In Part II of this episode on innovative retail concepts, Matthew Stein, who runs MSC Retail’s MSC University division as its director and vice president, shares insights about the commercial districts around higher-ed spaces, the desire of consumers wanting to connect as a major trend driving retail experiences, and why it’s all about being aspirational.
• How the ground level of any commercial space defines the spaces adjacent to it and what it
reveals about the community where it’s
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• Bringing the uniqueness of Philadelphia to higher-ed institutions in the city
• Food & beverage as the main driving components of the consumer experience in higher-ed
spaces
• Why curating a mix of aspirational retailers is important and what this communicates to
students, faculty and staff
• The thinking that went into the Franklin’s Table food hall concept, including the unusual tenant
mix
• Critical data points that brands should be looking at to help them create better customer
experiences — and where to find that data
• Trends in experiential retail that are being led by the behaviors of Millennials and Gen Z
• Consumer demand for interaction is impacting in a big way what retailers are offering beyond
straight-up shopping
• How developers are designing physical spaces in ways that engage consumers and the
urbanization of cities as an indicator of this consumer desire
• A new dawn of retailers and landlords working together to create points of connectivity