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Category: Retail & Office

Foresite Acquires Property Management, Sales and Leasing Departments from IRC

May 17, 2021

SAN ANTONIO, TX – Foresite Commercial Real Estate (“Foresite”), a commercial leasing and investment sales firm and one of the largest property management companies in San Antonio, announced today that it has acquired the leasing, sales and management portfolio of Investment Realty Company (“IRC”). Founded in 1975, IRC is one of the longest serving commercial […]

Austin & San Antonio Sister Cities, The Dynamic Duo

February 10, 2021

Let’s continue our January conversation about the Austin-San Antonio Corridor, a title coined by John Naisbett in his 1982 book, “Megatrends.” Remember the scene in White Christmas that went “Sisters, sisters, there were never such devoted sisters.” Could this possibly apply to San Antonio and Austin, sister cities on the I-35 corridor? Right now, Austin […]

It’s Holiday Season and Santa is comin’ to town… Oh wait, that’s Amazon!

December 17, 2020

Its December, it’s the Holiday Season and Santa is comin’ to town! Next year, that is. And he’s “beginning to look a lot like” Amazon! This ubiquitous giant is buying up land, right here in River City. Now this does NOT come from the professionals involved in these transactions, all of whom have signed ironclad […]

Success in the Marketplace as a Small Mom-and-Pop Retailer, Despite COVID-19

October 28, 2020

Paraic and Brenda Mulgrew retired from their military service with a dream to build a business around what they themselves enjoy. In 2016 Mr. and Mrs. Mulgrew opened their retail gaming center, Knight Watch Games, “a full-service tabletop gaming center that specializes in board games, card games, miniature games, and role-playing games.” Their store was […]

Strap in for the Ride: 4th Quarter of 2020 Market Report

October 15, 2020

I can only imagine that we are all very glad that we have reached the fourth quarter of 2020. In a football analogy, we are all still in the game, but glad this one will be over soon. However, unlike a football game, time will keep marching on. Certainly, many trends that began before The […]

San Antonio New Construction: 5 Commercial Builders You Can Rely On

September 8, 2020

Finding the right commercial builder for construction projects in San Antonio Texas isn’t always an easy task. A quick Google search will pull up plenty of options, but can you count on them for completing the job on budget, in time and with a high standard of quality? Having a general contractor on whom that […]

Raub Report: On to the new, New Normal

May 1, 2020

We are still in the midst of the Covid-19 healthcare crisis, but it appears the worst of this first phase is over. Here in San Antonio, hospitalizations have dropped from 77 to 54 with only 3 on ventilators as of the end of April. So, San Antonio metro area has not been hit as hard […]

$2-Trillion Bill Passed to Alleviate Impact of COVID-19 on Businesses

April 3, 2020

Many have been wondering what will happen to our economy with the various difficulties companies are encountering since the outbreak of COVID-19. With people choosing to stay out of public places as much as possible, businesses are forced to close their doors. As a result, many cannot make rent and employees are being laid off. […]

Raub Report: The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow

April 1, 2020

I am in the process of throwing out all of the magazines and newspaper articles that I use for research for this newsletter. They are no longer relevant as we are leaving the old world and plunging into a new era, because of the quarantines put in place to combat the COVID-19 virus. No one […]

How Ikea Survived the Retail Apocalypse

February 26, 2020

With the start of a new decade, 2020 shows a marked shift in how customers interact in the retail world. Trends in online shopping are on the rise, forcing retailers to change the game. How can retailers attract clientele in this on-the-go, convenience oriented culture? Innovation. In order to survive, companies must determine what type […]

Raub Report: This New Trend is Changing Retail

November 27, 2019

The Happy Holiday Season is upon us and it is time for Black Friday retail shopping and the rush to get all of the great and popular gifts for Christmas. So let’s look at retail commercial real estate, because when you read the press, you would think that Black Friday’s meaning is really the death […]

How a Commercial Broker Adds Value to Your Business

November 5, 2019

Securing commercial real estate by lease or purchase can be a long and difficult process if you don’t have a qualified expert lending you a hand. There are several misconceptions about hiring a commercial broker, the main one being cost of services. Many brokers, including Investment Realty, do not charge hidden fees or upfront charges […]

Death of Retail Real Estate Exaggerated: 5 Retailers Opening for Every Closing

August 27, 2019

The rumor about the death of retail real estate has been greatly exaggerated. IHL Group, a global research and advisory firm specializing in technology for the retail and hospitality industry, recently came out with a report detailing the growth of the retail real estate industry. In 2019, more than five retail chains are opening their […]

Commercial Tenant Representation Client Named Best Place to Work in San Antonio

July 24, 2019

Investment Realty Company is proud to announce their Braun Park Retail Center, a commercial tenant representation by Investment Realty, 7 to 7 Dental & Orthodontics, was named the best place to work among large employers in San Antonio. The dental company attained the number 1 rank by seeking top talent, providing incentive programs, and other […]

Healthcare Providers are a Win for Retail Centers

June 12, 2019

Landlords are noticing the benefits of having healthcare providers as tenants. Seeking high quality tenants for a retail location can always be a daunting task. Furthermore, finding tenants that increase property value and provide consistent revenue can be a challenge. With the switch from traditional office space to retail locations, healthcare providers can now give […]

San Antonio Named Top Market for Retail Investment

May 31, 2019

Ten-X Commercial, a California based real estate search engine, reported San Antonio as a top market for retail investment. In the report, Ten-X Commercial predicted that retail rents in the Alamo City could rise 4.1% by 2022. Much of the report’s data is attributed to the retail market’s growing strength in San Antonio. According to […]

IRC Finds Space for New Sushi Restaurant Near Downtown

March 21, 2019

The Alamo City will see a new sushi restaurant open near the San Antonio Museum of Art. The new restaurant known as Shiro will combine new ideas with old school sushi principles. Grey Hwang, owner of Shiro and several other sushi restaurants said an associate of his, who recently studied at the Culinary Institute of […]

7 Crucial Tips for Leasing Commercial Property

January 14, 2019

Leasing commercial properties can be a lucrative deal if completed properly, ensuring both you as the tenant and the landlord benefit from the deal. It’s handy to keep in mind certain tips for leasing commercial property. Negotiating the commercial lease is the lengthiest and most important process of leasing commercial properties, and it’s vital to […]

Top 3 Commercial Real Estate Trends for 2019

December 28, 2018

As the new year approaches, commercial real estate industry execs, researchers and influencers expect several trends to dominate in the coming year. From online retailers breaking into brick-and-mortar to the rise of opportunity zones, here are the top trends IRC expects for 2019: 1. Opportunity Zone Programs Will Continue to Rise On December 12, President […]

Emerging Tech for Retail & Real Estate Use

October 17, 2018

New technology, especially when used in the right context for shoppers or clients, can be incredibly useful; however, implementing new technology just for the sake of showing off isn’t always in the consumer’s best interest. It may even be confusing to the client when they are ready to make a buying decision. JDA, a software […]

Finding the Ideal Space with IRC Tenant Representation

October 3, 2018

Tenant Representation is exactly how it sounds, a type of commercial real estate brokerage service where an agent focuses on the needs of the tenant, rather than the needs of the landlord. Your tenant representative has only one person in mind, you. Your benefit, needs, and interests are their top priority. Using a tenant representative […]

San Antonio’s Frost Tower Expansion & Office Asking Rents Kickoff Q1

May 29, 2018

Asking rents ended the first quarter of 2018 at $22.01- an all-time high. With a population growth of 2.0% last year, San Antonio’s economy continues to grow. Most recently, job growth increased at a 2.9% annualized rate over the three months through February, with the greatest job growth seen in manufacturing, mining and construction. Total […]

IKEA Eyes San Antonio Retail Market

March 7, 2018

IKEA, the store that doesn’t leave your imagination to do all the work when it comes to designing your own room, has announced its new store in Live Oak will break ground March 21. The 289,000 square foot store will open for business spring 2019 and is expected to bring 250 new jobs to the […]

Pharmacy Retail Chains vs Amazon

February 23, 2018

The constant threat of declining foot traffic has pharmacy retail chains rethinking their strategy now that Amazon has penetrated the health product market. Many retail pharmacies see their biggest profits from consumers coming into the store to pick up medication and cosmetic products. However, if consumers start purchasing their health products online through Amazon, brick […]

Hospitals Moving to Retail Space

January 23, 2018

The need for massive hospitals with huge footprints is slowly coming to an end. With the rise in technology comes new innovations that seek to make your hospital visit as convenient as going to the store. Better Services, Smaller Footprint Advancements in robotic technology and fewer paperwork is set to drastically cut down the size […]

Automated Stores Becoming a Reality

December 19, 2017

Unmanned stores across China are attracting the convenience-seeking shopper. With such a massive population to appeal to, it’s no secret that convenience and easy access would be a top priority for China’s retail market. Cutting-edge technology such as artificial intelligence, computer vision and biometric recognition that tracks a shopper’s movements are all new technologies currently […]

Same Day Prescription Delivery Coming Soon

December 5, 2017

Same day prescription delivery service is on the rise. CVS Health will provide same-day delivery for select metro markets starting in 2018. Other features such as curbside pickup and Instacart, have made their way to CVS stores in order to keep customers engaged with the large drug store. Instacart, a personal shopping and delivery service, […]

Latest Technology and Online Competition this Holiday Season

November 27, 2017

The launch of the iPhone X and online competition is expected to make it even harder on brick-and-mortar stores this holiday season. Holiday apparel sales are expected to drop for the first time since 2008. Specialty retail, department stores and footwear retailers are all expected to take a .4% dip in sales. According to Morgan […]

Amazon Treasure Trucks Offering Huge Discounts

November 17, 2017

Amazon Treasure Trucks offer large discounted prices when you order the item online through the Amazon app. The Treasure Truck offers consumers the chance to take advantage of huge discounted prices on items that are advertised that day. The consumer will order the item and pick a time and place for pick up. However, a […]

Top Online Retailers Moving to Brick-and-Mortar

November 13, 2017

Top online retailers are moving their way into physical retail. Award winning retail architect, Kenne Shepherd shared his thoughts on the top online retail stores that are pushing into brick-and-mortar. Amazon No other online retailer on this list has the same potential of impacting the San Antonio commercial real estate sector as Amazon. The top […]

Brick and Mortar Retail Is Not Dead: Don’t Believe the Critics

June 9, 2017

Online stores are evolving, but they won’t be taking over the classic brick and mortar system anytime soon. Online only retailers are trying to use every advantage they have to compete with the classic form of retail; however, overcoming years of logistic and merchandising experience is no easy feat. Online shopping does not relieve the […]

The Trend in Office Real Estate That’s ‘About To Explode’

June 5, 2017

Third- party non-core real estate providers are offering temporary meeting space and rentable conference rooms. The goal is to offer space on a need-by-need basis and give office occupiers flexibility to pursue saving initiatives. “This new segment of conference and meeting events being outsourced is a whole new facet within flexible workspace that’s about to […]

Amazon Distribution Network Delivery Time

December 21, 2016

In response to the shifting retail landscape in regards to online shopping and the record breaking holiday sales numbers that have continually risen year after year, Amazon has picked up the pace to complete their supply-chain network to reach optimum delivery time. Amazon has added 26 new distribution warehouses to its global network in the […]

The Balance of Mixed-Use Retail

December 9, 2016

Most folks, understandably, do not walk down a mixed-use space and think about the careful balance it took to make the complex use of retail, multifamily, and office, a successful mixed-use space. Not all real estate properties are the same, a retail space where customer service is key, will commonly be accompanied by a percent […]

Out-Priced Elsewhere, Investors Shift Focus to San Antonio

October 12, 2016

A combination of investors getting out priced in other markets, and shifting their attention from the increasingly aggressive, and costly multifamily market have driven San Antonio retail investment activity up significantly in recent months. These factors in addition to the industrial markets limited supply, retail property possessing sustainable rents, and value add opportunities also have […]

Parking Downtown San Antonio Could Be Taking a Turn

August 25, 2016

Parking in downtown San Antonio can be a struggle. Two people are trying to change this view. GrayStreet Partners and AREA Real Estate are coming up with various strategies to help with this need. GrayStreet Partners is renovating Travis Park Plaza parking garage by emphasizing different modes of transportation. They are looking at investing in […]

JCPenny’s Customers Spoke and They Listened

August 18, 2016

Going beyond apparel, JCPenny is expanding their home-goods selection. Customers are spending more money on home beautification and JCPenny is looking to improve in this sector. During the third quarter JCPenny will add dishwashers and other major appliances to 1,000 stores. With 1,200 major appliances online, customers will be able to smoothly order online and […]

Store Technology is Becoming a Difficult Choice

August 3, 2016

Ever feel like big brother is watching over you? According to the “Rich Relevance ‘Creepy or Cool?’ Survey”, Seventy- Five Percent did not like the idea of being greeted by name after a store identified the consumer though facial recognition technology. Most consumers do enjoy using fingerprint technology, scanning products, receiving pop up offers, digital […]

A Game Changer for Tenants Paying Rent

July 29, 2016

So many mistakes can happen when handling money manually. The slightest difference, in the amount, or a number out of place can have huge effect on the overall spreadsheet. At DDR Corp. Tenants can make their payments online and track reports though SnapPay RE. According to Kevin Moss, DDR’s Chief Information Officer, there is a […]

Going Beyond Just Bed & Bath

July 21, 2016

While Bed Bath & Beyond same-store sales declined by 50 basis points versus the same quarter a year ago, adding omni-channel trappings to Bed Bath & Beyond stores are helping boost sales. CEO Steven Tamares, has been evolving Bed Bath & Beyond stores by integrating physical and digital capabilities to create an experiential shopping culture, […]

How Retailers are Drawing Shoppers this Season

December 16, 2014

Consumers have more options than ever when it comes to where they spend their money. Online retailers and brick and mortar stores are constantly looking for ways to stand out from their competitors. Which website offers free shipping? Who ships the fastest? Who opens earliest on Black Friday? What store has the best entertainment? Which […]

Remaking The Retail Market

May 25, 2011

Developers Diversified Realty Corp., based in Beachwood, announced plans last week to knock down unprofitable shopping centers in San Antonio, Texas, and Denver and remake the sites around new Target stores. The publicly traded company, which owns and manages approximately 520 retail properties globally, views redevelopment as a growth strategy in a recession-scarred industry where […]