How Retail Brokerage Has Changed Over 20 Years

Hammond: “Constant ‘right-sizing’ efforts are the new normal for retailers as they continuously work to keep up with shifting consumer behavior.”

TUSTIN, CA—As much as technology has made information readily accessible, retail brokerage will always be a relationship business, Coreland Cos. ‘ SVP and newly appointed partner Matt Hammond tells GlobeSt.com. We spoke with the 20-year industry and company veteran shortly after the announcement of his new appointment at the firm about his goals and how the industry has changed since he’s been with the company. GlobeSt.com: What are your goals in your new role at Coreland? Hammond: My goal is to further expand our leasing department and continue to enhance our positioning as one of Southern California’s top regionally focused teams. It’s my priority to build our team by mentoring our junior brokers so they can grow their individual portfolios and add to our collective expertise. Over the last two years, we have broadened our reach and expanded our platform to include tenant representation, which has further enhanced our insight and value. GlobeSt.com: What major changes have you seen in the industry since you have been with Coreland? Hammond: I first began at Coreland as an intern in college, so I’ve had a very unique opportunity to watch the industry and our firm evolve over the last 20 years. I’ve seen many things change—I no longer wear a pager or rely on my Thomas Guide when canvassing—but the fundamentals of brokerage remain the same. As much as technology has made information readily accessible, retail brokerage will always be a relationship business. It’s about building and expanding your network, understanding retailers and their customers and listening and communicating with your clients. At the end of the day, nothing beats a phone call or face-to-face meeting. GlobeSt.com: Where do you see the future of the retail sector heading? Hammond: Retail is an ever-changing industry. To be successful you always have to be looking 10 steps ahead. Today’s most successful neighborhood retail centers are those with the best mix of complementary tenants, and those that best serve daily needs. Constant “right-sizing” efforts are the new normal for retailers as they continuously work to keep up with shifting consumer behavior. The most successful brand retailers will be those that master the omnichannel retail experience, and the most successful local tenants will be those who effectively use social media to promote and grow their business. GlobeSt.com: What else should our readers know about Coreland Cos.? Hammond: We’re proudly coming off our 25-year anniversary with an aggressive strategy to expand our service-centric business model. Over the years, Coreland has built a reputation as a client-focused real estate service provider. We are large enough to handle any assignment but maintain a very personal connection to our work by focusing on Southern California. In the best interest of each property, our leasing and management teams work independently of each other or collaborate as needed.   Our approach and reputation are a credit to the vision set forth by Pat Galentine and Chris Hite when they co-founded the company. I’m honored to now be in a position to help them lead our teams moving forward.