EP60 - Gen Z, AI, and the mall: What’s driving retail real estate’s next golden age

Retail real estate is back, and it looks nothing like the past. We sit down with Brandon Isner, Head of Retail Research at Newmark, to celebrate retail’s emergence as one of the most compelling asset classes in 2025. From Gen Z’s interest in in-person shopping to the role of AI in optimizing operations and experiences, we break down the factors fueling a potential golden age for retail.

Also in this episode:

• The long-term impact of historically low new construction

• How malls are evolving into multi-purpose lifestyle hubs

• The rise of tech-enabled, omni-channel retail strategies

• What market participants should be watching for in retail performance and tenant mix

Tune in to our latest episode to keep pace with one of the fastest-evolving CRE segments.

Resources Mentioned:

Newmark

Brandon Isner

Shoptalk conference

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Key moments

• 01:23 Brandon's career journey

• 04:11 Role at Newmark and current projects

• 06:40 North American Research Group and ICSC

• 09:27 Retail sector's uniqueness and challenges

• 14:38 Impact of e-commerce and brick-and-mortar synergy

• 17:54 Warehouse clubs and superstores

• 22:25 The future of department stores

• 25:56 The resilience of malls

• 26:33 Generational shifts in shopping habits

• 28:25 The role of management and finance in mall success

• 31:43 Investment trends in retail real estate

• 36:46 The golden era of retail

• 38:04 The impact of generative AI on retail

• 42:12 Final thoughts and industry wishes