If ICSC's New York National Conference is any predictor of the year to come (and ICSC officials say it is), 2014 should be extremely busy on the leasing front, particularly if you're in the food business.
The attendance (above 7,000) is at a post-recession high, attendees were told at multiple sessions, and the aisles and booths were packed from beginning to end on Monday, always the busiest day of this meeting. I heard reports of at least a half-dozen major parties scheduled for Monday evening, proof that companies are spending again.
But perhaps the greatest indicator of changes going on the industry is the makeup of the Retailer Runway, where representatives of expanding chains tout their companies and explain their deal criteria. Previous editions have seen now-established retailers such as GameStop offering their expansion plans. This year, attending the Runway could leave you starving (maybe that's why it was scheduled right before lunch?), with presentations from Corner Bakery Café, Earl's Kitchen and Bar, ShopRite/PriceRite and Zoup.
Perhaps equally significant, other presenters included UFC Gym and Flywheel, where even the speakers noted the Millennials they're targeting can work off everything they ate and drank at the eateries. (And if that doesn't work, you can visit the doctor at AFC/Doctor's Express.)
Yes, we had traditional retailers: South Moon Under, an apparel retailer, Cost Plus Market, and Field & Stream. But clearly, the industry is realizing that it must offer services and retailers that will get shoppers, particularly Millennials, out of the house and away from their smartphones and tablets. After all, as will benefit another Runway participant, Great Clips, you can't get your hair cut online.
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