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LAS VEGAS- As we continue to prepare for the big ICSC RECon Global Retail Real Estate Convention, GlobeSt.com caught up with some attendees on their thoughts and expectations for the event a few days ago. In an update to that story, we touched base with just a few more industry experts on their thoughts, and their consensus was mostly optimistic.

Jones Land LaSalle attendee Craig Killman, SVP, is confident that the sentiment this year will be one of optimism that the worst is behind us for core assets in primary and secondary markets. Tertiary markets will continue to struggle, he says, as those economies will lag in the recovery as retail sales are solely driven by consumer confidence. 

“Having spent time with a large number of national retailers over the past six months, their enthusiasm is back as well,” adds Killman. “Retailers are more open to buys heading into the balance of 2013 and far more forward looking into 2014 and beyond.”

The retail development industry will continue to struggle, according to Killman, “given that the square footage that currently exists in 'most' markets is substantial to support the demand given that square footage is being created by downsizing as well as retailers closing their doors.”

Once the retail tenant community has “right sized” their footprints and new concepts have backfilled that void, he says, development will begin to thrive once again. “I don't see that happening outside of core urban redevelopment until the end of 2014 or early 2015.”

And Greg Maloney, CEO and president of JLL Retail, says that at this year's event, there will be an even stronger push to get deals signed and completed. “On the investment sales side, we've got a slew of offerings in primary and secondary markets we'll be rolling out at the show. The increase in store openings will keep our leasing people busy. They will be meeting with hundreds of retailers to fill the approximately 6.5 million square feet of vacant space we lease on behalf of owners. This year's show will provide unique opportunities for retailers and mall owners to capitalize on the progress in the market. We are optimistic that they'll be taking advantage of it. I know we will be doing our best on behalf of our more than 100 clients we will be representing at this year's show.”   

Mark Keschl, national director of the retail services group at Colliers International, wasn't as optimistic as the other sources we spoke with. He tells GlobeSt.com that cautious optimism is still the watchword. “As vacancy rates continue to decline in most markets, owners will start to get more aggressive most likely in the areas of free rent and construction allowances,” he says. “Overhangs from unemployment, taxes and the deficit as well as additional retailer downsizings continue to temper our attitude.”

(To hear more on specific trends and retail forecasts from these sources and others we spoke with, check back with GlobeSt.com for updates as we continue to follow ReCon 2013.)