|
|
|
|
NewsReal Estate Executives Discuss Big Box Retail At Urban Land Institute BreakfastApril 12, 2007 San Diego, CA—The Urban Land Institute (ULI) San Diego/Tijuana District Council presented a breakfast meeting about the future of big box retail on Tuesday, April 10 at the U.S. Grant Hotel. Panelists included George Whalin of Retail Management Consultants, Linda Greenberg of Colliers International and Garrett Small of Wal-Mart. Lynne Heidel of Allen Matkins moderated the panel. Whalin, a highly respected retail expert, professional speaker and author of the book "Retail Success!," said that while many cities are hesitant to allow big box retailers into their cities, these big box outlets can generate important revenue for the city. Whalin, who noted that retail is the second largest industry in America, said retail spaces can be a great thing for a city. "Retailers are an asset to a community," Whalin said. "They are important for jobs and for serving the community." Garrett Small, a design manager for Wal-Mart, acknowledged that lackluster architectural design and planning were part of what fueled opposition to proposed Wal-mart stores in the past. He added that serving the community is important, and that Wal-Mart now tries to partner with the community to create attractive and functional designs that often accommodate a mix of uses. "We work with the city to give them what they want." Small said. "Our retail centers are designed to fit into the city." Greenberg, a 24-year veteran in the sale and leasing of industrial property in San Diego, said San Diego will likely see more retail locations popping up in the future. "According to Sandag, from 2004-2030 the population will grow by 971,000.That’s 30 percent in San Diego and 22 percent in the unincorporated areas," she said. "San Diego is going to need more retail." Whalin pointed out that many Southern California markets are built out, and developers need to rely on rebuilding or refurbishing old retail space, but he recommends a new approach to designing retail centers. "Lifestyle centers are very popular. In fact, less than five regional malls will be built in the United Sates this year," he said. Whalin believes that the lifestyle center has the potential to stay relevant far longer than a regional mall. "Kansas City, Missouri has a lifestyle center that was built in 1922, and it is still relevant," he said. Greenberg noted that one of the biggest challenges for any retail developer in San Diego is the regulatory control system, but especially for big box retailers. The City of San Diego is considering two version of a "large retail ordinance," which would impose tighter restrictions on big box retail, possibly including grocery stores. "If the City of San Diego is perceived as difficult, retail developers will simply move along to the next city," she said. About ULI # # # |
||
