Where We Buy: Retail Real Estate with James Cook

Taeyun Kim is Chief Development Officer at CJ Foodville US, the parent company of Tous les Jours, a French-Asian bakery cafe chain with over 180 locations across 31 states. Taeyun discusses the company's ambitious expansion plans to reach 1,000 stores by 2030, explaining the brand's unique positioning as a neighborhood bakery offering fresh-baked pastries and bread with European and Asian influences. She covers the franchise-driven growth model, ideal real estate requirements (3,000 square feet in prominent locations), and the recent opening of a state-of-the-art production facility in Gainesville, Georgia to support supply chain stability. She also shares insights on menu innovation, the Korean bakery tradition, signature items like cloud cakes and salt bread, and her background in restaurant real estate development, including her work with Panda Restaurant Group, Argo Tea, and Wow Bao's ghost kitchen program during the pandemic. 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.  

Ian Scott leads retail safaris around the world. He takes listeners on a virtual tour of six distinctive stores—from Fanatics Collectibles' interactive sports collectibles space in London to Buck Mason's immersive lifestyle store in New York, Larfeuille's artisanal leather workshop in Paris, Ffern's sensory fragrance boutique in London, Singapore's DORS at Design Orchard retail incubator, and Patagonia Action Works Cafe. Ian emphasizes the enduring value of physical retail, the importance of cross-sector inspiration, and how stores can create authentic experiences through storytelling, sensory engagement, and human connection.   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.  

Josh Rainey is Senior Director of Real Estate + Growth at [solidcore], a boutique fitness operator specializing in intense strength training workouts on custom-built reformers. [solidcore] expanded from 85 locations in 2022 to 165 today, with plans to reach 205 by the end of the year. He discusses [solidcore]'s target demographic of primarily women aged 25-35, the importance of community-driven fitness experiences, and the brand's focus on longevity and preventative wellness. Josh covers site selection strategy, ideal co-tenants like premium grocers and athleisure retailers, and how the company's corporate-owned model ensures consistency across all locations. He shares insights on real estate challenges including rising rents in Texas, the return of capital investment to retail, and the importance of creating third places that inspire curiosity and frequency. 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.  

Sean McNamara leads The Mixx at JLL, a specialized platform for managing complex mixed-use developments across North America. McNamara explains the unique challenges of managing properties that combine office, retail, residential, hotel, and entertainment uses on a single site. He discusses the importance of creating a sense of place through strategic merchandising, placemaking, and activation, highlighting projects like Plaza Coral Gables in Florida and OCVIBE in Anaheim, California. McNamara covers the rise of sports-anchored mixed-use developments, the role of technology infrastructure, and how successful mixed-use projects can command premium rents when properly managed and activated. 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.  

Julia Yook is General Manager of Arte Museum New York, a 52,000-square-foot immersive media art space at Chelsea Piers. Yook explains the museum's origins in South Korea in 2020, its expansion to locations worldwide including Las Vegas and upcoming sites in Los Angeles and Orlando, and the logistics of creating multisensory experiences that combine light, sound, scent, and spatial design. She covers the museum's 14 distinct zones, the proprietary technology behind interactive features like the sketch room and cafe experience, and how the creative team in Korea designs custom exhibitions for each location. Yook also discusses visitor demographics, corporate buyouts, and social media's role in driving attendance.   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.  

Clare Walsh is Managing Director of Leasing Strategy at Asana Partners, a retail-focused investment firm with over $7 billion in assets under management. Walsh discusses the company's focus on neighborhood retail across the top 25 U.S. metropolitan areas, highlighting key properties in neighborhoods including Dallas Design District, Charlotte's South End, and Salt Lake City's East Bench. She covers current retail trends including the wellness economy, the rise of authentic Asian cuisine and beauty concepts, and the growing demand for small-format retail. Walsh also explains Asana Partners' active investment approach, the challenge of finding quality all-day cafes, and how experiential retail and AI-powered personalization are shaping the future of neighborhood shopping centers.   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.  

Stephanie Cegielski is Vice President, Research and Public Relations at ICSC, where she leads consumer research initiatives. Cegielski explains why Generation X—born between 1965 and 1980—represents a significant but overlooked opportunity for retailers and shopping center owners. Despite comprising only 19% of the U.S. population, Gen X accounts for a third of total consumer spending. She discusses Gen X shopping behaviors, including their preference for in-store experiences over online shopping, their resistance to social media influencer marketing, and their focus on high-dollar purchases like luxury goods. Joining the discussion are Ana Leon, Director of Retail Research at Nuveen; Mike Jordan, Director of Research at Big V Property Group; Gregg Katz, Director, Business Industry Solutions - Real Estate at Esri; and Meghann Martindale, Principal, Director Market Intelligence, Retail at Avison Young. The panel explores how Gen X's unique position as the "sandwich generation"—caring for aging parents while supporting their own children—drives their spending patterns, and why this generation's hybrid approach to technology makes them the ideal omnichannel consumer.   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.  

Matthew Smith is the leader of retail investment in Canada for JLL, with 29 years of experience in Canadian capital markets. Smith discusses the current state of Canada's retail investment market, explaining why grocery-anchored centers remain the top investment choice for both domestic and international buyers. He covers the dominance of private capital in the market, the concentration of institutional investment in Canada's six primary markets, and the recent surge of activity in Alberta. Smith also addresses the impact of US tariffs on Canadian consumers and cross-border shopping patterns, the expansion plans of major Canadian grocery chains, and the challenges facing enclosed malls following Hudson's Bay's closure of all locations. He explores why shopping malls remain more central to Canadian retail than in the US, the slowdown in new retail construction, and the ripple effects of Canada's residential housing crisis on retail real estate investment.   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.  

Alan MacKenzie is CEO of JLL Canada, overseeing all business lines including capital markets, work dynamics, leasing, and property management across the country. MacKenzie shares his journey from founding a retail real estate company in 2000 to leading JLL's Canadian operations, including his work bringing Lowe's to Canada and representing Walmart. He discusses the current state of Canadian retail real estate, explaining why vacancy rates at top-tier malls are below 2% despite economic headwinds. MacKenzie also covers the impact of Hudson's Bay department store closures, the bifurcation in consumer spending behavior, and why Canada has been slower than the U.S. in returning to office. He explains the unique characteristics of the Canadian market, including stringent zoning policies, limited new construction, and strong immigration-driven demand that's creating a landlord's market in premium retail locations.   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.  

Kimberly Grant, CEO of Nando's PERi-PERi North America, and Ryan Welch, Director of Real Estate, join the show to discuss the fast-casual restaurant's expansion across the United States. Grant and Welch share the story of Nando's entry into the US market, the brand's unique approach to hospitality, and the challenges of scaling operations while maintaining authenticity. They cover site selection strategy, customer experience, and the importance of community connection. The conversation also highlights Nando's global cult following, menu adaptations, and the company's commitment to creating career pathways for team members. 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.  

Robert Brozin is co-founder of Nando's, the global restaurant chain known for its flame-grilled peri-peri chicken. He left his corporate job to build Nando's from a single Johannesburg location into an international brand. He discusses the company's unique people-centric culture, the challenges and rewards of global expansion, and the importance of maintaining strong values and purpose. Brozin also delves into his philanthropic work, including the fight against malaria through Goodbye Malaria and his efforts to revitalize Johannesburg. The conversation covers Nando's approach to menu innovation, marketing, and community impact, offering insights into building a brand that changes lives—one chicken at a time. 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.  

Don Tepman, President and Founder of TownCentre Capital and the voice behind the popular @StripMallGuy account, joins the show to revisit and unpack his most notable recent posts. In this episode, Don shares the stories, strategies, and lessons behind his standout social media moments, offering candid insights into the world of strip mall investing. From the power of site visits to the impact of social media on deal flow and the nuances of tax strategy, Don reflects on what makes certain posts resonate. He also discusses engaging with college students, the importance of mentorship, and how authenticity shapes both his online presence and investment approach. 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.  

Adam Rinella is Vice President of Real Estate & Development at Goop Kitchen, the fast-growing, gluten-free fast casual restaurant brand launched by Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop. Rinella discusses Goop Kitchen's origins as a delivery-only concept, its expansion to 13 locations in California, and plans for growth in New York and beyond. He explains the brand's approach to menu development, site selection, and the challenges and opportunities of operating a celebrity-backed restaurant. Rinella also covers Goop Kitchen's innovative prototypes, the importance of high-quality ingredients, and the role of partnerships in scaling the business. 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.  

Ben Seidl, Co-Founder & CEO of Autolane, joins James Cook to discuss how Autolane is addressing the "last 50 feet" challenge for autonomous vehicles in retail environments. Seidl explains how Autolane's platform gives retailers and shopping center owners control over the final approach and parking of driverless cars, aiming to eliminate traffic jams and improve customer experience. He shares insights on the company's collaboration with Simon Property Group, the logistics of deploying their technology at locations such as Stanford Shopping Center and Barton Creek Square, and the broader implications for delivery, curbside pickup, and the future of retail. The conversation also covers the evolving landscape of autonomous vehicle regulation, the role of major automakers and tech companies, and Seidl's vision for a new era of "autonomous commerce." 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.  

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 store. 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 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 Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.  Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify  Listen: WhereWeBuy.show  Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com  Watch video podcasts and retail research tours here: 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.

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 their investment philosophy, the importance of local partnerships, and the future of retail real estate. 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.  

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 properties.  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.  

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 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 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 burgers and Uniqlo's culturally adapted clothing. Prateek also emphasizes the growing spaces for e-commerce, QSR, fast fashion, and experiential retail, offering insights into the best practices and potential pitfalls for foreign brands looking to succeed in India. 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.