The Surprising Strength of Retail: Why Developers Are Turning Back to Brick-and-Mortar

Retail is back — and stronger than most expected.

In this episode of the Espace Montreal Podcast, Axel Monsaingeon talks with Ian Quint (President, Brasswater) about the renewed momentum behind retail real estate across Quebec and the U.S.

They explore how population growth, limited new construction, and rising land and building costs have created a tight, high-performing retail market — and what that means for investors.

What you'll learn:

• Office: How boutique, amenity-driven buildings outcompete Class-A towers — and why renewals now cost as much as new leases.

• Industrial: What's driving the rent reset (~$12–$14 vs. $16–$17 before), the oversupply of 100k+ sq. ft. spaces, and how to position quality assets.

• Retail: Why service and grocery-anchored retail continues to outperform despite construction headwinds and limited new supply.

• Investment Strategy: When to go build-to-suit instead of spec, and how to define a buy box focused on cash flow and below-market rents.

• Relationships: How cultivating trust and long-term partnerships can still beat institutional competition.

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