The episode, recorded live at Shoptalk in the Berns Communications Group media room, opens with Steve Dennis and Michael LeBlanc surveying a broad sweep of headline-grabbing developments in the retail world. They highlight continued uncertainty around recently imposed tariffs and resulting economic ripples, as major international trade disputes stoke inflationary concerns. Stock market volatility factors heavily into the conversation, with the co-hosts noting how certain retail sectors—particularly home furnishings and high-end goods—may feel the pinch as shoppers tighten budgets. Target’s declining foot traffic draws focus as the hosts weigh whether brand controversies or stiff competition might be to blame.

Next meet Barrie Scardina, President, Americas Retail Services at Cushman & Wakefield, who brings a fresh perspective born of decades in the retail industry. Her vantage point on commercial real estate challenges the traditional narrative of a “retail apocalypse.” She explains how, despite headlines about store closings, overall U.S. vacancy rates are incredibly low—largely because new construction has slowed and new types of tenants (from wellness providers to entertainment concepts) are snapping up available space. Barrie describes a rising tide of “experiential” retail, with everything from boutique fitness and medtail services to immersive brand pop-ups fueling a renewed sense of purpose in physical locations. She underscores how mixed-use developments and adaptive reuse—especially of outdated mall anchor spots—are revitalizing communities and increasing foot traffic. By blending residential, office, dining, and retail, these centers offer a lifestyle-oriented experience that resonates with modern shoppers. Ultimately, Barrie’s insights challenge conventional wisdom, suggesting that success in retail real estate hinges on tapping into evolving consumer demands, fostering a community connection, and creating spaces that balance function with memorable experience.

About

Barrie Scardina joined global real estate solutions firm Cushman & Wakefield as Executive Managing Director and Head of Retail Services, Americas, in November of 2019, leading brokerage teams to deliver optimal solutions to retailers and brands. In 2022, Barrie was elevated to the role of Regional President, Northeast, leading brokerage and services across all service lines. In 2023, she took on the challenge of President of Americas Retail Services, Agency Leasing and Alliances, partnering across office, industrial and retail to provide nuanced client solutions. Barrie is consistently focused on delivering value to clients by serving as a trusted advisor and incorporating data, analytics, and business valuation as part of her strategies. This unique approach to client relationships ensures that the firm delivers against client goals, optimizing outcomes and mitigating risk. Barrie is results-oriented and remains focused on transforming the real estate landscape by strategically driving revenue, identifying operational efficiencies, and growing profitability.

Prior to her appointment at Cushman & Wakefield, Barrie spent three decades leading vital retail initiatives across a variety of world-class organizations, including Polo Ralph Lauren, Liz Claiborne, The Children’s Place and Tory Burch. She brings more than 15 years of executive experience to her current role with the firm, including expertise in creating long-range strategies, business forecasting, omni-channel inventory management, and system implementation and integration. Most recently, Barrie was with Calvin Klein, where she led the company’s North American Retail Division as President, setting strategic direction for merchandising, consumer experience and operational improvements.

Throughout her career, Barrie has focused on mentoring and developing talent and creating cultures that foster collaboration and equality. She is the executive sponsor for Cushman & Wakefield’s Women’s Integrated Network and serves on two diversity committees focused on improving the employee experience.

Affiliations

Graduate of the Wharton School of Business’ Philips Van Heusen Global Leadership Program (2017)
Board Member of Safe Horizon (2017-2019)
Member of Women’s Retail Leadership Circle (WRLC)
Member of the International Council for Shopping Centers (ICSC)
Member of CHIEF Private Women’s Network
Executive Sponsor of Cushman & Wakefield’s Women’s Integrated Network National Chapter
Member of CREW NY; Participant at National level
Recognized by Globe St. as a Woman of Influence (2020)

About Us

Steve Dennis is a strategic advisor and keynote speaker focused on growth and innovation, who has also been named one of the world's top retail influencers. He is the bestselling authro of two books: Leaders Leap: Transforming Your Company at the Speed of Disruption and Remarkable Retail: How To Win & Keep Customers in the Age of Disruption. Steve regularly shares his insights in his role as a Forbes senior retail contributor and on social media.

Michael LeBlanc is the president and founder of M.E. LeBlanc & Company Inc, a senior retail advisor, keynote speaker and now, media entrepreneur. He has been on the front lines of retail industry change for his entire career.

Michael has delivered keynotes, hosted fire-side discussions and participated worldwide in thought leadership panels, most recently on the main stage in Toronto at Retail Council of Canada’s Retail Marketing conference with leaders from Walmart & Google. He brings 25+ years of brand/retail/marketing & eCommerce leadership experience with Levi's, Black & Decker, Hudson's Bay, CanWest Media, Pandora Jewellery, The Shopping Channel and Retail Council of Canada to his advisory, speaking and media practice.

Michael produces and hosts a network of leading retail trade podcasts, including the award-winning No.1 independent retail industry podcast in America, Remarkable Retail with his partner, Dallas-based best-selling author Steve Dennis; Canada's top retail industry podcast The Voice of Retail and Canada's top food industry and one of the top Canadian-produced management independent podcasts in the country, The Food Professor with Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University in Halifax.

Rethink Retail has recognized Michael as one of the top global retail experts for the fourth year in a row, Thinkers 360 has named him on of the Top 50 global thought leaders in retail, RTIH has named him a top 100 global though leader in retail technology and Coresight Research has named Michael a Retail AI Influencer. If you are a BBQ fan, you can tune into Michael’s cooking show, Last Request BBQ, on YouTube, Instagram, X and yes, TikTok.

Michael is available for keynote presentations helping retailers, brands and retail industry insiders explaining the current state and future of the retail industry in North America and around the world.

Retail Renaissance: A Conversation with Barrie Scardina, President, Americas Retail Services at Cushman & Wakefield

Remarkable Retail Podcast