The increasing impact of online shopping on traditional, “brick and mortar” retail was starkly evident during the 2020-21 pandemic when retail shops nationwide were compelled to shut down. The still unanswered, post COVID, question is will consumers “go shopping” again? Traditional retailers, like developer-author, Douglas Bercu, are counting on it – exploring creative, alternative ways to attract more customers to come out from their home-offices and reengage in and absorb the total “shopping experience.” Bercu, a 37-year developer and landlord, recently added two more centers to an existing stable of 36 profitable centers in 16 states. Dismissing, but not ignoring, the implosion of many centers nationwide, Bercu suggests acquiring and/or renovating even more centers or retail land sites while the market remains soft and investors skeptical – but with innovative twists and “battle tactics” that more effectively take on online retail competitors.

Developing and Brokering Retail Properties brings a historical, nostalgic perspective of traditional retailing in America, merchandizing icons, trends and innovations. He covers in even greater detail key fundamentals of land acquisition, site-planning, rezoning, and lower cost construction methods – but with novel, often radical, twists and tactics. What makes online shopping so attractive can be replicated, even improved upon, by traditional retailers, Bercu insists. The author’s experience and business style are pragmatic yet inspiring, offering practical tips, techniques and likely resources for financing, leasing, and readjusting the ideal tenant mix for retail centers of various sizes and locations. Complete with a glossary of retail terms, case studies, illustrations, and a plethora of interesting war stories.