Where We Buy: Retail Real Estate with James Cook

Don Tepman, better known as 'StripMallGuy,' talks candidly about his rise to social media fame in the retail real estate world. Don discusses his beginnings in real estate, his years of anonymous posting, and the decision to reveal his identity. He shares his strategies for selecting and managing properties, focusing on mom-and-pop tenants, the challenges and rewards of revitalizing strip centers, and the importance of niche knowledge. Additionally, Don offers his candid take on the evolving retail market and reflects on the impact his social media presence has had on his business. James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL. Keisha Virtue is Retail Research Manager for JLL. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.  

James Cook discusses the successful collaboration between the city of Yorba Linda, California, and Zelman Development in creating the Yorba Linda Town Center. Featuring insights from Colleen Callahan, the Economic Development Manager for the city, and Brett Foy of Zelman Development, the conversation explores the project’s conception, early challenges, and the cooperative efforts that led to its realization. The episode also delves into post-completion roles, the impacts of COVID-19 on the development, and practical advice for developers and city officials looking to collaborate effectively.  James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.  

Alex Zikakis is President of Capstone Advisors, which invests in retail and flex properties, mainly in Southern California, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City. Alex shares the evolution of Capstone over 28 years, from its initial opportunistic real estate investing to its current strategy of 'buy, fix, and keep'. He discusses the surprising similarities between retail and industrial flex properties and the company's efforts to revitalize underperforming assets. James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.  

Hear what happened on the ICSC showroom floor with Brixmor Property Group's David Spawn, Tanger Outlet's Laura Fullington, Nuveen's Ana Leon and Big V Property Group's Mike Jordan. James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.  

Tanger CEO Stephen Yalof discusses the pivotal changes in Tanger's retail real estate strategy with JLL's Naveen Jaggi. Originally an outlet center company, Tanger is now pivoting towards experience-focused, full-price centers. Yalof outlines how post-COVID dynamics, such as the popularity of open-air environments and the addition of food and lifestyle experiences, inform this shift. The discussion also touches on retailers' cautious optimism reflected in their long-term strategies, the impact of blending full-price and outlet spaces, and Tanger's future investment plans in lesser-known but high-potential markets. The conversation concludes with insights into the evolving landscape of shopping centers, emphasizing the importance of creating compelling consumer experiences. James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.  

Gregg Katz is the Director of Business Industry Solutions for Real Estate at ESRI. He's also a lover of nostalgic retail brands. Gregg talks about his series of articles on defunct retailers and restaurants, such as Blockbuster Video, Service Merchandise, and Planet Hollywood. He reveals overarching lessons from these companies' highs and lows, including the dangers of rapid growth, staying true to the brand, and adapting to technological advances. This episode is filled with personal anecdotes, pivotal moments in retail history, and strategic business insights. James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.  Gregg's newsletter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7262906814252437504/?displayConfirmation=true  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.  

Nishant Jain is CEO of Presso, a company with a self-service machine that autonomously cleans, deodorizes, refreshes, and presses garments in about five minutes. Jain explains how Presso's technology simplifies traditional, labor-intensive dry cleaning processes and makes them more efficient and environmentally friendly. He explores potential applications in different real estate settings, from apartment buildings and hotels to shopping centers and laundromats.  James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.  

George Banks of Revel is an experience-driven retail real estate veteran. He talks about the elements that make for a great retail street and successful food hall. He explores the importance of location, density, and the right tenant mix in both scenarios. He shares insights from the various projects his company has worked on across the country and provides a nuanced perspective on pedestrian streets and the merits of local versus national tenants in retail developments. James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.  

Winston 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. Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.  

Alex Patterson is founder and CEO of Beat The Bomb, an interactive entertainment venue inspired by action movies and team-building games. The concept combines mission-based challenges with a paint bomb finale. Patterson shares insights on the business's growth, ideal real estate, and target demographics. The conversation covers Beat the Bomb's unique gaming rooms, their formation inspired his experience working at Tough Mudder, and the potential for future growth in interactive digital gaming.  This interview was recorded at Entertainment Experience Evolution 2025, a conference by InterFace Conference Group, which is a division of France Media Inc. James Cook is the director of retail research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/ Read more retail research here:  http://www.us.jll.com/retail Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.