There are reasons for retailers to be optimistic, and I’m feeling excited myself after attending the ICSC New York Deal Making Conference earlier this month. I offer my opinion on the state of the market in the latest edition of Retail Rap, my twice monthly column in Chain Store Age.
In a marked change from recent years, the mood at the annual convention was noticeably upbeat. And, surprisingly — in a good way — there was an obvious buzz in the air about expansion plans. There are some intriguing new retail concepts in the pipeline and the recent influx of international brands making their brick-and-mortar entry into the U.S. market gives us what I think are genuine reasons for optimism in the New Year.
Check out the full article from my recurring column, Retail Rap, at Chain Store Age.