Category: Blogs

By James A. Schnur, CCIM
President and Designated Managing Broker
Integrated Real Estate Solutions

From the time that Amazon expanded beyond selling books and Zappos’ free returns gave shoppers a reason not to go into a store, the face of retail began an evolution. In the past ten years, major retailers like Blockbuster, Kmart, Toys R Us, Circuit City, Borders, and Sports Authority have become just a few of the high-profile big box stores that fell victim to e-commerce. As their customers shifted loyalty to the online alternative, the stores closed, leaving vacant retail space in shopping centers around the country. Continue reading “Repurposing retail space: How e-commerce has created brick-and-mortar opportunities”

By James A. Schnur, CCIM
President and Designated Managing Broker
Integrated Real Estate Solutions

It’s no secret that online shopping has transformed the retail landscape. As consumers demand more convenience, retailers are struggling to deliver—literally and figuratively. While express shipping used to be a bonus, shoppers now seek even faster delivery, whether that’s same-day delivery or shopping online and picking up in the store (click-and-collect). As so many online and offline businesses are sprinting for the last mile in retail transactions, we should be looking at how e-commerce creates opportunities for commercial real estate. Continue reading “Sprinting for the last mile in retail: How e-commerce creates opportunities for commercial real estate”

By James A. Schnur, CCIM
President and Designated Managing Broker
Integrated Real Estate Solutions

For decades, American manufacturers were sending their production overseas, with all the jobs and revenue that went with it, like the cost to maintain factories. Meanwhile, unemployment increased here, along with vacancies of production facilities. Continue reading “Home again: America’s reshoring initiative is bringing manufacturing back to the U.S.”

By James A. Schnur, CCIM
President and Designated Managing Broker
Integrated Real Estate Solutions

Companies relocate for many reasons. They’re expanding and need the space, or seek closer proximity or easier access to their suppliers and customers. The goal could be to cut overhead costs—short- and/or long-term. The company might be in need of more resources than the current location readily provides. Continue reading “The corporate relocation decision: Consider the human factor”