DLC Founder and CEO Adam Ifshin joined Terry Montesi, Chairman and CEO at Trademark Property Company, to talk about the state of open-air retail – what’s driving the success and what’s next for the industry on the “Leaning In” podcast.
Adam breaks down why open-air shopping centers have emerged as one of the most resilient and opportunistic asset classes in commercial real estate. He discusses how the sector has bounced back post-pandemic, fueled by strong consumer demand, operational efficiency, and new leasing momentum.
Key themes in the episode include:
- Open-air retail’s durability in the face of economic headwinds and shifting consumer habits
- The growing role of AI and data in tenant decision-making and landlord strategy
- How DLC views tenant partnerships through a value-creation lens, not just a transactional one
- The return of institutional capital to retail and what it means for long-term growth
- How DLC continues to play offense—investing, leasing, and optimizing across a national portfolio
Adam also highlights how physical stores have become the engine of omnichannel retail, serving as last-mile fulfillment hubs and high-value customer acquisition tools.
“The store turned out to be the savior for omnichannel. It is the tip of the spear in the last mile.” – Adam Ifshin
