Exclusive: Overheard at CSA's 61st annual SPECS event

The retail store development community met up at Chain Store Age’s 61st annual SPECS event to learn what’s trending in physical retail — and conversations were buzzing. 

Featuring a program created by retailers for retailers, SPECS is the industry's leading event for design, construction and facilities maintenance professionals. This year's program featured 30 targeted educational sessions on the industry's hottest topics, with insights from retailers and industry experts. SPECS welcomed more than 1,000 attendees across the store development category.

Below is a sampling of some of the insights heard during the event.

• Troy Aikman, legendary football icon, NFL announcer on ABC television and successful business entrepreneur: “My entire career has been around being part of a great team. That has allowed me to be successful. That’s the lesson.”
• Ron Insana, financial journalist, senior analyst and commentator at CNBC: “The level of uncertainty around policy will make this a more turbulent year than we’ve seen in a while. But the U.S. economy is extremely resilient. It’s always moving forward and that’s still the case.”
• Read Hayes, director, Loss Prevention Research Council (LPRC): “Environmental design, the use of data from drones and artificial intelligence analytics all support early detection [of retail loss]." “The biggest gains however, are going to come from sharing raw data with local police departments — and this requires trust. Crime and loss prevention is all about partnerships and understanding each other.”
• Dean Lindsay, business consultant and author: “The future of leadership will be based on authentic connections and trust." “One rainy day, I saw a donut shop owner waiting outside of his store with an umbrella. When I asked why, he told me it is his pleasure and passion to help customers. Then the gentleman used his umbrella to escort a shopper safely inside his store. He found a way to make a connection and earn her trust.”
• Stephen Akerblom, design director, global concepts, Foot Locker:“Retail has changed more in the last 18 months than in the last decade — and that change is going to continue." “We know that the role of the store is different for each customer. If we can understand our shoppers’ needs and what role the store plays in their journey, we can meet their expectations, create a journey toward product discovery and deliver new experiences in the world of sneaker culture.”
• Monica Munoz, senior director of capital programs at DaVita Kidney Care: “I have experienced general contractors either not being able to commit to projects, or extending projects, or not even
  being able to take them at all because they don’t have the subcontractors either in that area or that field. This is a national problem.”
• Melissa Gonzalez, principal and founder the MG2 advisory group within architecture and design firm MG2: “Shoppers desire more social engagement and community connections, but poorly designed and underutilized space fail to inspire a sense of belonging and community. This is a detriment at a time when consumers want real-life connections." “For example, 75% of Gen Z shoppers prefer in-person experiences over digital ones. Meanwhile, 50% of shoppers want store to act as community hubs, and one-third of Gen X shoppers said community events enhance connections in stores. Design stores to guide that community connection.”