2005

GlobeSt.com: Has the downturn slowed down your business?

Brown: The economic headwinds are clearly an issue. We've had good levels of activity. We've had levels that three to five years ago you would have dreamed about having. But I think clearly we're off from some of the froth around the activity from the last year or two, which is not really bad. The retailers here seem to be about doing deals. People have been very productive. Clearly, some of the retailers have slowed deals. The leverage has definitely shifted as it relates to the strength of the quality of the site. But it's been a productive show.

We had guarded ourselves for a more guarded environment, so we have been pleasantly surprised with the levels of activity. People are making deals and thinking beyond 2009. Some retailers are even concerned about getting the stores that they need going out because they're concerned that the developer won't be able to deliver and the financing will be tight, and it will impact their growth plans. So that's a positive. But I think we're still cautious. This country is still under a lot of stress, and I think it will continue to impact our business and our retailers.