CBM1’s Co-Managing Partner, Geoff Grossman, Delivered a Presentation on Demographics in Retail Property Development to a UCLA Extension Real Estate Finance Class.
In the fall of 2024, Professor Mark Ruff invited Geoff (a former student) to give a presentation to his Real Estate Finance class on guiding landlords, tenants, and developers through the retail property development process. The session was such a smashing success that Professor Ruff invited Geoff back for a repeat performance.
This year’s presentation focused on analyzing population, income, and employment demographics to determine what prompts retail tenants to seek specific locations and what motivates developers to build retail projects at particular sites.
The 60+ minute discussion expanded beyond demographics, veering into current retail development trends, what’s on the horizon for the industry, and how retailers must evolve to thrive in the future.
Professor Ruff and the entire class were enthralled by Geoff’s commentary, which led to an extended question-and-answer session. The engaged and eager students inquired about a variety of subjects, including the efficacy of mixed-use developments, the impact of e-commerce on brick-and-mortar retail, and how to revitalize Santa Monica’s 3rd Street Promenade.
The class was unanimous in their opinion that Geoff’s discussion was insightful and informative, and the session was clearly a huge success!
Many thanks to Professor Russ for extending the invitation once again. And to the in-person and online students for their insightful questions.
#CBM1 #CRE #RetailRealEstate #RetailDevelopment #RetailDemographics #RealEstateFinance #UCLAExtension