Retail isn’t oversupplied — it’s “under demolished.”

Bryan Furze is buzzing with insights. In this episode of Retail Retold, Chris Ressa and Bryan, Senior Vice President at Charter Realty, talk about his bold move from landlord to broker after 25 years in retail real estate. Brian shares how his career has taken him from leading portfolios at major landlords to now building Charter’s Northern New England business, giving him a unique perspective on both sides of the deal.

Together, Chris and Brian break down why retail real estate isn’t oversupplied but rather “under demolished,” how construction costs are reshaping small-shop leasing, and why secondary markets like New Hampshire and Maine are becoming hotbeds of growth. Brian also tells the story of a high-stakes Boston acquisition that tested his team but ultimately transformed a neighborhood. Plus, the conversation touches on sustainability, pollinator-friendly practices, and the personal side of balancing career, family, and passion projects.

What Do Cold Plunges, K-Pop, and Loyalty Clubs Tell Us About Consumer Behavior?

Shifting the focus from real estate to consumer behavior, Chris Ressa and Natalie Chambers, Executive Creative Director at the Dealey Group, dive into the shifting landscape of what makes the consumer tick. Natalie shares three standout trends that you might not expect —ancient wellness rituals, pluralversal storylines, and the rise of social silos—and Chris debates her on what’s hype versus what’s here to stay.

From cold plunges and sound baths to Korean corn dogs and Baseball Lifestyle 101, the conversation weaves together fun examples with deeper insights on belonging, loyalty, and retail programming. They also cover the balance between convenience and dwell time, debating how shopping centers should position themselves for consumers who want it all.

Part debate, part discovery, this episode looks at how AI, culture, and community are reshaping what it means to shop—and what it means to connect.

What you'll hear:

• How the rise of AI is pushing consumers toward both high-tech convenience and “ancient wellness” rituals like cold plunges and sound baths
• Why pluralversal storylines—from K-pop hits to unexpected food trends—are reshaping cultural consumption
• The growing power of social silos and loyalty clubs in making shoppers feel like they belong
• Chris and Natalie’s spirited debate on convenience vs. dwell time and what it means for shopping centers
• Real-world examples of how retail can turn “points on a map” into places people love

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Consumer Behavior

02:51 The Impact of AI on Consumer Trends

05:58 Exploring Ancient Wellness Trends

08:57 Plural-versal Design in Consumer Culture

11:54 The Rise of Niche Markets and Social Silos

17:55 Balancing Convenience and Dwell Time in Retail

20:48 Implementing Insights in Real Estate Marketing

23:46 The Future of Retail in an AI-Driven World

What does it take to turn a passion for running into a thriving retail business?

With fall marathon training season in full swing, we thought we would throw it back to a conversation that Chris Ressa had with Kim Caruso, owner of Fleet Feet Poughkeepsie, located at DLC’s Shops at South Hills. Kim shares her journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship, explaining how a casual 5K inspired her passion for running and ultimately led to opening a specialty running store in her hometown.

Kim reflects on the challenges and opportunities of owning a retail business, especially navigating the pandemic. From shifting to appointment-based fittings and curbside pickup to building community through virtual running groups and challenges, she highlights the resilience of specialty retail. Throughout, Kim emphasizes the importance of connection, experience, and service—showing how brick-and-mortar retail thrives when rooted in relationships.

Chris underscores a core truth in retail real estate: the people behind the business are as important as the location itself. Fleet Feet Poughkeepsie’s success wasn’t just about market demand, but about Kim’s relentless energy, passion, and community focus.

What you'll hear:

• Passion to Business: Kim turned a personal love for running into a successful small business, proving that spotting a gap in the market can open doors for entrepreneurship.
• Pandemic Pivot: By introducing online appointments, curbside pickup, and creative virtual events, Fleet Feet kept customers engaged and sales steady—even while doors were closed.
• Community is the Differentiator: Specialty retail wins not just on product, but by building experiences and relationships. Customers return because they feel part of something bigger than a transaction.
• The Value of Franchise Support: Partnering with Fleet Feet gave Kim access to vendors, training, and expertise that would have been unattainable as an independent startup.
• Real Estate Lessons: Location matters, but the people running the store drive its ultimate success. Kim’s active involvement and vision made Poughkeepsie one of Fleet Feet’s strongest openings.
• Resilience & Optimism: Despite being down 15% in 2020, Fleet Feet weathered the storm and positioned itself for a strong rebound with pent-up demand expected in 2021.
• Entrepreneurial Advice: Know what you’re good at, lean on experts for what you’re not (like commercial real estate), and give customers a reason to choose you over online competitors.

Chapters

00:16 Kim Caruso's Journey to Fleet Feet

03:29 Navigating the Pandemic: Challenges and Innovations

08:02 The Future of Physical Retail

09:41 Community Engagement and Events

11:56 Connecting with Customers Digitally

15:13 Reflections on the Pandemic Experience

18:38 The Franchise Journey with Fleet Feet

26:12 Choosing the Right Location

30:18 The Importance of Teamwork in Business