President’s Message: Optimism and Growth at ICSC
Having recently returned from Las Vegas where I attended my 25th consecutive International Council of Shopping Centers Convention, I am struck by several themes that continued to emerge for me.
The upbeat mood and sense of optimism was widespread and apparent, a stark contrast to the mood two years ago. Convention attendance improved again this year which kept our booth buzzing with retailers, lenders and investors looking to learn more about our properties and services.
The amount of new development activity that we have in progress is incredible. Our colleagues in other regions were amazed to hear about the number of projects we currently have in the pipeline. Our markets are attracting a lot of attention both from new retailers entering for the first time, and from those looking to expand their footprints.
New Orleans, in particular, is in a sweet spot unlike I’ve ever witnessed in my career.
Now, more than ever, the importance of a strong brand is paramount to success in today’s environment. In order to attract capital, gain the confidence of retailers and navigate the complexities of a new development, it is crucial to have a strong track record and a well-respected brand.
I was once again reminded how strong our Stirling brand has become, in every niche we occupy, both locally and nationally.
While there are many uncertainties on the horizon – capital availability and terms, internet sales’ impact on bricks and mortar stores and consumer confidence; I believe we are well situated to weather those uncertainties and continue to experience new growth and prosperity.
Market Research Updates – Rankings and Market Snapshots
Check out all the latest Market Research available from Stirling Properties.
- State of Louisiana
- Greater New Orleans
- Greater Baton Rouge
- Acadiana Market / Lafayette
- North & Central Louisiana
- Houma & Morgan City
- Lake Charles Metro
- Mississippi & Gulf Coast
- New Orleans Southshore
- New Orleans Northshore
- Baton Rouge Metro
- Acadiana Market / Lafayette
- Shreveport / Bossier City
- Mississippi Gulf Coast
For additional market information, contact one of our agents today.
Party City Coming to Stirling Slidell Centre
Stirling Properties, the exclusive management and leasing firm for Stirling Slidell Centre, recently completed the lease of a 14,389 square foot space for Party City. Slated to open this fall, Party City’s grand opening accompanies a variety of improvements from neighboring retailers in the center.
Headquartered in Rockaway, New Jersey, Party City is the leader in the party goods industry. They are America’s largest specialty party goods chain and the country’s premiere Halloween specialty retailer. Party City operates more than 600 company-owned and franchise stores throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, with eleven stores throughout Louisiana. Party City Holdings is an eighteen store Franchisee in the Southeast.
Stirling Slidell Centre is also pleased to announce the following enhancements to the center:
- Target recently upgraded their store by adding a “PFresh” grocery, which offers customers a wider selection of groceries and fresh produce.
- Men’s Wearhouse has more than doubled in size from 2,400 to 6,500 square feet.
- Academy Sports + Outdoors and PetSmart have completed remodels of their entire stores.
“Stirling Slidell has undergone some significant cosmetic improvements and expanded its offerings to shoppers in the Slidell area,” said Rhonda Sharkawy, Retail Leasing & Development Executive. “The fall opening of Party City will correspond perfectly with the kick-off of the holiday season.”
For more information on leasing opportunities at Stirling Slidell Centre, please contact Rhonda Sharkawy at rsha@stirlingprop.com or 504-620-8145.
Stirling Properties to Manage Former Wink Headquarters
Effective April 1st Stirling Properties was hired by Parkway Properties out of Jackson, Mississippi to take over the facilities management, sale and leasing of the former Wink Headquarters located at 4949 Bullard Road in New Orleans East. The property consists of 38,000 square feet of office/warehouse space and is currently vacant.
Parkway Properties is a publicly traded real estate investment trust that specializes in the ownership and operation of Class A office properties throughout the United States.
For more information, please contact Elizabeth Morrison at emorrison@stirlingprop.com.
Eye on the Market Highlights – April 2012
Stirling Properties’ Eye on the Market research alert is emailed monthly to our mailing list and features all the latest news and market reports about the Gulf South. We scan local and regional news outlets, as well as economic development groups, university research centers, and more, so that we can compile all the relevant rankings, news, economic development announcements, reports and more in one convenient place. Some highlights from our April 2012 Eye on the Market include:
- 50 Fastest Growing U.S. Metros: New Orleans & Gulfport-Biloxi
SunHerald - Baton Rouge among “Top 25 Hardest Working Towns in America”
Parade - How Louisiana is Luring Startups
Time - La. Nonfarm Employment Sets All-Time Record
La. Workforce Commission - SE Tylose Announces Major Investment in Plaquemine
$120 million investment, 30 new direct jobs - Oceaneering Announces Expansion in Morgan City
$5 million capital investment, 200 new direct & 1,700 retained jobs
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