| A Weekly PropTech Newsletter bringing you industry updates from across the real estate spectrum |
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| We noted this week’s launch of “Centennial, powered by Lincoln” with interest—following Lincoln’s 2024 acquisition of Centennial, this is the first major sign of how the two firms will operate together. Marketed as “a national retail operating platform created to provide owners and investors with multi-discipline retail expertise supported by a vertically integrated real estate infrastructure,” it promises a more cohesive, end‑to‑end approach to leasing and operations. Though details remain limited, the move sounds like an appropriate response to rising industry expectations for streamlined, data‑driven retail management and raises the competitive bar for many owners and third‑party managers (aka, our readers.) If you’re evaluating whether partnering with—or building—an institutional retail operating platform is the best way to unlock value at your properties, let’s talk.
This week we also noted plenty of places where AI has the upper hand, but also a specific place where human interaction can be the strategic advantage. We also took note of news about a retail property owner legend, and of how health and medicine continue to have long tail impacts on retail. Share your thoughts on any of the above (or other news we may have missed) over on our LinkedIn post this week. |
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| Retail leaders on embracing AI: ‘We have to keep trying things’ [RetailDive] Artificial intelligence is reshaping the retail landscape, sparking a conversation among industry leaders about its role, potential and limitations. As the technology evolves, retail executives are grappling with how best to integrate AI into their operations and customer-facing functions.
Macy’s just launched an AI-powered shopping assistant. Customers who use it spend nearly 400% more [Fortune] If you’ve ever stood in front of the mirror and wondered what your outfit’s missing, Macy’s may have the answer. The company recently launched its “Ask Macy’s” AI chatbot, powered by Google’s Gemini AI assistant, and it’s having shocking success.
Four apparel retailers partner with DoorDash [Chain Store Age] Urban Outfitters, Dolce Vita, Rally House and Steve Madden will all deliver online orders via DoorDash. The four apparel retailers are expected to launch delivery on the DoorDash platform during spring 2026 and will significantly expand the apparel selection. |
| Ulta doubled store fulfillment capabilities in 2025 [RetailDive] The implementation of an AI-powered order management system for fulfillment optimization during the latest fiscal year helped Ulta expand ship-from-store capabilities, CEO Kecia Steelman told analysts on an earnings call earlier this month.
Stitch Fix is targeting people mid-transition, from GLP-1 users to newly divorced men [Glossy] For many consumers, getting dressed has become more complicated, not less. Weight-loss drugs are reshaping bodies faster than wardrobes can keep up. Dating apps are putting new pressure on how people present themselves. And in parts of the U.S., access to fashion retail is disappearing altogether.
Consumers want associates to handle follow-up communication [CXDive] Nearly two-thirds of consumers say they are more likely to return to a store if an associate follows up personally, according to an Endear survey. Another 60% of respondents say that personalized communication from an associate matters to their shopping decisions. Good follow-up messages can drive sales. |
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| Centennial and Lincoln launch a new retail operating platform [Chain Store Age] When mall owner and third-party operator Centennial was acquired by Lincoln Capital, its new president Paul Kurzawa commented that the partnership shared a vision to reimagine retail-anchored real estate with destinations “that are not only relevant to today’s consumers, but also adaptable to future trends.”
Amazon Expands Returns Network To 10,000 U.S. Locations [Supply Chain 247] Amazon is expanding its returns network across the U.S., making it easier for customers to drop off items without a box, label, or tape. Customers can now use more than 10,000 drop-off locations nationwide for eligible returns, including newly added sites at FedEx Office.
Bed Bath & Beyond to Buy The Container Store in Deal Worth $150 Million [The Wall Street Journal] Bed Bath & Beyond agreed to acquire storage and organization retailer The Container Store and its brands Elfa and Closet Works in a deal worth $150 million. The Container Store has more than 100 locations, which will be jointly branded as The Container Store and Bed Bath and Beyond. |
| In the age of AI, Home Depot’s stores have ‘never been more relevant’ [RetailDive] The Home Depot doesn’t see AI overtaking the physical shopping experience. “Twenty-five years ago, the conversation was, ‘Is the store going to be relevant in an age of e-commerce? But now in the age of AI and agentic commerce, “the store has never been more relevant.”
CEO Talks: Burlington’s Michael O’Sullivan on Rapid Growth, Transformation and Differentiation [WWD] Burlington Stores Inc. is seizing the moment. Capitalizing on the inflationary economy, shopper demands for greater value and the real estate made available by bankruptcies, Burlington has been generating healthy sales gains for about two years and is expanding at an accelerated rate. This year, the plan is to launch a record 110 new stores.
Outlet pioneer Steven B. Tanger announces his retirement [Chain Store Age] After 40 years of service in the company that was started by his father and grew into the nation’s leading brand of bargain-priced, outlet retail, Steven B. Tanger will step down as Tanger Inc.’s chair of the board in May. |
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