Retail Retold

What Does It Take to Scale from Two Gyms to 100+ Stores Across America?n this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa welcomes franchise powerhouse Kal Gullipali — the man who turned two Orange Theory studios into a 100-unit empire spanning Marco’s Pizza, Dave’s Hot Chicken, European Wax Center, and more. From Wall Street to wellness centers to hot chicken, Kal’s story is a masterclass in bold moves, smart capital, and relentless growth.Kal reveals how selling his first franchise lit the spark for scale — and how COVID became the ultimate wake-up call to diversify. Today, his group operates across multiple states, building new stores, buying portfolios, and driving more than $35–40 million in annual growth. He breaks down the numbers, the strategy, and the mindset it takes to play at this level.This episode dives into what it really takes to win in franchising: sharp site selection, patient capital, and powerful partnerships. Kal also calls out a coming shift in the fast-casual world — the return of true customer service — as brands rediscover that speed means nothing without hospitality.What You’ll Hear:How Kal built a 100+ unit, multi-brand portfolio in under a decadeWhy diversification saved his business modelThe real economics behind scaling franchisesWhy the next big franchise trend is a return to the human touchChapters00:00 – Meet Kal GullipaliFrom Wall Street to Main Street — how a former Merrill Lynch analyst became a franchise powerhouse.02:00 – The First Franchise BetWhy Kal’s first leap into Orange Theory Fitness changed everything.04:00 – From Two Gyms to a Hundred UnitsThe mindset, capital, and partnerships behind explosive growth.06:00 – Lessons from Selling and ScalingHow selling early wins funded a smarter, more diversified empire.07:45 – Enter the Pizza and Hot Chicken GameWhy COVID turned Kal into a believer in delivery-driven, resilient brands.09:30 – Building vs. BuyingThe strategy behind mixing acquisitions with ground-up new builds.10:30 – Why Dave’s Hot Chicken Took OffHigh AUVs, hot branding, and a cult following—Kal breaks down the magic formula.13:00 – The Numbers Behind the EmpireA candid look at performance, diversification, and what drives profitability.15:00 – The Power of People and ProcessInside Kal’s shared-services model and how he scales culture across brands.18:00 – The Franchise Trend No One’s Talking AboutWhy customer service—not tech—will define the next era of QSR success.

Is Foot Traffic the New Gold Standard of Retail Success?What happens when two of retail’s sharpest minds go head-to-head on the data behind the industry’s biggest shifts? You get this week’s episode of Retail Retold, where Chris Ressa sits down (again!) with Ethan Chernofsky, Chief Marketing Officer at Placer.ai.Ethan brings the receipts—billions of data points from Placer.ai’s location analytics—to unpack five retail trends that are redefining the way consumers shop and how retailers win. From Chili’s comeback and Trader Joe’s cult following to the rise of “dark stores” and the urbanization of suburbia, Chris and Ethan debate what’s driving foot traffic, loyalty, and value creation across retail. It’s part data, part strategy, and all energy.What You’ll Hear:The five retail trends shaping 2026 and beyondWhy simplicity (and knowing your “reason for being”) drives successHow loyalty and cross-visitation can rise togetherWhy the store is now a media channel, fulfillment hub, and brand platformHow suburban retail is stealing the showChapters00:00 – Welcome Back, Ethan ChernofskyChris and Ethan kick things off with their signature energy — a quick catch-up, a look inside Placer.ai’s marketing team, and how data storytelling is changing the game.02:30 – Trend #1: Know Your Reason for BeingThe biggest driver of retail success today? Focus. Ethan explains how Chili’s, Trader Joe’s, and Sprouts are winning by doubling down on what they do best.08:30 – Trend #2: The Battle for the BasketLoyalty is up — but so is cross-visitation. Chris and Ethan break down why shoppers are visiting more stores and what it means for retailers fighting for “share of list.”13:15 – Trend #3: The Middle Market MysteryCan the “middle” of retail survive? The duo debates whether flexibility, not price point, is the secret weapon for retailers stuck between luxury and value.18:10 – Trend #4: The Store as a PlatformFrom buy-online-pickup-in-store to dark stores and retail media, Ethan unpacks how brick-and-mortar is becoming retail’s most powerful ecosystem.22:45 – Trend #5: The Urbanization of the SuburbsThe suburbs are stealing the spotlight. Ethan and Chris discuss how urban concepts are moving into suburban centers—and what that means for open-air retail.29:00 – Final Thoughts: The Future of Retail is RealChris and Ethan wrap it up with what’s next for data, design, and human experience in the physical retail world.

Are we witnessing a reset in what “proven,” “scalable,” and “investable” mean in franchising?This is not the sugar-coated version of franchising. Patrick Buckley sits down with Chris Ressa to unpack what is actually happening behind the curtain of franchise growth, exits and unit-level profitability. He breaks down the split between legacy giants and scrappy emerging brands fighting for first-time operators, why once-hot home-service brands have cooled off, and why beverages and “drive-thru only” formats are the franchise sector’s new land rush.Patrick gets blunt about the math — labor, food inflation, beef shortages, construction costs and multiples that make zero sense on paper. He explains why Taco Bell can sell at 10X EBITDA while most operators are fighting to keep 10% margin, and why franchising is not a guaranteed “proven system” but a case-by-case knife fight. Health and wellness franchising is rising, the approval gate is tighter than people think, and the biggest risk is assuming the word “franchise” equals safe..What you'll hear: The collapse in home-services franchise buying after the 2020–24 gold rushThe beverage & drive-thru wave and why it's crowding capitalUnit-profit reality: labor > inflation, food > margin, construction > forecastWhy some brands trade at 9–10x EBITDA despite margin compressionHow first-time buyers actually get (or don’t get) approved to buy existing unitsWhy health & wellness may steal share from food over the next decadeThe warning most first-time buyers wish they heard soonerChapters00:00 Introduction to Fran Dogs and Patrick Buckley03:02 Current Trends in Franchising05:40 Challenges Faced by Franchisees08:59 Understanding Franchise Valuations11:44 The Rise of Taco Bell and Beverage Trends14:58 Navigating Franchise Purchases17:41 Emerging Categories Beyond Food and Beverage20:34 Final Insights and Industry Statistics

How Are Retailers Redefining Success Beyond Sales Per Square Foot?The metrics that define retail success are changing — fast. In this episode of What’s in Store, hosts Karly Iacono and Chris Ressa dive into the evolving ways retailers, investors, and developers are measuring performance in an era defined by data, analytics, and AI.From psychodemographics that reveal why consumers buy to macroeconomic drivers reshaping markets, Karly and Chris explore how retail site selection, investment decisions, and KPIs are being redefined. They discuss how new data tools are quantifying once-intangible factors — from population behavior to co-tenancy synergies — and how that data is changing the way we understand performance beyond traditional sales per square foot.The conversation also touches on the influence of political and labor factors, the rise of visits per square foot as a new benchmark, and how AI and predictive analytics may soon reshape everything from store openings to customer engagement.What you'll hear: How psychodemographics are reshaping site selectionWhy macroeconomic “anchors” like universities and studios drive retail growthThe impact of politics, regulation, and labor markets on expansionWhat “visits per square foot” really tells us about performanceHow AI is turning overwhelming data into actionable retail strategy

How did a former baseball player find his swing in commercial real estate? This week on Retail Retold, Chris Ressa welcomes Tyler Bindi, an investment sales broker with Marcus & Millichap, who has quickly risen through the ranks of the net-lease sector after entering commercial real estate in the middle of COVID-19. From his college baseball career at St. Mary's College of California, to selling season tickets for the Colorado Rockies, now to closing deals nationwide, Tyler shares how perseverance, cold-calling, and curiosity built his foundation during one of the toughest markets in recent history.Tyler reflects on the transformation of the net-lease landscape—from near-zero interest rates in 2021 to today’s higher-rate environment—and the resulting shift in buyer and seller psychology. He explains how many mom-and-pop landlords remain sidelined, while new, first-time investors are entering the space seeking stable, long-term income and tax advantages.Together, Chris and Tyler break down how pricing expectations are finally converging, why quick-service restaurants remain a market bellwether, and how opportunistic investors are finding value in short-term, low-rent assets with strong real-estate fundamentals. Tyler also reveals his team’s path to scaling from a one-man operation to a ten-person brokerage and why he believes Q4 2025 will mark a powerful resurgence in net-lease transaction volume.What you'll hear: How Tyler transitioned from sports sales to commercial real estate during COVIDWhat’s changed most in the net-lease market over the last five yearsWhy short-term leases in great locations are attracting investor demandHow buyer and seller expectations are finally coming back into alignmentWhy Q4 2025 could be a breakout quarter for transaction volume

How Did Foresight — and a Lot of Grit — Turn One Client into a Thriving Business?Can tenacity turn setbacks like the 2008 GFC into career breakthroughs?This week on Retail Retold, Chris Ressa sits down with Bethany Babcock, founder of Foresite Commercial Real Estate — and a mom of three who has built a thriving firm through sheer tenacity.Bethany’s journey is anything but conventional. Born in the U.S. but raised in Chile, she came to Texas at 18 with no financial support and worked her way through college while getting her start in real estate. When the 2008 financial crisis hit, she doubled down instead of walking away — jumping into commission-only investment sales and eventually founding her own firm in 2014 with a single client.Since then, Bethany has grown Foresite into a respected full-service company with offices in San Antonio, Austin, and Houston. Along the way she created the CRE Launch Program, an internship pipeline that’s bringing fresh talent into the industry. Her story blends personal grit with professional innovation, offering valuable lessons for anyone navigating today’s retail real estate market.From raising bilingual kids to raising capital, Bethany shows what it takes to persevere — and why “trust but verify” is more than just a business mantra.What you'll hear: How a mom of three turned setbacks into a thriving CRE businessWhy 2008’s downturn became a springboard, not a stumbling blockHow mentorship and grit fueled Bethany’s career shift into retailThe inside story of launching Foresite with one client and growing from thereThe birth of the CRE Launch Program and its role in shaping new talentMarket insights: San Antonio and Austin leasing strength, local buyers vs. international investorsA high-stakes deal that fell apart — and the hard lesson learnedChapters00:00 Introduction to Bethany Babcock02:43 Bethany's Journey into Commercial Real Estate06:05 Career Development and Starting Foresite08:52 Growth and Challenges in Business11:39 Current Market Insights and Trends14:53 Local vs. International Investors17:55 Lessons from a Challenging Deal21:40 The CRE Launch Program and Closing Thoughts

What Can 25 Years in Retail Real Estate Teach Us About Resilience and Growth?On this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa welcomes longtime friend and industry leader Hue Chen, President of Saglo Companies, for a conversation packed with stories and lessons from 25 years in retail real estate.Hue reflects on starting his career in the trenches of the Great Recession, when lead-sharing boards and creativity kept deals alive. He shares how an unlikely sabbatical during that downturn reshaped his outlook, and why sometimes the “boring” tenants — daycares, laundromats, coin ops — deliver the biggest wins.From comparing ICSC attendee lists in 2018 vs. 2025 to unpacking why beverage brands like Dutch Bros and 7 Brew are exploding, Hue uses data and anecdotes to show how the retail landscape is constantly evolving. He and Chris also dive into deeper themes: what it takes to scale a company without being the bottleneck, how community-minded regional tenants often outperform nationals, and why consumer and retailer debt may be retail’s real risk today.It’s a conversation that blends history, humor, and hard truths — and proves that the best retail stories aren’t always about lollipops and rainbows, but about resilience, adaptability, and the unexpected deals that shape entire careers.What you'll hear: How the Great Recession forged Hue’s mindset — and why he never thought of leaving retailThe sabbatical that reset his career and gave him long-term perspectiveWhy “unsexy” tenants like daycares and laundromats can be the most profitable anchorsWhat ICSC attendee lists reveal about a generational shift in retail leadershipHow Saglo builds systems so the president isn’t the bottleneckWhy regional tenants with 2–20 stores often outperform big nationalsThe explosion of beverage concepts like Dutch Bros, 7 Brew, and Luckin Coffee — and what makes them different from StarbucksWhy community engagement is often the real driver of tenant successThe hidden risks: consumer debt and retailer leverage vs. the strength of retail real estate fundamentalsLessons on adaptability, resilience, and how a single deal can shape an entire careerChapters00:00 Navigating the Great Recession: A Shared Journey09:32 The Evolution of Retail Real Estate20:47 Current Market Dynamics and Future Outlook24:56 Retail Resilience and Market Dynamics28:22 Concerns in Retail: Debt and Consumer Behavior31:26 The Importance of Community Engagement in Retail34:24 The Rise of Coffee Concepts in Retail40:30 Defining the 'Third Place' in Today's Society

Why are institutions pouring billions into an asset class others are doubting?In this episode of What’s In Store, Chris Ressa and Karly Iacono break down one of the most resilient yet often misunderstood corners of commercial real estate: net lease. While headlines focus on retail closures or shifting tenant dynamics, the reality is that net lease portfolios are performing at an extraordinary level, with occupancy rates consistently between 98 and 99 percent. This asset class is attracting serious institutional capital, and its structure creates predictable long-term income streams, and replacement costs and tenant “stickiness” make these properties so durable.They also tackle misconceptions—explaining why recent cap rate movements and financing challenges haven’t diminished the underlying value of well-located, freestanding real estate. With creative financing and strategic positioning, today’s market offers investors a rare window to buy below replacement cost while securing stable returns. Whether you’re an active investor, a retail real estate professional, or simply curious about how “mailbox money” really works, this episode delivers a clear-eyed look at why net lease is a powerful and timely opportunity.What you'll hear: Why net lease portfolios are maintaining 98–99% occupancyHow long-term leases provide durability and predictable incomeThe role of replacement cost in strengthening asset valueWhy tenant “stickiness” adds security to investmentsThe growing appetite from institutional investorsHow rising cap rates and high financing costs create opportunityStrategies for investors navigating today’s marketChapters00:00 Introduction to Net Lease Opportunities03:01 Understanding Occupancy Rates in Net Lease REITs05:55 The Durability of Income in Net Lease Investments08:47 Institutional Interest in Net Lease Properties12:09 Market Trends and Future Predictions for Net Lease14:59 Investment Strategies in Net Lease Real Estate

Bryan Furze is buzzing with insights. In this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa and Bryan, Senior Vice President at Charter Realty, talk about his bold move from landlord to broker after 25 years in retail real estate. Brian shares how his career has taken him from leading portfolios at major landlords to now building Charter’s Northern New England business, giving him a unique perspective on both sides of the deal. Together, Chris and Brian break down why retail real estate isn’t oversupplied but rather “under demolished,” how construction costs are reshaping small-shop leasing, and why secondary markets like New Hampshire and Maine are becoming hotbeds of growth. Brian also tells the story of a high-stakes Boston acquisition that tested his team but ultimately transformed a neighborhood. Plus, the conversation touches on sustainability, pollinator-friendly practices, and the personal side of balancing career, family, and passion projects.

What Do Cold Plunges, K-Pop, and Loyalty Clubs Tell Us About Consumer Behavior?Shifting the focus from real estate to consumer behavior, Chris Ressa and Natalie Chambers, Executive Creative Director at the Dealey Group, dive into the shifting landscape of what makes the consumer tick. Natalie shares three standout trends that you might not expect —ancient wellness rituals, pluralversal storylines, and the rise of social silos—and Chris debates her on what’s hype versus what’s here to stay.From cold plunges and sound baths to Korean corn dogs and Baseball Lifestyle 101, the conversation weaves together fun examples with deeper insights on belonging, loyalty, and retail programming. They also cover the balance between convenience and dwell time, debating how shopping centers should position themselves for consumers who want it all.Part debate, part discovery, this episode looks at how AI, culture, and community are reshaping what it means to shop—and what it means to connect.What you'll hear: How the rise of AI is pushing consumers toward both high-tech convenience and “ancient wellness” rituals like cold plunges and sound bathsWhy pluralversal storylines—from K-pop hits to unexpected food trends—are reshaping cultural consumptionThe growing power of social silos and loyalty clubs in making shoppers feel like they belongChris and Natalie’s spirited debate on convenience vs. dwell time and what it means for shopping centersReal-world examples of how retail can turn “points on a map” into places people loveChapters00:00 Understanding Consumer Behavior02:51 The Impact of AI on Consumer Trends05:58 Exploring Ancient Wellness Trends08:57 Plural-versal Design in Consumer Culture11:54 The Rise of Niche Markets and Social Silos17:55 Balancing Convenience and Dwell Time in Retail20:48 Implementing Insights in Real Estate Marketing23:46 The Future of Retail in an AI-Driven World

What does it take to turn a passion for running into a thriving retail business?With fall marathon training season in full swing, we thought we would throw it back to a conversation that Chris Ressa had with Kim Caruso, owner of Fleet Feet Poughkeepsie, located at DLC’s Shops at South Hills. Kim shares her journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship, explaining how a casual 5K inspired her passion for running and ultimately led to opening a specialty running store in her hometown.Kim reflects on the challenges and opportunities of owning a retail business, especially navigating the pandemic. From shifting to appointment-based fittings and curbside pickup to building community through virtual running groups and challenges, she highlights the resilience of specialty retail. Throughout, Kim emphasizes the importance of connection, experience, and service—showing how brick-and-mortar retail thrives when rooted in relationships.Chris underscores a core truth in retail real estate: the people behind the business are as important as the location itself. Fleet Feet Poughkeepsie’s success wasn’t just about market demand, but about Kim’s relentless energy, passion, and community focus.What you'll hear: Passion to Business: Kim turned a personal love for running into a successful small business, proving that spotting a gap in the market can open doors for entrepreneurship.Pandemic Pivot: By introducing online appointments, curbside pickup, and creative virtual events, Fleet Feet kept customers engaged and sales steady—even while doors were closed.Community is the Differentiator: Specialty retail wins not just on product, but by building experiences and relationships. Customers return because they feel part of something bigger than a transaction.The Value of Franchise Support: Partnering with Fleet Feet gave Kim access to vendors, training, and expertise that would have been unattainable as an independent startup.Real Estate Lessons: Location matters, but the people running the store drive its ultimate success. Kim’s active involvement and vision made Poughkeepsie one of Fleet Feet’s strongest openings.Resilience & Optimism: Despite being down 15% in 2020, Fleet Feet weathered the storm and positioned itself for a strong rebound with pent-up demand expected in 2021.Entrepreneurial Advice: Know what you’re good at, lean on experts for what you’re not (like commercial real estate), and give customers a reason to choose you over online competitors.Chapters00:16 Kim Caruso's Journey to Fleet Feet03:29 Navigating the Pandemic: Challenges and Innovations08:02 The Future of Physical Retail09:41 Community Engagement and Events11:56 Connecting with Customers Digitally15:13 Reflections on the Pandemic Experience18:38 The Franchise Journey with Fleet Feet26:12 Choosing the Right Location30:18 The Importance of Teamwork in Business

Are You Measuring Foot Traffic Accurately—or Guessing?In this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa sits down with Carla Hinson, Vice President of Solutions at MRI Software, to uncover the top three things most people don’t know about foot traffic. Carla explains how advancements in data collection have moved from simple counters to cell phone tracking, and now to visual AI that provides true, real-time insights into consumer behavior. She highlights three critical dimensions: potential—the ability to capture more granular and accurate traffic data; performance—understanding capture rates and linking them to revenue outcomes; and optimized experiences—using data to refine in-store layouts, marketing strategies, and customer engagement. With MRI’s OnLocation Footfall Analytics, retailers and landlords can track who’s walking by, who’s entering, and how customers behave once inside. Carla also emphasizes the growing role of AI—both personally and professionally—in shaping expectations around technology adoption and decision-making in real estate.What you'll hear: Carla Henson is the Vice President of Solutions at MRI Software, focusing on strategy and go-to-market initiatives.MRI Software is known for property management and supports clients across various segments, including residential and commercial real estate.AI is increasingly being integrated into personal and professional lives, enhancing productivity and decision-making.Visual AI technology allows for detailed foot traffic analysis, linking to existing security cameras to track customer behavior.Understanding foot traffic is crucial for retailers to optimize marketing strategies and improve customer experiences.Capture rates are essential metrics for retailers to measure the effectiveness of their storefronts and marketing efforts.Data-driven insights can reveal discrepancies in perceived versus actual customer demographics.The evolution of technology has shifted expectations from personal to professional environments, impacting how businesses adopt new tools.AI has been in development since the 1950s, but its accessibility and application in retail are relatively new.The future of data analytics in retail and office spaces holds significant potential for optimizing space usage and enhancing customer engagement.Chapters00:00 Introduction to MRI Software and Carla Henson07:25 The Role of AI in Retail and Personal Life10:58 Understanding Foot Traffic: Potential, Performance, and Optimization17:09 The Future of Data in

Can a Dead-End Street Become the Hottest Retail Destination in Town?In this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa sits down with Howard Aspinwall, the dynamic owner of Mellow Monkey, a destination home décor and gift shop tucked away on a dead-end street in Stratford, Connecticut. Howard shares his unconventional journey from art school to chef, tech executive, and finally retail entrepreneur—starting Mellow Monkey as an online-only business before making the rare move into brick-and-mortar. He reveals how his eclectic background, unique product curation, and immersive in-store experience turned an unlikely warehouse location into a tri-state shopping draw.Howard also dives into his social media strategy, how humor and personality fuel customer engagement, the agility needed to pivot product lines, and the looming impacts of tariffs and supply chain challenges on the retail landscape. It’s a masterclass in building a retail brand that people seek out—even when it’s literally at “the end of the earth.”What you'll hear:Howard's diverse background includes art, culinary arts, and technology.Mellow Monkey started as an online business before transitioning to brick-and-mortar.The store is located in an unconventional area, creating a unique shopping experience.Social media plays a crucial role in driving traffic to the store.Howard emphasizes the importance of creating a fun and immersive environment for customers.The store features a constantly changing inventory of unique products.Customer acquisition costs online are high, making brick-and-mortar more profitable.Howard's approach to marketing includes humor and personal engagement.The store has a small but dedicated team that fluctuates with the seasons.Economic conditions are impacting retail, but Mellow Monkey has maintained strong consumer confidence.Chapters00:00 The Journey to Mellow Monkey13:22 Transitioning from Online to Brick-and-Mortar21:15 The Unique Store Experience24:56 Navigating Economic Challenges29:56 Connecting with Customers and Community

Can you really train your brain to remember everything?In this fascinating episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa is joined by Chester Santos, 2008 U.S. Memory Champion and world-renowned memory expert, to explore how mastering memory can transform your personal and professional life. Chester breaks down the science behind memory training, shares practical applications for business leaders, and even puts Chris on the spot with a live memory test. From eliminating to-do lists to improving client relationships, this episode proves that memory isn't just a gift—it's a skill you can build.What you'll hear:Memory is a skill that can be developed and improved.There is no limit to human memory; the more you know, the easier it is to learn new things.Chester trained for the memory championship like an Olympic athlete.Memory techniques can help minimize the use of notes during presentations.Maintaining eye contact during meetings enhances professional relationships.Visual representation aids in memory retention.Involving multiple senses can strengthen memory connections.Making information unusual or extraordinary helps in remembering it.Memory skills can significantly impact personal and professional success.Chester offers online memory training resources for those interested.Chapters00:00 – Intro: What happens when memory becomes your superpower?01:13 – Meet Chester Santos: U.S. Memory Champion & “International Man of Memory”02:30 – Why Memory Is an Overlooked Professional Skill03:08 – Clear the Air: Chester’s surprising answers05:38 – From 2020 Segment to Memory Champion08:00 – What It Takes to Win a Memory Championship10:20 – Self-Taught Success: Training like an Olympian11:10 – What Happens at a Memory Championship? (Hint: Decks of Cards)13:00 – What Science Says About Super Memory14:35 – Real-World Applications: Business, Sales, and Public Speaking20:25 – Ditching To-Do Lists and Meeting Notes—Seriously26:00 – 3 Core Principles to Improve Your Memory Today30:00 – Interactive Exercise: The Story Method Memory Challenge35:00 – How to Apply Memory Skills to Presentations37:15 – How You Can Train with Chester39:20 – Where to Find Chester Online40:15 – Fun Questions: Blockbuster, Chinatown Suitcases & Target Electronics

How did Jason Olsen take a lightbulb idea of improving salon suite experiences to a nationwide franchise with 120 locations? In this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa sits down with Jason, the founder and CEO of Image Studios, to explore his remarkable journey from running a $100M used car dealership to building and scaling his business. Jason shares how the 2008 recession pushed him to rethink his future and the lessons he learned in creating a recession-resilient, asset-light business. From negotiating leases and launching on credit cards to creating a franchise model that empowers beauty professionals, this episode is a masterclass in entrepreneurial grit, real estate savvy, and franchise growth.What you'll hear:How Jason pivoted from the auto industry to the beauty and real estate spaceWhy salon suites are a recession-resistant business modelThe key strategies behind scaling from one location to a national franchiseInsights on site selection, lease negotiation, and supporting franchisee profitabilityChapters00:00 Introduction to Jason Olson and Image Studios02:02 The Journey to Founding Image Studios05:59 Lessons from the Automotive Industry11:53 Building a Unique Business Model15:56 The Launch of Image Studios22:11 Franchising and Expansion30:01 Current Operations and Future Growth

Is the expansion of specialty retailers surprising? Ultimately, physical stores remain vital for consumer interaction and brand loyalty.In this episode of 'What's in Store', Chris Ressa and Karly Iacono explore the reasons behind the success of physical stores in an increasingly digital world, emphasizing the importance of customer experience, pricing strategies, and the discovery element in retail. The conversation highlights how various sectors, including cell phones, fashion, and home improvement, continue to thrive in physical retail despite the convenience of online shopping.Takeaways:Batteries Plus is expanding despite being a commodity item.Physical stores drive traffic and offer better pricing for many items.Customer experience and service are crucial in retail success.Retailers are using stores for fulfillment and distribution.The gap between online and in-store prices is widening.Consumers prefer the immediacy of physical stores for urgent needs.Discovery of new products is easier in-store than online.Retailers benefit from having a physical presence in a market.Physical retail is more valuable now than pre-COVID.The relationship built in-store cannot be replicated online.

What's a 1031 exchange and how can you use it to make money in real estate? In this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa sits down with 1031 exchange expert David Foster to demystify one of real estate’s most powerful wealth-building tools. David, a seasoned Qualified Intermediary (QI), breaks down how 1031 exchanges allow investors to legally defer capital gains taxes when selling and reinvesting in real estate. From common pitfalls (don’t call after the sale!) to best practices and market trends, David shares insider knowledge gleaned from decades of experience and thousands of transactions.Takeaways:A 1031 exchange allows investors to defer taxes on profits from real estate sales.Qualified intermediaries (QIs) are essential for facilitating 1031 exchanges.Documentation and compliance with IRS regulations are critical in 1031 exchanges.The best time to involve a QI is when a property is under contract for sale.Costs for QIs are generally reasonable and vary by location.Market conditions can significantly impact the effectiveness of 1031 exchanges.Investors should be aware of depreciation and its impact on taxable gains.The 1031 exchange has historical roots in supporting agricultural growth.Strategic asset selection is key to successful 1031 exchanges.Over-leveraging can lead to challenges in executing a 1031 exchange.Chapters00:00 Introduction to 1031 Exchanges04:57 Understanding the Role of a Qualified Intermediary09:32 The Process of a 1031 Exchange14:42 Cost and Value of 1031 Exchanges19:14 Market Trends and 1031 Exchanges24:19 Challenges and Lessons from 1031 Exchanges27:02 Fun Questions and Conclusion

It's Shawarma with Swagger, and it's coming to America. From humble beginnings in London, Ontario, to a thriving restaurant chain with over 64 locations, Tahini’s is now poised for U.S. expansion—fueled by innovative flavors, a massive social media following, and a franchise model centered around local ownership and community engagement. This week, Chris Ressa talks with Tahini's Founder and CEO Omar Hamam and Business Development Officer Shawn Saraga, on the big plans the company has in the U.S. Takeaways:From One Store to a Franchise EmpireOmar Hamam grew Tahini’s from a single restaurant into 64+ locations—and he’s just getting started.U.S. Expansion Is UnderwayFirst U.S. locations are launching in Illinois, New Jersey, Baltimore, and Miami—with 100 planned in 2–3 years.Fusion-Forward MenuTahini’s blends Mediterranean staples with bold global flavors—think butter chicken shawarma and smoked brisket.Massive Social FollowingWith 5M+ followers and 12M weekly views, Tahini’s built U.S. demand before opening a single U.S. store.Owner-Operator Franchise ModelThey reject master franchises—every franchisee must be hands-on, local, and deeply involved in the community.Built for Delivery and Late NightMost locations are fast-casual with strong off-premise sales—and 70% stay open until 2 a.m.Real Estate Sweet SpotIdeal sites: grocery-anchored centers, 1,200–2,000 SF, with smart infill and non-traditional site flexibility.Healthier, Guilt-Free EatsFresh, grilled, and made-to-order—Tahini’s hits the crave factor without the fast-food regret.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Tahini's and Founders' Backgrounds07:53 Expansion Journey and Franchise Model10:51 Store Concept and Market Positioning13:31 Innovative Menu and Unique Offerings16:10 Social Media Influence and Brand Awareness18:45 Franchisee Selection and Community Engagement22:12 Owner-Operator Approach to Expansion24:06 Future Growth and Market Strategy28:54 Health-Conscious Menu and Customer Appeal

In this Retail Retold Replay, Chris Ressa dives into the winding path of a complex lease deal at a DLC shopping center in Cheektowaga, NY — where Five Below ultimately took the space, but not before a rollercoaster of negotiations, tenant terminations, and lessons in legal vs. physical possession.The story starts with Office Depot downsizing, a prospective tenant backing out, and ends with a successful Five Below opening. Along the way, you'll hear why contingencies in commercial real estate deals are everything — and how timing, relationships, and flexibility can turn a near-miss into a win.A must-listen for anyone in leasing, development, or deal-making.Takeaways:Buy now, pay later options are on the rise and appealing to younger consumers, and retailers are investing heavily in buy now, pay later platforms.Supply chain challenges can vary based on ordering behaviors. Retailers who continued ordering during the pandemic are better positioned.Five Below's entry into Cheektowaga, NY involved complex negotiations.Possession in commercial real estate can be legally defined but physically contested.The importance of having tenants who are committed to their locations.Understanding the contingencies in real estate agreements is crucial.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Retail Retold02:47 The Buy Now, Pay Later Craze05:40 Supply Chain Insights08:20 The Five Below Story

Through the lens of a single neighborhood shopping center in Lawrenceville, GA, Chris Ressa lays out a compelling story of what’s happening across retail real estate today—and why the industry isn’t just surviving, it’s thriving.Despite headlines about disruption and store closures, America is undersupplied when it comes to retail space, and demand is surging. In Lawrenceville, post-COVID success triggered a leasing domino effect that brought in over 40,000 SF of new tenants and added nearly $800K in NOI.Takeaways:The power of low supply and high demand and how it’s reshaping site competition A behind-the-scenes look at a grocery-anchored center’s three-year transformationThe diverse, modern tenant mix redefining “normal” retail—think healthcare, beauty, food, and auto alongside legacy brandsHow smart reinvestment and strong market forces create a flywheel of growthWhy traditional metrics like “retail per capita” miss the mark in today's environmentChapters00:00 Retail Real Estate Fundamentals Post-COVID05:23 The Lawrenceville Case Study: A Retail Success Story09:28 The Evolution of Retail Tenant Mix