The Week In News, But Shorter
July 28 – Aug 3, 2025
A Weekly PropTech Newsletter bringing you industry updates from across the real estate spectrum

A Weekly PropTech Newsletter bringing you industry updates from across the real estate spectrum

We’ve been sharing our opinion on AI use-cases in this newsletter for quite a bit now, but this week we got to share our thoughts for an article in Commercial Observer, specifically about AI-driven predictive maintenance in real estate. These technologies are quickly becoming essential budget levers that can identify maintenance issues early, optimize energy use, and reduce costly emergencies. Our own David Blumenfeld is quoted in the article emphasizing something we tell clients all the time: tech alone won’t fix broken workflows or strained budgets. It takes strategy, alignment, and operational buy-in to turn predictive insights into tangible results. Give the full article a read and let us know your thoughts and takeaways over on our LinkedIn post on the topic.

This week, retailers continue to experiment with AI use-cases, and ChatGPT itself is considering its role in the retail ecosystem. In property owner news, mid-tiers are having a moment, and a former “ghost mall” is tapping into their local community for success.

Digital Meets Physical

Walmart Consolidates AI Agents Into Super Agents [OmniTalk] Walmart is revolutionizing its artificial intelligence strategy by consolidating dozens of individual AI agents into four comprehensive “super agents,” marking a significant shift in how the retail giant approaches digital transformation and user experience optimization.

OpenTable Debuts AI-Powered Concierge for Diners [PYMNTS] OpenTable has introduced a new artificial intelligence (AI) assistant to make it easier for diners to get answers to common questions and help restaurants convert queries into bookings. Called Concierge, this feature gives diners information about restaurants, such as suggesting what to order and guidance for dietary restrictions.

Welcome to the Grocery Store Where Prices Change 100 Times a Day [The Wall Street Journal] On electronic labels that line the shelves at Reitan’s REMA 1000-branded grocery stores across Norway, the listed price for eggs or milk fades, the screen blinks and a new figure flashes up, all in a matter of seconds.

‘It fundamentally changes what it means to be an e-commerce brand’: What a ChatGPT checkout system could mean for retail [ModernRetail] A recent report that OpenAI is developing a checkout system within ChatGPT is garnering mixed reactions among founders of retail startups, with some worrying that the system will become “pay to play” in a way that disenfranchises small businesses.

White Castle debuts robot delivery starting in Chicago [NRN] White Castle will be debuting robotic delivery for the first time. The Columbus, Ohio-based quick-service burger chain is testing automated delivery services in Chicago with Coco Robotics through Uber Eats with Checkmate integration.

Starbucks Abandons Mobile Order, Pickup-Only Stores [The Wall Street Journal] Starbucks is moving away from operating stores that only accept mobile orders for pickup because they don’t have the right vibes.Executives from the world’s largest coffee chain said Tuesday that the changes are part of a broader reshaping of its portfolio of U.S. stores.

PropTalk

The Firms Using AI to Boost Predictive Maintenance in Real Estate [Commercial Observer] Proptech companies have seized on artificial intelligence to prevent HVAC and other operational breakdowns as well as organize work orders for clients eager to save cash

Awaiting redevelopment, an Oregon mall fills spaces with indie retailers [Chain Store Age] Now, however, it has been revived with an interim leasing strategy focused on local tenants and startups. The Oregonian, Portland’s hometown newspaper and news website, reports that nearly two-thirds of its 90 tenants are independent retailers, nonprofits, or activity spaces.

Martha Stewart Launching Stores for the First Time [WWD] Martha Stewart is bringing something to her four decades of brand building that’s been missing for too long — her own stores. The entrepreneur, tastemaker, TV personality and author, through Marquee Brands, the brand manager and owner of the Martha Stewart brand and 17 others, has quietly, or “soft,” opened two Martha Stewart stores.

Mall Owner CBL Snaps Up New Batch of Mid-Tier Properties [CoStar] The deal marks a rare portfolio transaction for the enclosed-mall industry as retail landlords accelerate their efforts to swap out noncore properties for better performers with growth potential.

Nearly 120 J.C. Penney stores sold to private equity for under $950M [RetailDive] In the four years since J.C. Penney emerged from bankruptcy, a lot of its property has been sold off piecemeal, but as of last week there’s a deal to unload 119 stores in one fell swoop. Private equity and real estate firm Onyx Partners has agreed to buy the locations for $947 million in cash.

Best Buy to pilot Ikea shop-in-shops [RetailDive] In a first for Ikea’s U.S. business, the home goods company will pilot kitchen and storage planning services inside select Best Buy locations. The in-store collaboration will launch at 10 Best Buy stores throughout Florida and Texas later this year. Two of those locations will also serve as free pickup points for most Ikea orders.