Thoughts on Retail CRE Brokerage Future in the Bay Area?
Hi All,

Long story short, I work for a large national REIT in the Bay Area. I want to go towards retail brokerage in my next steps. 

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What do you guys generally think of the future of retail in the Bay? 

Will industrial drown out retail opportunities? 

Is it more advantageous to work for a large firm such as JLL, CBRE, C&amp;W, or other Boutique firms with experienced brokerage professionals? 

What do you think of the money opportunities that retail has to offer?

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I want to dive head first into retail as my specialty. I think retail offers more personal relationships between Landlord &amp; Tenants and I enjoy seeking out new retail ideas as well. I just want to know what the general consensus is towards retail!
[{"id": "i6grhzr", "text": "Any particular reason you have your mind set on retail? It\u2019s probably struggling the most out of all\nasset classes at the moment. \n\nI also don\u2019t think it\u2019s fair to say retail offers more personal relationships with between LLs and TTS compared to other specialities. \n\nIn the SF area your best bet is taking a look a life sciences and lab brokerage.", "replies": [{"id": "i6gs0ig", "text": "I already have been in retail for a few years now, so I have some contacts with some gyms, coffee shops, restaurants etc. I feel like I could start pretty quick and touch on some of those contacts out of the gate. \n\nI know retail is at the bottom of the food chain regarding the asset types. And industrial has a lot more money. But there has to be some good money in retail still right?", "replies": [{"id": "i6gtaox", "text": "Don\u2019t get me wrong, there\u2019s money to be made everywhere in CRE. If you\u2019re not starting from square one, chances are even better for success.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}, {"id": "i6h9yiw", "text": "Find your niche imo. Seems like you are already developing that within retail. Actually having similar thoughts on CRE as well. Wanted to jump into multi family but what I know well as a lender is economy and mid scale hospitality. May just end up sticking with that.", "replies": [], "depth": 3}, {"id": "i6hecjq", "text": "I think retail will come back with a vengeance! But more tech infused and a fresh newness. Most ppl are over COVID, \nI do think we will see an influx of different concepts. An example I\u2019m seeing a lot of photo op type places and tik tok Instagram worthy places. It\u2019s really interesting to see this new age we are in. Old concepts are fizzling out millennials are getting older and the outlook of a lot of things are changing. I myself love retail the most and understand and am a bit inclined to agree the \u201ccloseness\u201d to tenants is a bit different. Lots of times in retail you meet the people behind the business not some manager. Why not go on LinkedIn and maybe grab coffee with some ppl working in the brokerages you\u2019re considering and get some feedback.", "replies": [{"id": "i6hjcao", "text": "Seriously, thank you so much for this feedback! I actually had a very informative meeting this week with a couple of very experienced brokers in the bay.  Really shed some light on retail CRE especially. \n\nI also think retail is evolving to survive in this new age. With all of these new and fun concepts\u2014 for the better! Really excited for the new generation of retail and I do not think retail deserves all of the flak that it gets compared to industrial/office!", "replies": [], "depth": 4}, {"id": "i6hlcti", "text": "Looking forward to seeing what new kinds of retail concepts pop out of COVID! Need brokers like OP in my market to help fill vacancies!", "replies": [{"id": "i6hmam4", "text": "Haha I love it! Best of luck to you.", "replies": [], "depth": 5}, {"id": "i6htdos", "text": "Yep mee too! I miss going out and doing cool fun new things. Also would love to see how tech and social media get fused with these concepts.", "replies": [], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}, {"id": "i6j426s", "text": "I\u2019ve worked with some of the top retail brokers in the Bay Area as a construction consultant and owner\u2019s rep and would be happy to answer any questions about this market or these groups.", "replies": [{"id": "i6ji5cd", "text": "Who do you think are the top retail brokers right now in the Bay Area? What do you think separates them from the rest of the crowd?", "replies": [{"id": "i6jysz9", "text": "By volume of deals done.  They have a reputation, they know the market, have connections and work their butts off.  They really are impressive.", "replies": [{"id": "i6kip8k", "text": "Are these brokers with large firms or boutiques?", "replies": [{"id": "i6lbzda", "text": "Large firms", "replies": [], "depth": 5}], "depth": 4}], "depth": 3}], "depth": 2}], "depth": 1}]