What does the future hold for the shopping mall? There are currently more than 1,000 malls struggling to re-engage a consumer distracted by the convenience of digital offerings. With the continued growth of e-commerce, the introduction of new paths to purchase, and the impact of COVID-19, mall developers are faced with difficult challenges and the ultimate question: what does the future hold for the shopping mall? The business of delivering retail goods and services has reached an inflection point shaped by the competitive challenges transforming the industry before our eyes. COVID-19 has only accelerated this pace of change. Smart retailers and owners are making significant strides in adopting and implementing new strategies that will shape retail over the ensuing decade. Change is not an option; it is required for survival. Topics addressed in this article include:  The evolution of the shopping mall Why only the strongest will survive Adaptive reuse as [...]

Siobhan Harman has joined Cushman & Wakefield Iowa Commercial Advisors in West Des Moines, Iowa, as a vice president. She brings 25 years of commercial real estate experience ranging from landlord and tenant representation, corporate leasing, site selection, development, asset services and construction management. Harman previously served as a real estate development manager for Kum & Go and managed site selection, real estate development and entitlement including analyzing new and existing markets for strategic development and placement of stores in Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota and Missouri. Prior to Kum & Go, Harmon worked with Grubb & Ellis|Mid-America Pacific in Des Moines and Colliers|The Keenan Company in Columbia, South Carolina. She represented corporate clients such as Mutual of Omaha, GuideOne Insurance, National Electrical Brotherhood and Prudential. Harmon has been an adjunct professor at Grand View University in Des Moines teaching real estate and finance through the business department for the past 13 years. [...]