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.

 

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

 

Resources Mentioned:

Brandon Isner - https://www.nmrk.com/people/brandon-isner.css-j9qmi7{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;font-weight:700;margin-bottom:1rem;margin-top:2.8rem;width:100%;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:start;justify-content:start;padding-left:5rem;}@media only screen and (max-width: 599px){.css-j9qmi7{padding-left:0;-webkit-box-pack:center;-ms-flex-pack:center;-webkit-justify-content:center;justify-content:center;}}.css-j9qmi7 svg{fill:#27292D;}.css-j9qmi7 .eagfbvw0{-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;color:#27292D;}