No matter how easy and innovative online shopping becomes, it can never replace the tactile experience of shopping in person. And when looking for a perfectly balanced fishing pole, the right amount of legroom in a kayak, or the just-right weight of a base layer jacket, nothing beats trying it yourself. Outdoor enthusiasts are spending […]
Asia and Italy are known throughout the world for their standout dishes. There's the spice of Szechuan, the sweet and sour tang of Thailand, the earthy and bright zip of Genoa's pesto, and the warm, rich flavor of bolognese. These flavors stand strong in our minds, making Asian-Italian fusion sound like an unnatural fit. But […]
After filing for bankruptcy and closing all 50 stores in February, the health food store Earth Fare is planning a comeback.In early February, the specialty organic grocery store Earth Fare filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. Within two months, the chain closed all 50 branches, laid off 3,000 staff members, sold 10 locations to larger […]
With Coronavirus, pet adoptions have increased dramatically. Even before this, younger generations were finding themselves adding pets to their families. Once travel begins to open back up after Covid-19, people will begin looking for their next destination to visit. This also means finding a place where these pets can stay and have fun while their […]
Studio fitness centers, or "boutique" studios, are riding an up-cycle in the health-club business. With growth of more than 100 percent among fitness concepts in the past five years, the segment remains an out performer. Studio clubs have an intimate feel with personalized instruction and are quick to advance the latest fitness trends. They're increasingly […]
Luxury retail has been a haute ticket of late. In fact, strong growth in the high-margin luxury segment has been sustenance for the industry during the so-called "retail apocalypse." In 2019, luxury rose above other non-commodity, non-discount retail, growing 4% year-over-year to about $309 billion, according to a Bain & Co. Luxury Study. Luxury customers […]
Ramen, Japanese for "pulled noodles," is still called Chuka Soba in some dining spaces. But by any other name, those delicate wheat-flour noodles served in long-simmering broth, are still...delicious. Japanese ramen restaurants began taking North America by storm in the past half decade, opening on the coasts and now working their way inland. But the […]
As we look to the future of retail commerce, shoppers are moving more to an online experience, yet a hybrid pivot of commerce is coming. That hybrid is bringing them back offline and into in-person experiences. That hybrid is emerging now, and it is the power of experiential businesses. Experiential business merges entertainment and technology […]
Fried chicken has been having a moment. A big moment. Find someone who doesn't like fried chicken and we'd say you found someone who is lying. Adding a fried chicken restaurant to your shopping center is a great way to bring a timeless classic to your customers. Here are some of our favorite players in […]
As we continue to pivot in the retail economy and see an influx in experiences. Consumers continue to become accustomed to pop up retail shops and are craving new experiences. One type of experience that is growing across the US and specifically in the Mid-Atlantic region is Escape Rooms. Perfect for social gatherings, corporate team […]
Small plates focus on the community aspect of dining. What was once reserved for the appetizer course, small plate restaurants offer diners to share an experience with one another. Can this type of dining survive through Covid-19? Will people want to share food once restaurants reopen? Before the current pandemic, you may have already noticed […]
Salons and barbershops are often a mainstay of a bustling shopping center. But as consumers move towards more local experiences, many Super Cuts and Sports Clips have begun to fall out of favor and been forced to close their doors. As these tenants begin to vacate retail spaces, it is easier to bring another salon […]
