VVA Project & Cost Managers’ Post

Can't wait for this insightful discussion about Subway's real estate story!

The board reads "Immersive Downtowns". They all are. Beyond the buzzword, immersive is a quality of a space, an attraction, or any sensory stimuli that creates a "suspension of disbelief", where an audience sets aside other realities to favor what they have before them. Downtowns have been creating this for centuries. What is different now, that they would need someone to advocate for them rediscovering what created them in the first place? Main Streets have been recovering from bad decisions. Some have achieved wonderful revitalizations over the last 40 years and are primed to upgrade to the Experience Economy, where goods and services are secondary, and the focus is on the delivery of goods and services. Storefront Mastery works with local Place management organizations to set the stage so that local businesses can easily find creative ways to deliver their offerings. Here are three great experiences we have had in New Jersey and an overview of how we've done it.

The concept of Placemaking is changing the face of retail. Shopping center owners, economic development professionals and retailers are all looking for ways to create spaces that make people want to hang out in. Earth shattering, right? But, in reality, the shift is far more interesting than it seems. Professionals across segments are looking to create environments that drive longer stays leading to more opportunities and more transactions and it's a big deal. It's changing how spaces are developed, how consumers interact with those spaces and the types of tenants that make sense in certain spaces. So while the concept may be simple, the added focus will have major ripple effects in 2024 and beyond.

Excited to dive deep into a strategic conversations with my partner as we envision the next chapter for Home and Soul in the next quarter. Our brains are filled with ideas, plans, and a shared vision for elevating our brand to new heights. Our focus revolves around enhancing the customer experience, introducing innovative products, and expanding our presence in the market. We're enthusiastic about weaving a narrative that goes beyond aesthetics—creating homes that resonate with a sense of soul and purpose. Keeping pace with the ever-changing landscape of home décor, staying ahead means embracing change and staying attuned to our customers' evolving needs. As we brainstorm and strategize, we're fueled by the passion to bring unique, soulful products to homes around the world. This collaborative planning session is not just about numbers and targets; it's about building a brand that tells a story. We're defining our brand promise, ensuring that every product we offer aligns with our commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and the essence of Home and Soul. In the spirit of teamwork, we're aligning our individual strengths to drive innovation and operational excellence. From supply chain enhancements to marketing strategies, we're leaving no stone unturned to make the upcoming quarter a milestone in our journey. And as we immerse ourselves in this strategic dialogue, we're mindful of the need for balance. Finding time to step back, recharge, and approach challenges with a fresh perspective is integral. It's not just about the next quarter; it's about setting the stage for sustainable growth and long-term success. So here's to the journey ahead, the challenges we'll overcome, and the victories we'll celebrate. Together, with shared determination and a strategic roadmap, we're poised to make the next quarter a chapter of triumph for Home and Soul #HomeAndSoul #StrategicPlanning #BrandBuilding #BusinessInnovation #leadership #entrepeneur

We've been part of mall improvements over the last decade. This part of the project was an exercise to help fill in the gap left by Macy's departure. From a Landscape Architecture perspective, it was an exercise of matching the design aesthetic of previous improvements. This is where the timeless design of earlier expansion is appreciated most (eg: Plaza designs, paving patterns, furnishings, etc). Good design allows for a seamless and consistent feel between stages. It helps that the same team worked on this for over a decade (including the township review staff). Read more in the article linked below. #landscapearchitecture #civilengineering #planning #landdevelopment

What to the following share in common? Apple IKEA Harley-Davidson Motor Company Marucci Sports All started in a small sheds between 100-500sq ft. All set up by founders to establish their first creative space. All likely building in a personal space fixture yet carrying ideas which still today influence the way we imagine what's possible. If you are a founder in the first 7 years of your career, take the first step. Start with the space and materials at hand in the place where you feel the most YOU - rather than a commercial coworking space. Tell the story of how you are going from here to the future, then build in the CRE space into your OPEX later.

If you haven’t been to #Downtown #SiouxFalls recently, you haven’t seen one of the most compelling #independent #retail scenes around! We’ve been working with #DTSF on a retail #strategy and implementation plan this year, and predict some more great things happening to take the Downtown to the next level! #retailresilience #communitydesign #urbanplanning #exonomicdevelopment #midwest #businessimprovementdistrict

Revamping your retail space? Here's a renovation tip: Don't overlook your biggest asset: your team! Your employees are the heartbeat of your business, and tapping into their insights can lead to a renovation that truly shines. Encourage open dialogue: Hold brainstorming sessions, set up suggestion boxes, or have one-on-one chats to gather their valuable input. Their perspectives might just spark the next big idea! 💡 For more retail store renovation tips, read this article: https://lnkd.in/e_K7FuKf

How do you rebrand 180 owner-operated stores? They're spread out all over the country. Decentralised. And locally-owned. This was our challenge when we started working with Four Square. Each location had its challenges. So a cookie-cutter approach would never work. We had to figure out the largest common denominator. And think about how we could paint this new brand across the stores in a way that would fit each one. This is where our expertise in architecture and property came in handy. Instead of trying to get every store to fit into a mould, we took a different approach. We worked with Foodstuffs to set up a toolkit of solutions that we could work from. Using different tactics based on what was relevant for each store. It meant we could rebrand every location without them losing their character. Because, while we wanted to roll out this new branding consistently, We didn't want 4 Square to lose its locally-owned feel.

In his video "Why Weirdness is Taking Over Downtown Retail," Stewart Hicks argues that the rise of unique and unconventional retail spaces is reshaping downtown environments. Here are three key points: 1.Traditional retail spaces are being replaced by more experimental and bizarre concepts. This shift is driven by consumers' desire for experiences that stand out from the uniformity of chain stores. This trend has led to the development of stores that focus on offering unique, immersive experiences rather than just products. 2. Retailers are increasingly repurposing old, non-traditional spaces, like former factories or warehouses, which adds to the eclectic feel of downtown areas. This reuse of space not only revitalizes neglected buildings but also contributes to the distinctiveness that draws people to these areas. 3. Impact on Retail Strategy These changes are pushing retailers to rethink their merchandising strategies. The focus is shifting from pure functionality to creating environments that encourage exploration and social media engagement, which can drive both foot traffic and brand awareness. These trends are influencing the retail industry by encouraging more creative and personalized approaches to store design.