Area 15: Major Expansion in Las Vegas - Where We Buy #331
Where We Buy: Retail Real Estate with James Cook
Release Date: 04/11/2025
Building the Primark Brand in America - Where We Buy #358
Where We Buy: Retail Real Estate with James Cook
Rene Federico is US Head of Marketing at Primark, the global fashion retailer known for its affordable, stylish offerings. Federico discusses Primark’s growth in the US, including its expansion plans and the unique in-store experience that sets the brand apart. She shares insights on adapting Primark’s messaging for American consumers, the importance of brick-and-mortar retail, and the company’s first US brand campaign. Federico also covers strategies for building brand awareness, the role of social media and influencer marketing, and what shoppers can expect when visiting a Primark...
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Primaris REIT's $3.3 Billion Mall Buying Spree with CEO Alex Avery - Where We Buy #357
Where We Buy: Retail Real Estate with James Cook
Alex Avery is CEO of Primaris, the only Canadian REIT focused exclusively on enclosed shopping centers. Alex discusses Primaris REIT’s growth strategy, recent acquisitions, and the unique dynamics of the Canadian mall market. He explains the company’s approach to capital allocation, the importance of scale in mall ownership, and how Primaris REIT is navigating the evolving retail landscape. Avery also covers the impact of department store closures, the role of entertainment and technology in shopping centers, and what makes for a dominant mall in Canada. James Cook is the Director of...
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Second Horizon's Community-Driven Approach to Revitalizing Malls - Where We Buy #356
Where We Buy: Retail Real Estate with James Cook
Howard Levine and Camilo Varela are Managing Partners and Co-Founders of Second Horizon Capital, a company focused on revitalizing underinvested retail properties into vibrant community destinations. They discuss their approach to impact investment, the origins of Second Horizon Capital, and their growing portfolio of malls and lifestyle centers across the United States, including Chicago Ridge Mall and Stony Point Fashion Park. They share insights on community engagement, sustainability initiatives, and the challenges and rewards of transforming retail centers. The conversation also covers...
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The Magic of Adaptive Reuse with Hendricks Commercial CEO Rob Gerbitz - Where We Buy #355
Where We Buy: Retail Real Estate with James Cook
Rob Gerbitz is President and CEO at Hendricks Commercial Properties, LLC, a company known for transforming historic sites into vibrant destinations. Gerbitz shares the story behind Hendricks Commercial Properties’ growth, the company’s approach to adaptive reuse, and the vision that drives projects like the Ironworks Campus in Beloit, Wisconsin, the Bottleworks District in Indianapolis, and the BoDo District in Boise. He discusses the legacy of founders Diane and Ken Hendricks, the importance of community collaboration, and the challenges and rewards of redeveloping iconic...
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Reshaping Theaters in Retail Environments - Where We Buy #354
Where We Buy: Retail Real Estate with James Cook
Chuck Stilley, Eva Mui, and Mark McDonald are the team behind The Cinema Bridge, a consulting group with decades of experience in the movie theater industry, including leadership roles at AMC Theatres. They discuss the evolving landscape of cinema in the wake of the pandemic, the challenges and opportunities facing theater operators, and the impact of changing consumer habits. The conversation covers box office recovery, the rise of premium formats and alternative content, and how theaters are adapting within shopping centers. James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas...
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Decoding India's Retail Landscape - Where We Buy #353
Where We Buy: Retail Real Estate with James Cook
James chats with Prateek Misra, head of Luxury and Food & Beverage for India at JLL. They discuss the complexities and opportunities for international retailers entering the Indian market, which is home to over 1.4 billion people with a significant portion under 35 years old. Prateek highlights the importance of local partnerships and understanding diverse consumer preferences across India's regions. They explore successful strategies, such as market research, establishing Global Capability Centers (GCCs), and adapting product offerings. Examples include McDonald's localized vegetarian...
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Exploring the Med Spa Boom with Ryan Rao of VIO Med Spa - Where We Buy #352
Where We Buy: Retail Real Estate with James Cook
Ryan Rao is Chief Development Officer at VIO Med Spa, an expanding chain in the medical aesthetics industry. Rao discusses the company’s nationwide growth, the factors driving consumer demand for med spa services, and VIO’s unique approach to site selection and real estate. He explains how VIO Med Spa differentiates itself through its retail-focused locations, spa-like environment, and comprehensive service offerings, including injectables, skin rejuvenation, and wellness treatments. Rao also covers the importance of franchisee selection, the impact of private equity investment from...
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Live from Retail Uncorked Orlando! - Where We Buy #351
Where We Buy: Retail Real Estate with James Cook
Join the fun at Retail Uncorked Orlando, where James talks with panelists and attendees, sharing insights on retail real estate and industry trends. Plus, market tour adventures, signature drinks and favorite rock anthems. Holly Cohen, Holly Cohen Retail Advisory Services discusses her extensive career in retail real estate, her advisory work on the redevelopment of Sarasota Square Mall, and the evolving needs of brands and landlords in today’s market. Alyssa Bloemsma, JOE & THE JUICE shares the story of JOE & THE JUICE’s rapid expansion in Florida, the brand’s...
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CEO Jeff Rosenberg: How Big V’s Values Shape Every Deal - Where We Buy #350
Where We Buy: Retail Real Estate with James Cook
Jeffrey Rosenberg is Chairman & CEO of Big V Property Group, a family-owned company with an 80-year history. Rosenberg discusses the company’s evolution from its origins as a single grocery store in New York state, to an owner and operator of open-air shopping centers, including The RIM in San Antonio and The Avenue Murfreesboro in Tennessee. He explains Big V’s approach to market research, the importance of core values, and the challenges of acquiring premium assets in today’s market. The conversation highlights Big V’s resilience through market cycles and its focus on long-term...
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Onsite Energy Solutions for Commercial Real Estate - Where We Buy #349
Where We Buy: Retail Real Estate with James Cook
James interviews Dan Roberts, co-founder of Veckta, a company that assists large commercial property owners in developing onsite energy systems. Roberts explains how Veckta identifies optimal sites for energy generation and storage, such as solar and battery systems. He details the economic benefits and processes for deploying these systems and highlights the platform's role in streamlining data collection and procurement. They also discuss various energy technologies, the impact of rising energy costs, and the importance of grid improvements. The conversation emphasizes the growing need for...
info_outlineWinston Fisher and Michael Beneville talk about the latest at Area 15, an immersive entertainment district in Las Vegas. They discuss the project's inception, the role of key attractions like Meow Wolf, and the unique blend of experiences that make it more than a typical entertainment venue. The interview covers Area 15's approach to creating a dynamic visitor experience through strategic curation and innovative offerings, from a 747 airplane installation to various themed districts and upcoming attractions such as Universal's Horror Unleashed. The conversation also highlights the analytical and creative strategies behind maintaining Area 15's relevance and appeal.
James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.
This interview was recorded with help from Entertainment Experience Evolution 2025, a conference by InterFace Conference Group, which is a division of France Media Inc.
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Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.