The Backfill Economy: What Comes Next?

Wednesday, September 30, 2026 • 2:00 – 3:00 pm ET

Store closures are a continuing reality, yet retail vacancy sits near historic lows and almost nothing new is being built. That collision is the backfill economy: every box that goes dark becomes a contest among a new generation of users, and the winning tenant often looks nothing like the one who left.

Join industry leaders as they share who’s absorbing vacant spaces and what it takes to make those deals work. They’ll dive into trends affecting rents, capital requirements, demising costs and repositioning strategies. You’ll walk away with a stronger understanding of:

• The emerging uses replacing traditional retail tenants
• The economics and strategies behind successful backfill deals
• When to backfill, demise or pursue a conversion 

MODERATOR
Gregg Katz, Director, Business Industry Solutions, Real Estate, Esri

PANELISTS
Sheri Blattel, Director of Retail, Associate Principal, Cushing Terrell
Gregory Ix, EVP, Leasing, Big V Property Group
Candice Krans, Senior Director, Real Estate, Crunch Fitness
Chris Ressa, CLS, EVP, COO, DLC Management

Note: This webinar is complimentary for ICSC Members. Non-member pricing is $25. Advance registration is required. Registration will close on September 29, 2026, at 4 pm ET. The webinar login instructions will be emailed on September 29 to all registered participants.

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