Joe Kunigonis, CEO of Smartify Media talks about the ways that commercial property owners can monetize digital screens. He delves into the programmatic and targeted advertising capabilities of this medium, explaining the infrastructure and advantages of digital signage. He also covers the challenges and opportunities in both indoor and outdoor retail spaces, and the future implications of this technology. Jesse Michael is Senior Vice President, Digital Solutions for JLL. James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.  

Nick Hodge is CEO of Essential Growth Properties. Nick shares insights from his extensive background in the supermarket industry and details Essential Growth's focus on acquiring, building, and operating grocery-anchored shopping centers nationwide. The discussion explores current investment opportunities in secondary and tertiary markets, the operational goals for Essential Growth, and the value of grocery-anchored centers in today's market. The conversation also touches on Nick's family history with Kroger, changes in the real estate industry over the past 15 years, and strategies for dealing with natural disasters. Naveen Jaggi is President of Retail Advisory Services at JLL. James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Comm

Zach Gelfand is Head of Property for Funlab, an Australia-based entertainment company. He talks about the company's unique entertainment concepts, including Holy Moley and Hijinx Hotel, and the company's expansion from Australia to the United States. Zach discusses Funlab's distinct blend of bar, restaurant, and entertainment elements, their innovative employee culture, and the differences in real estate negotiations between the U.S. and Australia. The conversation highlights FunLab's emphasis on creating immersive experiences and tailoring venues to local demographics while navigating the challenges of capital investment and growth in new markets. Rebecca Norton is Executive Director, Retail Property & Asset Management for JLL James Cook is Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run i

Lane Chaplin talks about Hyperfuel's unique approach to electric vehicle charging stations. Hyperfuel is building a network of fast-charging stations in the U.S., with a focus on locations near retail and dining establishments to incentivize shopping and dining while charging. He discusses the company's use of personalized incentives through their Hyperfuel app and the benefits of high-speed Level 4 charging. Chaplin also shares insights from his background in retail real estate and his previous experience at Tesla, elaborating on how Hyperfuel partners with landlords and plans for significant expansion.  James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.  

David McGlinchey is Chief Strategy Officer at Sprouts Farmers Market. He discusses Sprouts’ unique positioning as a specialty market focusing on organic, vegan, and gluten-free products. He explains Sprouts' growth strategy, customer demographics, and how the company plans to expand into new territories. He also highlights how Sprouts differentiates itself from competitors. Additionally, he touches on the impact of online shopping on Sprouts and innovative store features, such as the bulk foods section and in-store partnerships with coffee brands. Geno Coradini is Managing Director for JLL Americas Retail. James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.  

Christine Mastandrea is COO of Whitestone REIT, which owns 55 shopping centers in Texas and Arizona. She discusses her unique philosophy about retail real estate;  Whitestone's strategy of acquiring smaller, community-centric properties in high-growth markets; and how understanding neighborhoods through data analytics and psychographics drives their decisions. The conversation covers the increasing importance of health, wellness, and fitness centers as traffic drivers.  Additionally, Christine shares her thoughts on teaching commercial real estate disruption at Rice University and the evolving retail landscape driven by Millennials and Gen Z. James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  Watch our video show, Everything We Know About Retail: http://everythingweknow.show/ Leave a message on the Where We Buy hotline. We may use it on an upcoming show. Call (602) 633-4061  Read more retail resear

Daniel Russo leads Building Engines, a property management software platform owned by JLL. He explains how the software connects tenants and property teams, facilitates maintenance, tracks utility usage, and manages vendor interactions. He also elaborates on adapting the software for retail properties, the differences between managing retail and office spaces, and integration of AI tools to enhance operational efficiency.  Daniel Russo is President and Chief Executive Officer, Property Management Technologies at JLL Technologies.  James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  Watch our video show, Everything We Know About Retail: http://everythingweknow.show/ Leave a message on the Where We Buy hotline. We may use it on an upcoming show. Call (602) 633-4061  Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons

George Papageorge, a seasoned retail development executive, outlines the key roles essential for project success, including legal, leasing, and design professionals. He emphasizes the importance of assembling a diverse, locally-based team. George highlights the growing use of fractional executives, the value of early legal involvement, and the critical role of research and storytelling in project development. He also discusses the importance of food offerings and co-working spaces in modern projects. He also talks about common pitfalls to avoid throughout the development process. James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  Watch our video show, Everything We Know About Retail: http://everythingweknow.show/ Leave a message on the Where We Buy hotline. We may use it on an upcoming show. Call (602) 633-4061  Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in t

Kris Bjorson leads retail e-commerce distribution at JLL. He recaps a recent tour of two high-tech retail distribution centers in the Indianapolis area and explains how they represent current industry trends. The discussion covers warehouse automation, inventory management, and labor dynamics, as well as the broader shifts in retail supply chains in response to changing consumer habits and advancements in technology. Chris also touches on the importance of creating attractive work environments in modern warehouses. Naveen Jaggi is President of Retail Advisory Services at JLL. James Cook is the Director of Retail Research at JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  Watch our video show, Everything We Know About Retail: http://everythingweknow.show/ Leave a message on the Where We Buy hotline. We may use it on an upcoming show. Call (602) 633-4061  Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good L

James Cook hosts an in-depth discussion on the current state of retail real estate across major European cities, including growth trends, key retail locations, and city-specific strategies for market penetration.  - Josefine Ulrich talks about the challenges of entering the European market  - Tjard Martinus discusses the positive outlook for European retail - Aniko Korsos and Moritz Scharbatke highlight the significant expansion of apparel and sports brands in Germany - Antonio Sanchez-Moliní López discusses limited restaurant space in Spain and the top streets in Madrid and Barcelona - Benjamin Boccara covers the impact of the Olympics on Paris retail - Teresa Iacomino explains the growing appeal of Milan as a retail destination   Watch the full video version of each interview on LinkedIn: - Beyond Borders: Turning European Diversity into Your Retail Advantage: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/retail-at-jll_beyond-borders-turning-european-diversity-activity-7255156154819899394-zt7P - Retail Insights: Berlin an

Chris Ohlund, CEO of Time Out Group, discusses the company's transformation from a London-based publication in the 1960s to a global media and food hall brand. Time Out now operates markets in nine cities, with seven more in development. Ohlund explains how Time Out uniquely combines media and markets to showcase each city's best offerings, detailing their curation process for local food vendors and their strategy for expanding into major global cities. Laurent Ruffier-Lanche, General Manager of Time Out Market Montreal, reflects on the food hall's evolution over its five-year history. He provides insights into the operational and cultural factors that have established each Time Out Market as a distinct culinary destination within its local community. James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  Watch our video show, Everything We Know About Retail: http://everythingweknow.show/ Leave a messa

Retail’s future is rapidly evolving, shaped by technology and changing consumer habits. In connection with JLL’s Future Vision research project, this episode of Trends & Insights: The Future of Commercial Real Estate explores three potential scenarios for shopping in the years ahead. How AI will challenge traditional retail spaces and consumer behaviors. Why digital replicas of physical stores will reshape the shopping experience. The shift from big-box stores and malls to mixed-use districts, and what it means for the future of urban spaces. Looking at how these scenarios might impact real estate, consumers, and the nature of shopping itself, James Cook, JLL's senior director of retail research, discusses the challenges and opportunities with Katie Grissom, head of retail and mixed use for the Americas at global investment leader Nuveen Real Estate. They talk about factors like technology adoption, consumer psychology, and the varying needs of urban, suburban, and rural areas. They also touch on the im

Mixed-use redevelopment in Toronto has been driven by the region's rapid population growth, leading to increased housing and infrastructure demands. The constraints on housing supply, rising costs due to taxes on new development, and challenges in creating effective retail spaces in mixed-use projects are explored. Examples of successful mixed-use developments in Toronto and other Canadian cities are highlighted, emphasizing the importance of placemaking and cohesive retail environments.  Guests on this week's show: Paul Ferreira is Senior Vice President for Retail in Canada. Heli Brecailo is Retail Real Estate Research Manager for JLL in Canada James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  Watch our video show, Everything We Know About Retail: http://everythingweknow.show/ Leave a message on the Where We Buy hotline. We may use it on an upcoming show. Call (602) 633-4061  Read more retail r

Andrew Lainsbury is a seasoned retail marketing consultant and professor from the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management. He explores the concept of "retailtainment," merging retail with entertainment to create multi-sensory experiences that captivate customers, with examples from brands like Disney and Lush. He discusses the transformation of retail spaces, the importance of cultural insights, and the quality of Japanese convenience stores. Andrew emphasizes authentic customer engagement, balancing brand storytelling with genuine service, and using creative imagination to enhance retail environments James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  Watch our video show, Everything We Know About Retail: http://everythingweknow.show/ Leave a message on the Where We Buy hotline. We may use it on an upcoming show. Call (602) 633-4061  Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll

Hosts James Cook, Keisha Virtue, and Saul Lua dive into recent insights from two reports on holiday shopping and luxury retail trends. With inflation concerns lingering, the discussion reveals that holiday spending is anticipated to rise by 31.7% this year, with a focus on experiences such as dining out, movies, and visits to attractions. Shoppers are embracing in-store visits more, particularly to malls and department stores, while social media's role in gift planning has intensified, with platforms like Facebook and Instagram leading the charge. The conversation also covers luxury brand strategies, highlighting that new store openings are concentrated in malls and prime urban retail corridors, with New York City being a key focus area. Despite a slowing growth trend, the luxury market remains significant, driven by Gen Z and Millennials' increasing spending power and interest in unique, personalized experiences. James Cook, Keisha Virtue and Saul Lua are retail researchers for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcas

Marta Bowles from NielsenIQ discusses the spending behavior and characteristics of Generation Z. Marta reveals findings from the 'Spend Z' report, highlighting Gen Z's role as a significant spending demographic, their seamless approach to shopping across digital and physical channels, and the importance of brand authenticity for engaging this generation. With the growing importance of personalized and value-driven experiences, retailers are encouraged to align with the ethical and individualistic values of Gen Z to remain relevant.  James Cook is the director of retail research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  Watch our video show, Everything We Know About Retail: http://everythingweknow.show/ Leave a message on the Where We Buy hotline. We may use it on an upcoming show. Call (602) 633-4061  Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Common

This podcast episode explores how AI-powered drones are revolutionizing warehouse inventory management can minimize workforce and maximize productivity inside the warehouse. Featuring Verity founder Raffaello D'Andrea and JLL executives Kris Bjorson and Sam Brashler, the discussion highlights the challenges of traditional inventory methods, including infrequent counts and high error rates. The experts examine how drone technology improves accuracy, safety, and efficiency in inventory tasks, addressing labor shortages and meeting the growing demand for precise stock management. The conversation underscores the potential of AI and robotics to transform warehouse operations by automating unpopular tasks while enhancing overall performance. James Cook is the director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  Watch our video show, Everything We Know About Retail: http://everythingweknow.show/ Leave a message on the Where