LAS VEGAS—“As numerous soft goods retailers are closing their doors across the nation, the question the industry is looking to answer is if the recent store closures are an indicator of where retail is continuing to head this year, or if it is really just the weak that have finally succumbed to their wounds and closed their doors.” Those thoughts are according to Jodi Meade, principal and director of the automotive properties group at the L.A. office of Avison Young in Los Angeles.
Meade spoke with GlobeSt.com in preparation for the upcoming ICSC RECon conference here in Las Vegas. She notes that of course, “we all hope the latter is the case and that retailers that need a successful omni-channel presence have made that transition and the industry can now thrive in both brick-and-mortar and Internet worlds.”
With that said, for her focus, she says that “the automotive industry has been quite successful with the omni-channel presence as the many consumers head online first to do their initial research and get educated. Dealers have made it easy in commencing the financing process online and complete the entire transaction online prior to entering the physical location to test drive, and take delivery of the car.”
As for her RECon expectations this year? “Last year we were in a good retail environment, however, it was also an election year. Election years typically lend to create hesitation in the market as many businesses and investors often sit back and wait for a more definitive economic climate direction. This year, given the new administration, it will be interesting to talk to people about their thoughts on how/if they see new initiatives, rules, and regulations affecting their specific line of business, as well as if they see a softening or strengthening in the market and why.”
Meade explains that “RECon provides one of the best opportunities to bring people together who all share a connection to retail in a diversity of ways. I look forward to reconnecting with clients that are outside of California from not only a business standpoint but also from a personal level. It is an exciting venue to meet with clients face-to-face from across nation and the world.”
She also adds that RECon provides attendees with an adjustment and refocus on the retail industry on an annual basis. “It is good to reset the professional mindset for the coming year. Trends and market conditions move pretty quickly, so it's good to check in and gain a refreshed and revitalized perspective.”
And for other thoughts from experts who will be attending the upcoming ICSC RECon event, check out the articles below.
LAS VEGAS—“As numerous soft goods retailers are closing their doors across the nation, the question the industry is looking to answer is if the recent store closures are an indicator of where retail is continuing to head this year, or if it is really just the weak that have finally succumbed to their wounds and closed their doors.” Those thoughts are according to Jodi Meade, principal and director of the automotive properties group at the L.A. office of Avison Young in Los Angeles.
Meade spoke with GlobeSt.com in preparation for the upcoming ICSC RECon conference here in Las Vegas. She notes that of course, “we all hope the latter is the case and that retailers that need a successful omni-channel presence have made that transition and the industry can now thrive in both brick-and-mortar and Internet worlds.”
With that said, for her focus, she says that “the automotive industry has been quite successful with the omni-channel presence as the many consumers head online first to do their initial research and get educated. Dealers have made it easy in commencing the financing process online and complete the entire transaction online prior to entering the physical location to test drive, and take delivery of the car.”
As for her RECon expectations this year? “Last year we were in a good retail environment, however, it was also an election year. Election years typically lend to create hesitation in the market as many businesses and investors often sit back and wait for a more definitive economic climate direction. This year, given the new administration, it will be interesting to talk to people about their thoughts on how/if they see new initiatives, rules, and regulations affecting their specific line of business, as well as if they see a softening or strengthening in the market and why.”
Meade explains that “RECon provides one of the best opportunities to bring people together who all share a connection to retail in a diversity of ways. I look forward to reconnecting with clients that are outside of California from not only a business standpoint but also from a personal level. It is an exciting venue to meet with clients face-to-face from across nation and the world.”
She also adds that RECon provides attendees with an adjustment and refocus on the retail industry on an annual basis. “It is good to reset the professional mindset for the coming year. Trends and market conditions move pretty quickly, so it's good to check in and gain a refreshed and revitalized perspective.”
And for other thoughts from experts who will be attending the upcoming ICSC RECon event, check out the articles below.
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Natalie Dolce
Natalie Dolce, editor-in-chief of GlobeSt.com, is responsible for working with editorial staff, freelancers and senior management to help plan the overarching vision that encompasses GlobeSt.com, including short-term and long-term goals for the website, how content integrates through the company’s other product lines and the overall quality of content. Previously she served as national executive editor and editor of the West Coast region for GlobeSt.com and Real Estate Forum, and was responsible for coverage of news and information pertaining to that vital real estate region. Prior to moving out to the Southern California office, she was Northeast bureau chief, covering New York City for GlobeSt.com. Her background includes a stint at InStyle Magazine, and as managing editor with New York Press, an alternative weekly New York City paper. In her career, she has also covered a variety of beats for M magazine, Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel, FashionLedge.com, and Co-Ed magazine. Dolce has also freelanced for a number of publications, including MSNBC.com and Museums New York magazine.
