Long live retail! How to turn around a struggling mall, create a shopping destination and add value with Chris Geaves from Sovereign Centros.

Commercial Property Pioneers: Entrepreneurs and innovators within commercial property

Paul Norman, the editor in chief of the CoStar News UK, sat down with Chris Geaves from Sovereign Centros to chat about building successful retail investment business in the era of e-commerce and CVAs.

Chris shared how creating retail spaces brands actually want is key to the growth of the Sovereign’s portfolio. With over £2 billion under management, Sovereign Centros is in a good position to take advantage of the changing trends in retail properties. From destination building to showrooming to accommodating last-mile deliveries for e-commerce, you name it - they got it covered.

Listen to the podcast now! If strapped for time, check out time stamps below to skip to the part that picked your interest most.

Timestamps:

[00:00:55] Chris Geaves on his background

[00:06:03] What does Sovereign do?

[00:09:07] The role of private equity investors in retail value-add assets

[00:10:24] Acquisitions of Centros

[00:12:33] What do private equity firms want to get out of retail investing in these turbulent times?

[00:16:13] Has retail reached the bottom yet?

[00:17:30] Business diversification and building skill set for the future

[00:20:47] Following retailers – how to provide the space retailers want

[00:24:37] Animating retail spaces – how leisure takes over struggling retails

[00:25:46] The latest projects update – Preston

[00:27:40] Analysing retail deals in a difficult climate

[00:29:54] What’s happening with the Telford scheme?

[00:33:01] What are the trends in retail?

[00:36:45]An impact of last-mile deliveries and the rise of e-commerce on physical assets in retail and industrial

[00:39:22] Sustainability in modern retail properties