News

Sharing highlights from Bob Gibbs’ fascinating talk today about the “new retail” environment (post-Covid) and the surprising winners and losers among once cherished stores and brands.  Most interesting — the incredible retail and restaurant opportunities for the 41-10 / Design District.

Key highlights listed below (full replay of presentation here.

  • In spite of Naples being statistically over-supplied with retail (1,500 times the national average!) the 41-10/Design District has an overwhelming demand for new restaurants and retail shops.  The area’s retail market demand is widely known in the shopping center industry, and dozens of national retailers are seeking to deploy new stores in the District right now.
  • The District will need to change in order to maintain the status quo — improve its walkability, manage parking, implement building design standards, begin business recruitment for targeted retailers, and manage growth. 
  • The District is comprised of ten micro sub-districts, each with their own unique characteristics and appeal/charm.  There should not be a one-size-fits all, top down policy management or design approach.
  • Given the District’s extraordinary market demand, the community has the opportunity to hand pick the best in class of almost every retail category — apparel, books, children’s, home furnishings, sporting goods, department stores, specialty foods, restaurants, etc.

We would love to hear from you about the brands and types of stores you aspire to see open in the District by 2030.

Click here to watch the full replay of “New Retail Trends in the Post-COVID Economy” with Bob Gibbs of Gibbs Planning Group.  Use Passcode: ?5.9z*Pg