LAS VEGAS—Landlords are being urged to adopt an adaptable approach to their retail properties, according to Spence Mehl, a partner at RCS Real Estate Advisors. As the retail landscape undergoes significant transformations, we chatted with Mehl on the subject, where he shared his insights and thoughts on the current trends in the market surrounding the recent ICSC Las Vegas event.
Mehl points out that landlords have been displaying a high level of confidence in lease negotiations and amendments, fueled by a period of economic growth and a seemingly stable retail sector. However, recent bankruptcy filings from prominent big-box retailers and smaller chains, such as Bed Bath & Beyond, Buy Buy BABY, David's Bridal, and Tuesday Morning, have sent shockwaves through the industry.
The wave of bankruptcies has raised concerns about the potential flood of vacant retail spaces hitting the market simultaneously, he tells GlobeSt.com. This, in turn, has prompted questions about how landlords will react and whether their bullish stance will remain unchanged in the face of such challenges.
Recommended For You
The retail industry is no stranger to change, with online shopping, evolving consumer preferences, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic reshaping the way people shop. Landlords now find themselves at a critical juncture where they must adapt to the changing market dynamics to remain competitive. According to Mehl, it will be fascinating to see how landlords react and how bullish they remain if an influx of empty spaces floods the market simultaneously.
Check back with GlobeSt.com for more exclusive commentary from retail experts who attended last week's ICSC Las Vegas event and check out the articles below for ones you might have missed on the subject.
© 2025 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.
Natalie Dolce
Natalie Dolce, editor-in-chief of GlobeSt.com, is responsible for working with editorial staff, freelancers and senior management to help plan the overarching vision that encompasses GlobeSt.com, including short-term and long-term goals for the website, how content integrates through the company’s other product lines and the overall quality of content. Previously she served as national executive editor and editor of the West Coast region for GlobeSt.com and Real Estate Forum, and was responsible for coverage of news and information pertaining to that vital real estate region. Prior to moving out to the Southern California office, she was Northeast bureau chief, covering New York City for GlobeSt.com. Her background includes a stint at InStyle Magazine, and as managing editor with New York Press, an alternative weekly New York City paper. In her career, she has also covered a variety of beats for M magazine, Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel, FashionLedge.com, and Co-Ed magazine. Dolce has also freelanced for a number of publications, including MSNBC.com and Museums New York magazine.
