After visiting the 2012 New York ICSC, here are some quick observations and reactions:
- Several retail groups (drug stores, gas station operators and dollar stores) cautiously discussing expansion plans.
- Hess Oil, Dollar General and CVS are actively pursuing expansion. Other retailers that are actively expanding in the Northeast are Wegmans, Whole Foods, TD Bank and Chick-fil-A.
- Attendance strong, Monday especially busy. The Hilton lobby and nearby locations were jammed with attendee meetings.
- Optimistic tone among attendees. Consultants,in particular, reported seeing increased activity resulting in increased revenue.
- The push to close deals by year end to avoid increased taxes, doesn't appear to be as prevalent as people had anticipated.
- Several small exhibitors, although attending the conference, have still not reopened booths.
- Consistent with last year, attendance level dropped significantly after lunch on Tuesday.
NOT FOR REPRINT
© Arc, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to TMSalesOperations@arc-network.com. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.