Guest Contributor Archives

The New Face of Specialty Leasing: How Flexible Retail Is Rewriting the Playbook

Posted on February 13, 2026

Specialty leasing has transformed from a stopgap solution into a core strategic driver for retail properties, fueled by shifts in consumer behavior, brand experimentation, and the rise of experiential activations. Today’s flexible retail model emphasizes proactive planning, digital lead generation, integrated leasing teams, and technology-enabled operations.

Retailers use short-term spaces to test markets and concepts, while owners leverage pop-ups, touring exhibits, and community-focused experiences to generate foot traffic and diversify revenue. As the discipline matures, specialty leasing is becoming a sophisticated, data-informed engine shaping the future of shopping centers.

Educate and network at the www.FlexRetailSummit.com

CAM Essentials for Landlords: A Clear Path to Better Shopping Center Performance

Posted on January 26, 2026

Shopping center landlords face unique challenges managing Common Area Maintenance (CAM) charges and reconciliations. This comprehensive guide explores proven strategies for streamlining CAM processes, reducing tenant disputes, and maintaining transparent communication that strengthens landlord-tenant relationships while optimizing property performance.

AI in retail shopping centers and malls image

GeoAI Retail’s Strategic Advantage in GIS: What 2026 Holds

Posted on December 22, 2025

GIS has moved from a back-office tool to a core competitive advantage in retail real estate. AI, real-time data, and advanced platforms now guide how retailers and investors pick locations. As Bryan G Chandler of TSCG notes, staying fluent in GIS is no longer optional for navigating 2026’s tight supply and shifting consumer behavior.

Key trends: AI-driven market analytics, web GIS maturing into full application ecosystems, open source tools going mainstream, and a shift from static datasets to real-time market intelligence—all still dependent on solid data and human judgment.

Hue Chen on Mapping the Cascading Effects of Vacancy and using AI in retail space leasing

The cascading effects of vacancies and multiplier effect of lease up

Posted on December 9, 2025

Guest contributor Hue Chen, President of Saglo Companies discusses how the retail landscape is experiencing a renaissance, but the true economic benefit of a signed lease doesn’t begin until the tenant’s doors open.
Today’s reality is sobering: delays in opening new businesses can now take 9-12 months, creating economic vacuums that impact payroll, tax revenue, and the economic multiplier effect from the neighborhood to the national level. He explores using AI powered processes to streamline and accelerate processes.

Five compelling and competitive reasons for "Charming Charlie" to bring its one-of-a-kind style your center

How to convince a retailer your shopping center is the right location to open a store

Posted on September 8, 2025

From Guest Contributors Alberta Davidson and Rudolph E. Milian; a comprehensive guide for shopping center owners and commercial real estate professionals on effectively presenting their properties to potential retail tenants, focusing on location advantages, demographic data, and strategic positioning to secure high-quality retail partnerships.

Factors to consider when assigning the capitalization rate - Read the article on ShoppingCenters. Explore the importance of qualifying income in retail property acquisition in this comprehensive article. Dive into essential due diligence strategies that highlight key factors such as lease structures, tenant credibility, and income stability. Learn how to identify value-add opportunities that can enhance your investment returns in the retail real estate market.

Qualifying the Income in a Retail Property Acquisition

Posted on October 28, 2024

The price you pay to acquire a retail asset is one of the most critical factors in determining how much the investment will ultimately return to you. Guest contributors Jack Nugent of Newmark and Rudolph Milian of Woodcliff Woodcliff Realty Advisors provide expert insight on navigating this process to make the best deal possible.

Sustainable Shopping Spaces: A Path to a Greener Future

Posted on September 27, 2024

As environmental awareness grows, sustainable retail practices have become essential to modern retail strategies. Companies like Patagonia, IKEA, and Levi’s are embracing circular economy initiatives—reusing, recycling, and regenerating materials—to reduce their environmental footprint. With the support of emerging technologies such as AI, big data, and blockchain, these brands are leading the way in integrating sustainability across their operations, from physical stores to digital platforms. This transformation not only reduces environmental impact but also builds consumer trust, positioning these companies as leaders in sustainable retail innovation.

The Beauty of Beauty

Posted on April 9, 2024

Guest contributor Debra Hazel discusses the ongoing boom in beauty sales and retail space dedicated to the category over the last few years.

The Halo Effect Continues To Shine on Retail

Posted on March 4, 2024

A recent article from the research group at ICSC: “ICSC The Halo Effect III: Where the Halo Shines“, supports the concept that physical and online retail is so inter-related and […]

Navigating the Retail Renaissance: A look back at 2023 and food for thought for 2024

Posted on December 28, 2023

Guest contributor Susan Hagerty Bonsak, CEO of Placewise expounds on the retail and shopping center industry’s journey in 2023 and as we move forward into 2024, showcasing how it transformed in the wake of pandemic-induced changes. Rather than being overshadowed by e-commerce, centers embraced digital synergy, blending physical and online experiences to cater to evolving shopper expectations.

Big Blue Swim School has become a popular big-box anchor in shopping centers throughout America. Represented by RAPPAPORT in our Washington, D.C., market for leasing space, Big Blue offers swimming lessons for kids, which brings families that frequently shop in other stores while their kids are learning to swim or are practicing for swimming tournaments. Shown here is a typical interior of a Big Blue franchise situated in a suburban community center. Photo: Courtesy of Big Blue Swim School

“Medtail” and “Edutail” drive traffic and loyalty to open-air community centers

Posted on August 16, 2023

Guest contributors Jack Nugent of Meridian Realty Consultants, Inc. and Rudolph Milian of Woodcliff Woodcliff Realty Advisors provide expert insight on the pushback CAM and taxes get post-pandemic from prospective tenants lease negotiations.

Big Stores, Big Opportunities for Re-leasing

Posted on June 1, 2023

Debra Hazel, President of Debra Hazel Communications, discusses how in previous years, major announcements of store closures would send the industry into a panic. However, there is a lot of opportunity to replace these vacant boxes and prosper in the process.

World cloud image of CAM (Common Area Maintenance) charge items to consider when signing a lease.

What Do CAM and Taxes Run at Open-Air Shopping Centers These Days?

Posted on April 20, 2023

Guest contributors Jack Nugent of Meridian Realty Consultants, Inc. and Rudolph Milian of Woodcliff Woodcliff Realty Advisors provide expert insight on the pushback CAM and taxes get post-pandemic from prospective tenants lease negotiations.

Rise-Koreatown, a mixed-use project designed by Nadel Architects.

The Next Chapter of Retail: Mixed-Use

Posted on March 17, 2023

Guest contributor Anthony Sanchez explores the benefits of mixed-use developments for retailers and consumers alike. With a focus on activation, accessibility, and community, learn how these environments are creating memorable shopping experiences and attracting tenants in today’s evolving retail landscape.