October 2025

KEEPING IT FLOWING

Hot Spots: 3 U.S. Markets Redefining Retail & Entertainment Development

The landscape of retail and entertainment is evolving rapidly in 2025. Consumers increasingly seek experiences over transactions, pushing developers to create spaces that seamlessly blend shopping, dining, entertainment, and community engagement. Across the U.S., certain markets are emerging as incubators for innovation in mixed-use development.

Here are three leading markets – and strategies developers can use to capitalize on them:

Leading With the Heart: Why Giving Back is Good Business

As another year draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on what truly defines success at OTL. It isn’t just the fountains we build or the revenue we generate. It’s the difference we make in the lives of people and communities around us. Leading with heart isn’t a slogan; it’s part of how we do business, and it’s one of our greatest advantages.

Our CEO J. Wickham Zimmerman shares how to integrate philanthropy into core business strategies to achieve sustainable success while making a positive impact on society.

Read Wick's Insights on Philanthropy

METRICS THAT MATTER

Retail Dollar Flow — Designing Where People Spend

Retail dollars are following the path of experience, convenience, and spending power. Here are some of the zones where development projects can capture the most impact:

Affluent Zip Codes & High-Social Progress Index (SPI) Neighborhoods: Just 10-15% of metro households in these zones generate 25-35% of discretionary retail spend. SPI indexes reach 120–150+, and premium categories like vehicle maintenance can see household spend of $1,800+ annually.

Tourism & Gateway Districts: Seasonal foot traffic can double or triple per-store sales. June 2025 Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) rose $69.9 billion nationally, with $40 billion in services tied to tourism and hospitality.

Value & Convenience Corridors: Discount and convenience formats continue to grow, contributing $29.9 billion in goods spent in June 2025 alone.

P.S.

OTL is officially one of “CRE’s Best Places to Work for 2025 ,” says GlobeSt.com! From brainstorming sessions to coffee breaks, our team makes every day extraordinary. This award is a shoutout to the people who make us a place where creativity, collaboration, and a little fun go hand in hand. Here’s to keeping the good vibes – and great work – going!

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