ANYTHING RETAIL

WITH ROB SAMTMANN

Rob Samtmann | Dec 18, 2024 |

Expansion Plans Hatching in Philly

A recent CoStar article reports on how multiple fried chicken restaurants are expanding in Philadelphia: new leases for these establishments have doubled over 2023. The Philadelphia area has experienced a significant increase in the number of new fried chicken restaurants opening in the past year, with more on the way. Both local and national brands […]

Rob Samtmann | Nov 19, 2024 |

In-Person Shopping To Increase

As the holiday season approaches, Americans are preparing to shop in stores much like they did in 2019, according to a recent consumer survey conducted by the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) reported by Joan Verdon in her recent Forbes.com article. The survey reveals that 92% of consumers plan to shop in physical retail […]

Rob Samtmann | Oct 23, 2024 |

Let The Ghoul Times Roll!

Surprised by Halloween decorations appearing in grocery stores even before kids went back to school? With consumers eager to celebrate, retailers are jumping in to capture the festive spirit earlier than ever. Spirit Halloween, for instance, has made waves this year by opening a record 1,525 locations and even partnering with Uber to deliver last-minute […]

Rob Samtmann | Oct 15, 2024 |

Gen Z's New Shopping Reality

In-Store Shopping is still alive, but frustrations are high. RetailNext, known as “the pulse of the store” for its innovative in-store analytics platform, has unveiled its first Retail Vibe Check Report, offering fresh insights into Gen Z’s shopping habits. With a staggering $360 billion in spending power in the US, this generation presents both significant […]

Rob Samtmann | Sep 24, 2024 |

Ambitious New Mixed-Use Development

BET Investments is embarking on an impressive mixed-use development on the former Prudential Insurance Co. site in Dresher, which spans 90 acres adjacent to the Promenade at Upper Dublin. This “legacy project” aims to transform the area with a comprehensive plan that includes: Situated at 2101 Welsh Road, the site is strategically located along the […]

Rob Samtmann | Sep 05, 2024 |

The Optics Behind Warby Parker’s Expansion Plan

Warby Parker remains committed to eventually opening 900 brick-and-mortar stores nationwide, of which it now operates around 256. In 2024, the average American is projected to buy nearly four pairs of eyewear. For Warby Parker, this trend represents a substantial opportunity to enhance its market presence both online and in physical stores. In early August, […]

Rob Samtmann | Aug 15, 2024 |

Surprise Jump in Retail Sales

Retail sales rose 1 percent in July, reversing a June slowdown and marking the largest jump in more than two years. In a recent Washington Post article, Abha Bhattarai reports on how data from the Commerce Department shows Americans are demonstrating strong spending power, fueling a vibrant U.S. economy and easing concerns about a potential […]

Rob Samtmann | Jul 25, 2024 |

Prime Day Rehearsal for 2024 Holidays

The curtain has closed on Amazon Prime Day 2024, and while Amazon celebrates a “record-breaking” performance—$14.2 billion in revenue in the U.S. alone, marking an 11.2% year-over-year increase—the real focus is now shifting to Q4 and the holiday shopping season. A recent article by Jon Bird in Forbes.com points out that Prime Day offers a […]

Rob Samtmann | Jul 08, 2024 |

QSRs Have A Big Need For Small Space

Retail Leasing Activity Surges Post-Pandemic, Driven by Food and Beverage Tenants In a recent Forbes.com article, Naveen Jaggi detailed how retail leasing has seen a robust revival after the pandemic, with food and beverage tenants spearheading this resurgence. These tenants comprised 20% of total retail leasing activity in 2023, and in 2024, over 2,000 new […]

Rob Samtmann | Jun 17, 2024 |

The Unlikely New Real-Estate Darling

Property owners have historically viewed restaurants as risky tenants, given the high rate of failure in the food service industry. However, with Americans dining out more than ever, restaurants are now emerging as the hottest corner of retail real estate. In recent years, food services have accounted for over 19% of all retail leases, the […]

Rob Samtmann

Rob is Managing Principal of Equity Retail Brokers and he specializes in tenant representation and leasing.

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