Retail Real Estate (Still Worth It?)

What if the retail apocalypse was just bad PR? In this episode of REady2Scale, we dive into the misunderstood world of retail and mixed-use real estate with Babak Ziai, founder of BrandView Inc. With over $2.5B in transactions and decades of experience transforming overlooked properties, Babak offers a grounded, data-informed perspective on where the real opportunities lie in today’s evolving retail landscape. If you’ve ever written off retail as yesterday’s asset class, this conversation may change your mind.

Key Takeaways:

- Retail is not one thing: Babak breaks down the diverse categories of retail such as malls, grocery-anchored centers, and street retail, and explains why each responds differently to market forces.

- Why e-commerce didn’t kill retail: Retail isn’t disappearing; it is evolving into a service and experience-based model where human interaction, wellness, and dining are central.

- What makes mixed-use properties work: Learn how thoughtful integration of secondary uses like office or residential around retail can create stronger, more resilient assets.

- How to revitalize overlooked assets: Babak shares his “rent roll 2.0” strategy and explains what types of tenants and experiences drive long-term NOI growth in challenging markets.

- Real-world operations insight: From activating vacant space with pop-ups to building trust with tenants, hear how hands-on property management can become a competitive advantage.

- Misconceptions investors still have: Babak reflects on why retail remains misunderstood and where sophisticated investors are finding opportunities that others miss.

Whether you are active in commercial real estate or simply curious about what’s next for physical retail, this episode offers a thoughtful and nuanced look at an asset class that is far from obsolete.

Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:24 Meet Bobak Zai: Retail Investment Expert 01:44 Understanding Retail Segments 03:58 The Future of Retail in an E-commerce World 07:20 Transforming Overlooked Properties 26:15 Lightning Round and Closing Thoughts

Are you REady2Scale Your Multifamily Investments? Learn more about growing your wealth, strengthening your portfolio, and scaling to the next level at www.bluelake-capital.com.

Credits Producer: Blue Lake Capital Strategist: Syed Mahmood Editor: Emma Walker Opening music: Pomplamoose

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