ICSC Las Vegas Kick Off: Unveiling the Latest Insights from Retail Powerhouses

LAS VEGAS—With the highly anticipated ICSC Las Vegas event on the horizon, GlobeSt.com is ramping up its coverage to provide insights into the latest trends in the retail industry. With an expected attendance of over 30,000, we spoke with several key attendees and retail experts to gather their expectations and what they are looking forward to for this year’s edition.

Walter Wahlfeldt, managing director of retail leasing at JLL, expressed his anticipation for reconnecting face-to-face with existing clients and colleagues and prospects at the event. Despite inflation and recession concerns, he notes that consumer spending has remained steady, with retailers projecting growth. “New retail development has been sluggish over the past decade, resulting in reduced available retail space and increased rents,” Wahlfeldt says. “However, if interest rates decline, this dynamic could shift.”

Chris Carley, VP of Leasing at Capstone Advisors, is eager to gauge the industry’s pulse and reconnect with industry peers. He highlights the strength of the retail market, attributing it to limited supply. “I’m curious to see if any new retail projects will come online soon,” Carley adds.

Sean Unsell, RDC Senior Studio Director / Associate Principal, is focused on connecting with clients, celebrating achievements, and exploring new opportunities at the conference. He sees it as a platform to learn about innovations and advancements in the retail sector.

Northmarq regional managing director, Mike Sladich, tells GlobeSt.com that he is eager to compare notes on the current state of the market with clients and colleagues. “We are always having conversations throughout the year, but opportunities like this are a great way to get all that information in 30-minute increments.”

For Trent Rustan, VP of Retail Sales and Leasing at Commercial Properties Inc./CORFAC International, the highlight is forging new connections with fellow ICSC members. He emphasizes the importance of face-to-face interactions in an industry where relationships are paramount.

Mark Sigal, CEO of Datex Property Solutions, is interested in assessing the resurgence of retail, the impact of the end of zero interest rate policy on the industry, and emerging trends.

When we asked Sandy Sigal, president and CEO of NewMark Merrill, what he is looking forward to most at this year’s ICSC retail event, he said he looks forward to getting together with so many merchants, fellow developers, owners and lenders and especially vendor/partners in technology, security, and other operation areas. “Our industry has so many interesting developments taking place and I really think this is a transformational year for our business. Being at ICSC with so many experts is an incredible opportunity to learn.”

Overall, retail has always been a relationship business, explains Richard Rizika, partner and co-founder at Beta Retail. He tells GlobeSt.com that increasingly, he finds himself communicating through video conferencing, email and social media so he is looking forward to seeking out old friends and making new ones in person at the upcoming ICSC Conference.

Stay tuned to GlobeSt.com for more coverage on the retail sector and more retail trend and prediction stories ahead as we gear up for the upcoming ICSC Las Vegas event held at the Las Vegas Convention Center May 19-21.