Photo Galleries

Keep an eye on National Real Estate Investor’s 10 picks for people shaking up the commercial real estate industry in 2011. Each of the leaders profiled has made a bold move, and over the coming year time will tell whether their instincts and the risks they have taken pay off. The 10 are selected from across the spectrum of property types and financial interests. They reflect the impact of the recession, from the investments made by a private equity fund to the credit strategies of a retail REIT in the aftermath of bankruptcy. One profiled executive left the industry after selling a major apartment portfolio in 1998, and returned to launch an international real estate merchant bank. Following are this year’s choices for Ten to Watch.

Last week, Borders filed for bankruptcy and quickly identified 200 stores it would close while leaving open the possibility that it might add another 75 stores to the list. The closings will prove more problematic for some centers than others and cause distress for some lenders. Retail Traffic’s editorial team spoke with several brokers, developers and other retail real estate experts in recent days to pick their brains for ideas landlords could explore to fill empty Borders spaces. The following slideshow lays out some of our findings.

With Burger King’s Whopper Bar, the goal was to extend and energize the main brand with a new concept focused on the Whopper. Whopper Bars emphasize Burger King’s “Have it your way” brand promise by offering guests a customizable, indulgent Whopper-based menu and expanded drink offering. The concept is smaller than a traditional Burger King, opening up new real estate opportunities for the firm and it creates a hip, sophisticated environment that also adds emphasis to the core brand attitude.

The winners are in for the first annual ‘Best Chain on Main’ competition put together by The Commercial District Advisor (CDA) and the Local Initiative Support Corporation. The awards recognize regional and national chain stores that pave the way for commercial revitalization. Winners were chosen based on their investment in underserved urban markets, ability to provide excellent service, maintain clean and attractive stores, storefronts and merchandise displays and their contribution to local commercial revitalization efforts.