McLean noted that consumers are more educated than ever before. “Eighty percent of retail decisions are made by women. Technology has made research and product pricing possible and consumers are expecting customer service to have that knowledge. Only five percent of mothers do not work outside the home, so for those that do work and have that time crunch, we have to figure out how to make that time well spent out there in the retail world.”

“The customer is king,” said Kirby. “She wants it where, how and when and we can't compete with online there. This is where we need to be creative and create that experience in retail, though the economics are tough.”

“There are not many tenants pushing for new development,” said Dixon. “And matching up from a co-tenancy perspective is tough; projects start getting expensive when you start putting all these pieces together. Our customer has this one hour out there to run errands and shop, she's got to feel safe and it has to be a good experience.”

McLean likes complimentary uses, but “retailers want footsteps,” she said. “We are all aspiring millennials; 78% of their expendable income will be spent on experiential uses.”

Moderator Kristin Muller, executive vice president for JLL believes the younger customers have a greater desire to get an in-store experience. “Millennials are more receptive to that,” she stated.

Dixon pointed out how grocery stores such as Whole Foods have changed the game by including cafes and craft beer bars to enhance the shoppers' experience.

“It turns shopping into more of an escape,” said Muller. “It's all about making the retail experience more efficient and pleasurable.”

“Retail has to play a great role in the community than just commerce,” said McLean. “That's why fountains are important, that's why green space is important.”