In terms of deflation and inflation, Nadji pointed out that interest rates are officially low because of the fear-factor in the marketplace. “As far as inflation build-up, it isn’t there,” said Nadji. “Until we get the two million jobs per year up to three million jobs per year, we won’t have to worry about inflation.”

Panelists then switched gears to drill down to the topic of the outlet world--what Sakwa referred to as the hottest topic in retail land. “There is a lot of talk, but there isn’t always a lot of execution,” he said. “We have had some of the new companies in the public space like Taubman and Macerich getting into the business, and private developers are also looking to do it.” But one thing to take note of, he said, is that if all of the projects that got thrown up on the board actually got developed, there could be a bubble problem, “but it won’t work that way in the end. Many are just talk.”

Telsey discussed the importance of store spacing, pointing out that color is one of the key trends she has seen. “Color helps drive traffic and sales,” she noted. Another trend she has seen is the continued emergence of the “fast fashion retailers” like H&M coming to the forefront. But department stores, she said, continue to be an important vehicle in driving brand awareness. Macy’s, for example, is doing more and more product exclusives.

As for the discount retailers, Telsey said they are doing well because of the “treasure-hunt appeal of shopping.” They are willing on the traffic front, she said: “Brands matter. In the apparel world that is filled with basics, you can’t just be basic to win.”

In terms of what’s next, panelists said it is all about being newer. “To get to the top of the rollercoaster, you constantly have to rejuvenate yoursel, and remodel,” Telsey said.