This summer brought standout stories from across the Marketplaces Industry, from capital pouring back into the market to fresh risks in restaurant expansion and the booming momentum of retailtainment. We’ve rounded up 10 of the season’s most compelling features from Commerce + Communities Today, spotlighting the trends, tenants and creative strategies shaping marketplaces. One highlight is a special two-part series on creativity in retail real estate, covering both how leaders are solving problems and why companies now treat creativity as a must-have skill. 

Retail Centers Go Dog-Friendly and Shoppers Are Following — With nearly a third of dog owners taking their pets shopping, developers are leaning into pet-friendly amenities like dog bars, events and outdoor perks that boost dwell time, sales and loyalty. 

Turning Unused Spaces Into Experiences That Drive Traffic and Sales — Cotton candy vending machines, selfie-ready milkshake shops and other creative activations are turning underutilized areas into experiences that generate traffic, revenue and fresh recognition for retail properties.

How Kimco Automated Leasing and Boosted Deal Flow — Kimco overhauled its leasing process with automation, giving prospects instant access to accurate vacancy data and allowing reps to spend more time closing high-quality deals — leading to a 6,566% return on investment in the first year alone. 

Money Is Moving Again in Retail Real Estate — and Fast — With overall sales up 7% year over year as of May and $100 million–plus deals soaring 85%, capital is flowing back into retail real estate, particularly in grocery-anchored and value-add assets. 

When Too Much Is Too Much: Weighing the Risk of Restaurant Oversaturation — Restaurant counts have rebounded post-pandemic and developers see strong demand in many markets, but they’re leaning on data, operator input and consumer trends to balance growth, manage costs and avoid market fatigue. 

Don’t Overlook Workhorse Services Tenants: The Quiet Drivers of Retail Success — Services like tutors, tax preparers, nail salons and pet groomers may not draw headlines, but they drive steady traffic, fill space and foster reliable tenant relationships. 

Creativity Is Reshaping Retail Real Estate — In a two-part series, industry leaders share how they’re rethinking leasing, development, finance and operations through creative problem-solving, while companies are also prioritizing creativity as a must-have skill in today’s evolving job market. 

Retailtainment Is Having a Moment. Will the Momentum Last? — From pop-up collabs to competitive socializing, retailtainment is booming as part of the $132 billion experiential retail industry, though experts caution that novelty alone won’t sustain growth. 

Does a Property’s Name Matter? — More than branding, a property’s name can shape leasing success, wayfinding and community identity — but renaming requires strategy and careful execution. 

One-Product Retailers Position Themselves for the Omnichannel Era — Single-focus retailers are evolving by leaning on data, omnichannel strategies and complementary offerings, proving that hero products can still anchor long-term growth. 

Catch up on all our coverage at Commerce + Communities Today