Commercial real estate is at a critical point.
For the first time since 2007, we are seeing substantial improvement. According to Auction.com’s Q1 “2015 Commercial Real Estate (CRE) Market Monitor,” the total CRE deal volume in the first quarter hit a new peak at $124.3 billion, a near 50 percent increase from last year.
Part of this growth can be attributed to technology, which continues to change the way businesses work, especially in retail, QSR and fast-casual restaurants. The things that we can streamline– and do online – are affecting the functions we do and don’t need inside a physical store.
In order to keep up with these emerging trends, a brick-and-mortar store front may need to alter the way it uses space or even change locations. Retailers and restaurateurs alike are constantly searching for ways to create a different experience within their stores – one that keeps its customers coming back time after time. This focus requires them to reevaluate how their stores present products and to rethink how their brand differs from the competition.
What does this mean for the property owner?
It’s time to get moving. It’s time to stand out from the crowd through strong branding and design. Commercial Transformations will help you by taking an in depth look at the design elements you need in order to have the most successful commercial property. It also will help you understand what to expect from your architect.
Branding. Space use. Accessibility. It’s all about creating the right experience. Our publication will show you how creative problem solving, customized technology, and an efficient and effective program management plan can give your customers a more memorable experience. This not only will save you time and resources, but also give you the freedom to focus on your core business.
In each issue of Commercial Transformations, we’ll show you how emerging trends such as wireless point-of-sale systems, sales kiosks, lounge areas and other customer experience elements can drastically change how a space is designed and utilized. In a world where boutiques are booming, see why retailers are maximizing small spaces for more comfortable customer experiences.
In addition, you’ll learn how some retailers are even including higher-end experiences such as beverage service and phone charging stations. From design to program management, we hope this publication will help you discover ways you can transform your business to be more efficient, effective and strategic.
Lanny McIntosh, AIA, LEED AP BD+C is Founding Principal and CEO of The McIntosh Group. Lanny has over 30 years of experience in architecture. For more than 20 years, his work has centered on the development and refining of a technology-based project management process that supports volume building programs for owners in the retail, restaurant, hospitality and industrial markets.
This article was originally published in Commercial Transformations, a McIntosh Group publication in Commercial Construction & Renovation magazine. View the original publication: Commercial Transformations Issue 1