Industry Insiders Talk ICSC, Shifting Positions in C-Suites

Retail experts gearing up for ICSC are excited to see which brands make major shifts to operations and real estate needs.

LAS VEGAS—We are in a season of major change marked by an election year, fluctuating interest rates, multi-polar global concerns, and major changes in the retail landscape. Those thoughts are according to Daniel Ortega, principal at Edge Realty Partners.

As the much anticipated ICSC Las Vegas event approaches, we caught up with Ortega and other industry insiders to learn about their expectations for the upcoming event. “We are seeing shifting positions in the C-suites of so many companies right now as we enter this new era,” Ortega tells GlobeSt.com. “I’m excited to see which brands make major shifts to operations and real estate needs.”

Reflecting on the pandemic, Ortega highlights how many brands shifted to order ahead and drive thru models. Now that the pandemic concerns have passed, some brands realize that drive-thru operations are often too expensive to develop and to operate relative to the return on investment. “I’m excited to see fresh ideas and excitement with the dynamic world of retail and restaurant real estate.”

Mike Conway, Phillips Edison & Company Vice President, National Accounts & Retail Partnerships, likens ICSC Las Vegas to the industry’s Super Bowl. “We love the opportunity to catch up with our retail partners in person and to gain insights into their expansion strategies, and to explore our ongoing projects,” he tells GlobeSt.com. Like Ortega, he says it is also the perfect occasion to foster new relationships and learn about emerging concepts.

Addressing emerging trends, Conway says there is a growing demand for space within grocery-anchored shopping centers particularly with new Quick Service Restaurant, medical, and health and wellness retailers.

For Spencer Jordan, SVP of leasing at Steiner + Associates, she is excited to connect with long-time friends while also meeting with new retail, restaurant, and entertainment operators. Jordan, who leads the leasing team at the Easton Town Center, a 1,300-acre town center mixed-use development in Columbus, emphasizes the center’s 25th anniversary celebration. This year, her team is hyper-focused on the next 25 years, seeking partnerships with retailers that bring innovation and longevity.

Check out related retail stories below that you might have missed and stay tuned for more trend coverage from other retail experts we spoke with as the ICSC approaches.

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