Creating Real-World Experiences for Nike, Coinbase, and Taco Bell - Where We Buy #385
In this episode, James Cook talks with Zach Teachout and Austin Mayer of Hovercraft about how they craft immersive, real‑world brand experiences for clients like Nike, Coinbase, and Taco Bell. They detail flagship projects such as the Coinbase Arena at the NBA All‑Star weekend—a high‑tech basketball game featuring a massive robotic arm and digital collectibles—and a Nike customization lounge that blends tactile material swatches with RFID‑driven real‑time 3D rendering. The conversation highlights Hovercraft’s multidisciplinary approach, merging design, technology, and storytelling to pull consumers out of their screens and into memorable physical interactions.
ICSC 2026 Wrap-Up with Naveen Jaggi - Where We Buy #384
In this ICSC 2026 wrap‑up, JLL’s Naveen Jaggi discusses the current state of retail leasing, noting that while deal volume is flat, transaction values are rising due to scarce supply and higher rents. He highlights a surprising resurgence in Class C...
Naked Farmer CEO Jordan Johnson
In this episode, James Cook talks with Jordan Johnson, founder and CEO of Naked Farmer, about how the fast‑casual chain delivers farm‑fresh, seasonally‑driven meals across multiple Southeast markets. Johnson explains the brand’s model of partnering directly with local farms, rotating...
Turning Vacant Retail Into Fantasy Worlds with Mike Bennett Studios - Where We Buy #382
In this episode, host James Cook talks with Mike Bennett and Teddy Albertson about Wonderwood, an immersive fantasy-themed cafe, mini‑golf course, and indoor cartoon aquarium built in repurposed retail spaces in Portland. They discuss how Mike turned his fear of...
Turning VR Into a Spectator Sport with Mirra - Where We Buy #381
In this episode, James Cook talks with Sam Wang, founder of Mira Immersive, about the company’s innovative VR arena that blends immersive gaming, live spectator screens, and full-service food and beverage. Wang explains how Mira’s 25‑by‑25‑foot arena lets up to...
Mall of America's Carrie Charleston - Where We Buy #380
In this episode James Cook talks with Carrie Charleston, VP of Leasing at Mall of America, about the evolution of "mega‑malls" into destination cities that blend shopping, lodging, and entertainment. Charleston highlights the mall’s 5.6 million‑sq‑ft footprint, its role as a...
University Innovation Districts Outperform Every Real Estate Metric - Where We Buy #379
In this episode, JLL researchers Emily Crutcher and Elsa Wilson examine 18 university‑anchored innovation districts across the United States, showing that office and retail properties in these zones enjoy significantly lower vacancy rates and rent premiums—up to 36% above national...
Michael Kors' Store Makeover: Jet Set for a New Era - Where We Buy #377
In this episode of Where We Buy, host James Cook chats with Kevin Vong, SVP of Global Store and Workplace Experience at Capri Holdings, about Michael Kors' evolving "jet set" store concept, highlighted by a new Rockefeller Center location featuring...
The One with Central Perk - Where We Buy #376
In this episode, host James Cook talks with Phil Colicchio, co‑founder of Central Perk Coffee Company, about turning the iconic Friends coffee shop set into a real‑world brand. Phil explains how a chance licensing deal with Warner Bros., a complex...
AI Doesn't Replace Human Judgment in Retail Real Estate - Where We Buy #375
In this episode, James Cook talks with Paul Sill, head of JLL’s Visionary Insights Group, about how data‑driven analytics can guide retail and restaurant site selection while avoiding the trap of mistaking correlation for causation. Sill explains how their predictive...
Chicago: The Magnificent Mile and Beyond - Where We Buy #374
In this episode, JLL’s Midwest Retail Lead Wally Walfelt discusses Chicago’s retail real‑estate landscape, focusing on the post‑pandemic recovery of the central business district (CBD) and the iconic Magnificent Mile. He highlights that Chicago ranks among the top three U.S....
From Donation Centers to Boutiques with Planet Aid - Where We Buy #373
In this episode James Cook talks with Uli Stoach of Planet Aid about the nonprofit’s model of collecting, reselling, and recycling used textiles to fund global sustainability projects. Stoach explains how Planet Aid places solar‑powered donation centers—refurbished shipping containers with...
Tous Les Jours' Path to 1,000 US Locations - Where We Buy #372
In this episode James Cook talks with Taeyeon Kim, Chief Development Officer of CJ Foodville’s Tous les Jours, about the brand’s rapid expansion across the U.S. Kim explains the bakery‑café’s French‑Asian concept, its menu highlights like matcha, ube drinks and...
Ian Scott's Guide to Unforgettable Retail - Where We Buy #371
In this episode, retail strategist Ian Scott walks host James Cook through the concept of a "retail safari," explaining how he curates immersive store tours for clients seeking inspiration beyond their own categories. Scott highlights the importance of mixing specific...
How [Solidcore] Picks the Perfect Location - Where We Buy #370
solidcore has accelerated its expansion, growing from 85 studios in 2022 to 165 today and targeting 205 locations by year‑end. The boutique fitness chain focuses on women aged 25‑35, emphasizing community‑driven experiences and preventative wellness. Site selection prioritizes co‑tenants such...