Retail looks a little different in 2025, and no one explains that shift better than Kirsten Early (Partner / Director of Retail). At CID- NOMAR’s annual Economic & Real Estate Forecast Symposium, Kirsten shared what’s really driving retail activity right now, from national trends to what’s happening on the ground here in Greater New Orleans.
To kick things off, she even did a live unboxing of a Labubu, the collectible toy craze that perfectly captures how culture, community, and commerce now collide. It set the stage for a conversation about how quickly retail adapts and what’s capturing consumer attention in unexpected ways.
📍 AI & Personalization: “The retailers that are winning are the ones blending digital innovation with in-person experience.” AI is now helping retailers anticipate what customers want, adjust pricing in real time, and keep inventory exactly where it needs to be. It’s less about replacing people and more about helping them make smarter, faster decisions.
📍 Under-Retailed Market: Across the U.S., demand for retail space has rebounded faster than supply. Developers remain cautious as high costs and limited financing slow new projects. The result is that strong locations are drawing more attention, and competition for quality space is heating up.
📍 Operational Excellence: Brands like Amazon, Costco Wholesale, Trader Joe's, and ZARA are finding ways to grow by staying lean and focused. Kirsten noted they’re refining prototypes and watching costs closely, rethinking everything from how stores are built to how teams operate.
📍 Retailtainment: Shoppers are craving connection. The destinations seeing the most success are those offering more than a simple transaction, places that blend shopping with dining, fitness, and entertainment to create a reason to linger.
Kirsten summed it up perfectly: retail is resilient. The energy in the market is real, and Greater New Orleans continues to prove that adaptability and creativity keep deals moving and spaces thriving.
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