REAL ESTATE NEWS

As the retail industry kicked off the year buoyed by optimism for capital markets, few anticipated the abrupt headwinds that would follow. “Our retail industry began the year with a bullish outlook for capital markets, expecting increased activity. However, beginning with the devastating fires in January, a number of local and global issues stalled the momentum,” said Vicky Hammond, managing principal at Coreland Companies and this year’s Southern California/Southern Nevada marketplace council director. Speaking at the ICSC@Western event in Palm Springs, Hammond noted that despite early setbacks, the current quarter has shown positive signs of renewed activity, raising hopes for a robust close to 2025 and a strong launch into the year ahead.

At the heart of the Palm Springs gathering, industry leaders turned their focus to the immediate questions shaping retail’s future—from the adoption of agentic artificial intelligence to the swift rise of electric vehicle charging infrastructure as a core amenity. For Hammond, AI is no longer just a buzzword. “Outlining an effective AI strategy is a priority for all companies. It is not just a matter of identifying the tools, but more importantly, understanding how to implement the right tools in a thoughtful and careful manner,” she explained. Ensuring that retail professionals are equipped to skillfully guide the use of AI—balancing technological innovation with critical thinking and creativity—will be vital for maintaining the industry’s competitive edge, she said.

But it was the accelerating “EV revolution” that dominated much of the center-stage discussion. At the conference’s panel “Plugging Into the Gold Rush: EV Charging as Retail’s Emerging Power Amenity,” the message was unequivocal: integrating electric vehicle charging is fast becoming table stakes for shopping center owners. Panel moderator Lane Chaplin of Hyperfuel, Inc., led industry leaders including Yvonne Robinson of EVgo, Laura McLaughlin of Brixmor Property Group, and Kent Maxey of Kimco through the evolving business case for EV charging.

What once might have been viewed as a niche offering is rapidly being reframed as a strategic asset for landlords. “EV charging has become more than just an added feature—it brings a small but growing revenue stream, advances sustainability goals, and positions properties as forward-thinking destinations,” said McLaughlin. Maxey underscored the shifting priorities of tenants, who increasingly ask for EV charging as part of their leasing decision. “Our tenants are starting to ask for EV chargers. That’s a game changer,” he said, emphasizing that such amenities can help retain tenants and differentiate one shopping center from another.

On the charging provider side, Robinson pointed to the mutually reinforcing benefits for property owners and retailers: “We partner with grocery stores, malls, and other retailers because it drives foot traffic. Charging brings customers to the property, and there’s a revenue opportunity too. That synergy is key—both for customer convenience and for the retail brand.”

Panelists agreed that fast charging is the future of retail deployments. “Level 2 has its place—like hotels or office buildings where people stay for longer—but in a retail context, it’s not ideal,” Robinson explained. Shoppers aren’t willing to wait an hour or two; rather, they expect quick, reliable service. If the experience falls short, both the shopping center’s and the charging provider’s brand perception can suffer, McLaughlin noted.

Hammond also highlighted this double-edged sword at the ICSC@Western event, cautioning that while EV stations present significant new revenue streams, careless implementation can backfire. “Poor integration can affect a center’s traffic flow and tenant visibility. It can also create challenges related to power and expense allocation and introduce risks when CC&R or REA documents aren’t properly amended to provide guidance,” she said.

Panelists urged landlords to approach EV charging strategically, navigating hurdles such as utility power availability, permitting, site selection, and partnership structuring in tandem with providers. Coordination and planning are critical for aligning new infrastructure with long-term operational and financial objectives, they agreed.

The overarching consensus among event speakers was plain: EV charging is now an essential retail amenity. Centers that proactively embrace this shift—integrating fast, reliable infrastructure and clear operational guidance—will better capture tomorrow’s consumers, elevate asset value, and stake out a lead in an industry facing profound transformation. As McLaughlin put it, “It's an amenity now, but soon it will be an expectation. The sooner we align with that reality, the better positioned we’ll be.”

Check back with GlobeSt.com for more coverage from panels at the event as well as exclusive insight from other attendees. Also check out the stories below that you might have missed.

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Source: GlobeSt/ALM