Urban Edge: How Smart Retail Portfolios Are Built Today

Urban Edge COO Jeff Mooallem discusses retail strategy, focusing on creating community-centered shopping experiences. Mooallem emphasizes balancing practical needs with enjoyable environments, citing Bergentown Center as a successful example of integrating grocery, dining, and retail. He highlights the importance of "curation" in tenant mix, lighting, and signage to drive traffic and asset value. The conversation covers strategies for adding value to retail centers, including renovations, densification with residential components, and maximizing ancillary revenue. Mooallem also addresses sustainability, balancing investor demands with profitable investments, and shares lessons learned from past project failures, stressing the need to understand the customer and ensure long-term durability in design choices.