• Reshaping Theaters in Retail Environments - Where We Buy #354
    Oct 17 2025

    Chuck Stilley, Eva Mui, and Mark McDonald are the team behind The Cinema Bridge, a consulting group with decades of experience in the movie theater industry, including leadership roles at AMC Theatres. They discuss the evolving landscape of cinema in the wake of the pandemic, the challenges and opportunities facing theater operators, and the impact of changing consumer habits. The conversation covers box office recovery, the rise of premium formats and alternative content, and how theaters are adapting within shopping centers.

    James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.

    Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
    Listen: WhereWeBuy.show

    Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com

    YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/

    Read more retail research here: http://www.us.jll.com/retail

    Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.

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    39 mins
  • Decoding India's Retail Landscape - Where We Buy #353
    Oct 9 2025

    James chats with Prateek Misra, head of Luxury and Food & Beverage for India at JLL. They discuss the complexities and opportunities for international retailers entering the Indian market, which is home to over 1.4 billion people with a significant portion under 35 years old. Prateek highlights the importance of local partnerships and understanding diverse consumer preferences across India's regions. They explore successful strategies, such as market research, establishing Global Capability Centers (GCCs), and adapting product offerings. Examples include McDonald's localized vegetarian burgers and Uniqlo's culturally adapted clothing. Prateek also emphasizes the growing spaces for e-commerce, QSR, fast fashion, and experiential retail, offering insights into the best practices and potential pitfalls for foreign brands looking to succeed in India.

    James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.

    Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
    Listen: WhereWeBuy.show

    Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com

    YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/

    Read more retail research here: http://www.us.jll.com/retail

    Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.

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    35 mins
  • Exploring the Med Spa Boom with Ryan Rao of VIO Med Spa - Where We Buy #352
    Sep 19 2025

    Ryan Rao is Chief Development Officer at VIO Med Spa, an expanding chain in the medical aesthetics industry. Rao discusses the company’s nationwide growth, the factors driving consumer demand for med spa services, and VIO’s unique approach to site selection and real estate. He explains how VIO Med Spa differentiates itself through its retail-focused locations, spa-like environment, and comprehensive service offerings, including injectables, skin rejuvenation, and wellness treatments. Rao also covers the importance of franchisee selection, the impact of private equity investment from Freeman Spogli, and the company’s strategies for building brand consistency and operational excellence across its growing network.

    James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.

    Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
    Listen: WhereWeBuy.show

    Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com

    YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/

    Read more retail research here: http://www.us.jll.com/retail

    Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.

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    30 mins
  • Live from Retail Uncorked Orlando! - Where We Buy #351
    Sep 12 2025
    Join the fun at Retail Uncorked Orlando, where James talks with panelists and attendees, sharing insights on retail real estate and industry trends. Plus, market tour adventures, signature drinks and favorite rock anthems.
    • Holly Cohen, Holly Cohen Retail Advisory Services discusses her extensive career in retail real estate, her advisory work on the redevelopment of Sarasota Square Mall, and the evolving needs of brands and landlords in today’s market.
    • Alyssa Bloemsma, JOE & THE JUICE shares the story of JOE & THE JUICE’s rapid expansion in Florida, the brand’s identity-driven approach, and how social media and celebrity partnerships fuel their growth.
    • Whitney Livingston, ICSC talks about leading ICSC as COO through modernization, the importance of innovation and adaptability in retail, and new initiatives to broaden the organization’s reach and relevance.
    • Evie Gross, Brixmor Property Group & Ashley Casey, Phillips Edison & Company are the brains behind Retail Uncorked. They reflect on the origins and unique format of the event, emphasizing its casual, community-building atmosphere and the value of authentic industry connections.
    Plus special appearances from David Spawn with Brixmor and Keisha Virtue with JLL. James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.

    Watch the video of this episode on YouTube.

    Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
    Listen: WhereWeBuy.show

    Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com

    Read more retail research here: http://www.us.jll.com/retail

    Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.

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    39 mins
  • CEO Jeff Rosenberg: How Big V’s Values Shape Every Deal - Where We Buy #350
    Sep 5 2025

    Jeffrey Rosenberg is Chairman & CEO of Big V Property Group, a family-owned company with an 80-year history. Rosenberg discusses the company’s evolution from its origins as a single grocery store in New York state, to an owner and operator of open-air shopping centers, including The RIM in San Antonio and The Avenue Murfreesboro in Tennessee. He explains Big V’s approach to market research, the importance of core values, and the challenges of acquiring premium assets in today’s market. The conversation highlights Big V’s resilience through market cycles and its focus on long-term growth.

    James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.

    Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
    Listen: WhereWeBuy.show

    Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com

    YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/

    Read more retail research here: http://www.us.jll.com/retail

    Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.

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    26 mins
  • Onsite Energy Solutions for Commercial Real Estate - Where We Buy #349
    Aug 29 2025

    James interviews Dan Roberts, co-founder of Veckta, a company that assists large commercial property owners in developing onsite energy systems. Roberts explains how Veckta identifies optimal sites for energy generation and storage, such as solar and battery systems. He details the economic benefits and processes for deploying these systems and highlights the platform's role in streamlining data collection and procurement. They also discuss various energy technologies, the impact of rising energy costs, and the importance of grid improvements. The conversation emphasizes the growing need for onsite energy solutions to cut costs and reduce carbon emissions.

    James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.

    Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
    Listen: WhereWeBuy.show

    Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com

    YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/

    Read more retail research here: http://www.us.jll.com/retail

    Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.

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    30 mins
  • Retail Real Estate Technology with Kinexio - Where We Buy #348
    Aug 24 2025

    James interviews David Fuller-Watts of Kinexio about the challenges of managing retail properties and how technology, particularly AI, can streamline processes such as data collection and tenant communication. David shares his journey from founding a marketing agency to creating an enterprise property management solution. The conversation also touches on the future impact of AI on property management, the importance of enthusiasm in software adoption, and the role of Proptech in transforming the real estate industry.

    James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.

    Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
    Listen: WhereWeBuy.show

    Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com

    YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/

    Read more retail research here: http://www.us.jll.com/retail

    Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.

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    25 mins
  • Montgomery, Alabama: Building a Retail and Economic Future - Where We Buy #347
    Aug 17 2025

    James dives into the economic, historical, and retail landscape of Montgomery, Alabama, with Jerime Reid and Frank Robinson. Jerime, the Chief of Staff to the Mayor, and Frank, the Director of Economic Development, discuss Montgomery's pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement and its current status as a dynamic and diverse economy. The conversation covers the impact of Maxwell Air Force Base, the significance of tourism driven by historical sites, and the city's efforts to attract both local and national retail investments. They also highlight ongoing and upcoming development projects. The episode underscores Montgomery's strategic initiatives to create a business-friendly environment while preserving its rich history and culture.

    James Cook is the Director of Retail Research in the Americas for JLL.

    Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify
    Listen: WhereWeBuy.show

    Email: jamesd.cook@jll.com

    YouTube: http://everythingweknow.show/

    Read more retail research here: http://www.us.jll.com/retail

    Theme music is Run in the Night by The Good Lawdz, under Creative Commons license.

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    31 mins