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 benchmarks in mature districts like Kendall Square. They explain how these districts are deliberately planned, leveraging deep university research strengths, diversified federal and venture‑capital funding, and a mix of amenities that create stable, high‑growth ecosystems. The guests highlight distinct regional focuses—from biotech in Cambridge to robotics in Pittsburgh—and argue that the university anchor provides long‑term demand stability for investors and occupiers alike.
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...
Managing the Mixx: Creating Successful Live-Work-Play Destinations - Where We Buy #369
Sean McNamara heads The Mixx at JLL, a platform that oversees complex mixed‑use developments across North America. He outlines the operational challenges of integrating office, retail, residential, hotel, and entertainment functions on a single site. By emphasizing strategic merchandising, placemaking...