Transwestern is partnering with us through the month of May during our coverage of the ICSC RECon show. Nick Hernandez, managing director of the firm's Retail Services Group recently spoke with GlobeSt.com about how the lack of new development in retail is hindering the expansion plans of chains that want to push more into hot markets. He also talked about what to expect from RECon this year and the kinds of stores he sees expanding. Be sure to check out Transwestern this year at booth C132F.

GlobeSt.com: What are you expecting from RECon this year?

Hernandez: I definitely think the attendance will be up over last year, not significantly, but it will continue to rise as it did last year from the year before. The mood continues to be more positive, especially for the part of the country that we’re in. In Texas, we’re really feeling good about what’s going on. We’ve got a lot of activity in the retail sector here. It will be more positive with a brighter outlook ahead.