Your Space Before
action creates motivation
Creating a Collection of Unique Experiences
ABOUT
MISSION STATEMENT
Simply put - I want to stem the tide of failing shopping places. Too many communities depend on them for tax revenue, employment, and community engagement.
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But, as with all things, change is the only constant. And shopping centers and the spaces contained within need to adapt, grow, and move along with the needs of the customer.
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My mission is to help property owners and business owners adapt to a changed market. To become inventive, creative, and visionary to meet the desires of customers and perhaps fill an unrecognized or unrealized need.
My intention is to reimagine "Shopping Centers" into centers of community activity and experiences. I have never been a fan of shopping malls as a place to just hang-out.
I usually go there for a specific reason; walk around a bit, then leave. I rarely eat there. In the 1980s and 90s, these were the places to be - but now, in the second decade of the 21st century, people desire something more...unique and interesting.
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With each Place (shopping center, mall, neighborhood shop, or district), I believe people want an Experience they can't get a mile or two down the road. Unlike the over-saturation of chain stores offered by the malls or shopping centers of yesterday, we need to create places that provide fun, unique, interesting, and engaging experiences. Places people want to come to and spend time.
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Each location/place must be treated with the uniqueness of its area and those who frequent it. We must understand the needs and purpose of people and places.
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I offer that unique perspective and ideas.
The State of Retail Today
Shopping methods, styles, and habits have changed drastically since the turn of the century. It's time our shopping outlets adapted as well. Shopping and retail as we know it have evolved and it's time our physical spaces evolved to meet the new era. Without a doubt, malls and shopping centers, in general, have seen a measured decline in shoppers. We all know what the main cause or tipping point was - but, the decline really began years earlier. I believe people have become tired of all the cookie-cutter options.
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In mid-2010, the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), issued a report titled, Envision 2020. The report touched on a great many topics such as Physical and Online Retail; Intimacy w/ the Customer; Conversion of Shopping Centers into Communities; Engaging Millennials; and the Emergence of a New Blended Rental Model, to name a few. In the report, they talk about how (at the time of the report), 90 percent of all U.S retail sales still occur within the walls of a physical store. And when speaking of the Millennial generation, the report stated that, contrary to popular belief, most millennials (82%) prefer to shop in stores, although they spend a great deal of time browsing and researching products online. The report also stated that they place a high value on experiences. The report continued to indicate that people are looking for authenticity in terms of tenant mix, design, and events. And they want stores that feel unique and local.
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Then there is the factor of rent. How does an upstart business pay market rate for rent? Paraphrasing, the ICSC reported on that as well, it stated... professionals are re-evaluating existing lease models and rent metrics to determine if traditional approaches are still appropriate - stating that, Evolving rental models will need to consider the interests of both developers (property owners), and retailers - defining a business scenario that is fair and equitable to both. The real estate owner now has a large part to play in connecting the retailer and consumer.
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All of the above states the obvious, that there is a need, if not a demand for new and creative thinking that will help transform our existing retail centers into mixed-use/vibrant community centers.
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Tomorrow's Community Centers
By community center, I don't just mean meeting rooms or activity centers but any space-use that would enhance or benefit the community. It could be as simple as a central space for safe and secure package delivery and pick-up, to a small corner grocer, or a dentist's office. In 2002, the National Endowment for the Arts, working through their Series on Design, wrote a book titled; Sprawl and Public Space - Redressing the Mall. And though the series editor, Mark Robbins stated early in the book; We chose (in the book) to narrow the field to the proliferation of "dead malls," the older shopping centers that for a number of reasons had fallen into disuse. I believe much of what was expressed in the book has relevance and use applications for retail in any setting today. I believe that his statement (paraphrased here) illustrates that; exploring new approaches and innovative partnerships in economics, land use, planning, and design...these sites can become not only fiscally viable but positive assets to their communities. One example of this today is an abandoned strip mall being turned into a school. Places specifically designed and used for shopping and quick dining are simply a waste of space today. We need to totally reimagine what these, sometimes vast spaces can be used for. But, it's not just large malls or centers, but simple one-block strip malls or a cluster of retails spaces within a neighborhood district, (what are sometimes called nodes, activity centers, or gateways).
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Space today needs to be multi-dimensional, the epitome of mixed-use. We need to create space for aspirational retailers, creative dining experiences, and functional uses that can meet everyday needs. In addition, these imaginative spaces can work as an attractor to what could otherwise be boring and uninspired places. Our job is to work together and make these spaces more welcoming, interesting, and interactive. To create beautiful and attractive community spaces.
Owner Looking for Tenant
Space is hard to fill these days; and with every vacant space, more tenants look at the reality of staying. Then begins the downward spiral of tenant mass exodus and empty storefronts. What's needed today is a fresh perspective of space, how it's used, how it could be used, and what the community wants or needs.
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Taking a fresh, out-of-the-box perspective I approach space looking at all possibilities. I not only consider what is in the surrounding space, but what's in the neighborhood, what's unique about a location, what's missing, and what's still to be discovered?
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Everything about a space should be looked at from its own unique position; within a center as well as its community. What type of use will fill not only the space but the vast variety of needs. Those of the property owner, as well as the business owner, other tenants, and the greater community.
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Today's problems need to be resolved with fresh thinking and not the same ideas we used decades ago.
How Can I Help?
Business Looking for Space
Today it's very hard for an independent business owner to locate physical space in which to engage with clients. Shopping methods and styles have changed. Online shopping has become the defacto method of shopping...or looking for products. But, the physical and tactile "experience" is still highly desired. But consumers are tired and bored of the same old places. What you, as the merchant, offer your client, and how you present your product is what draws them to you. A tangible, physical space can be the launchpad for greater sales in both the virtual and physical world.
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To facilitate the process of finding your new space, I like to learn about your business and understand your dreams and goals. By doing so, I can help place you in the right location, not just any space that's available.
Once I've found possible locations I can provide site visits (either virtually or in-person), explore options with the landlord in lease and/or perhaps tenant improvements, and connect you with a Commercial Real Estate Broker to negotiate a mutually beneficial agreement.
Seeking New Alternatives
Because retail sales, and their taxes, are becoming less reliable, cities and other municipalities are struggling to find additional funding sources to augment their general funds. But, Ground Floor Active Spaces need not only cater to "retail". Though retail provides the added benefit of sales tax (in most states), any occupied space will still provide other revenue by way of business licenses, income tax on collected rent, utility user tax, and employee tax to name a few. But vacant space generates little revenue.
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That's why in this day and age, municipalities need to become a more active partner in helping to fill vacant space within their jurisdiction. Working as a partner with property owners and business owners alike would stabilize revenues as well as maintain a successful look and feel to the city, town, or district. In turn, this will encourage new business and retain current companies.
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As part of my Mission Statement, I want to stem the tide of failing businesses and fill the vacant spaces so many places are experiencing.
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I have the creative solutions to reach this goal.
Solving Space Problems by Looking for Different Solutions