Online titans like Amazon have tried to wipe out storefronts, but even they are realizing the physical shopping experience is here to stay.
Apple stores see staggering sales figures, Levi Strauss & Co. global head of real estate and construction Steve Rouman pointed out this morning (while promoting his brand and casual Fridays) at our Evolution of Retail: Merging Brick & Mortar and Digital Shopping event at the Marines' Memorial Club. The iPhone maker has singlehandedly changed the retail landscape globally. Levi's, traditionally a wholesaler, has some "white space" across its footprint, and Steve's job is to help energize its retail fleet and figure out what channels of distribution should look like in outlying markets (inserting smaller neighborhood stores, for example). Big, powerful locations like one on Market Street are always effective, he says.
Terranomics exec managing director James Chung (right) says there's no reason why he can't buy Apple's products online–but he takes time out of his day to go to stores for the experience. Two projects in the Bay Area that are getting it right are Palo Alto's Town & Country Village, which is heavy on food and beverage tenants to keep customers around longer, and the Marin Country Mart, which strategically strays from big national chains, says Steve. Also speaking: Allen Matkins partner Mark Mengelberg (who moderated) and SRS Real Estate Partners SVP Laura Tinetti. Check back for more coverage next week.