In our latest live virtual experience, “Mid-Year Consumer Compass: Navigating 2025’s Shifting Retail Landscape,” we were joined by Divya Tandon, President & CEO of SJI Properties, and Ben Witten, Head of Real Estate at Placer.ai, for an insightful discussion on the evolving forces reshaping retail in 2025.

The conversation opened with a look at how U.S. consumers are navigating rising prices and global uncertainty. Despite economic headwinds, Ben noted a rebound in sentiment and spending—particularly in categories like home goods and health and beauty—signaling a move toward more value-driven behavior.

Throughout the session, the panel highlighted emerging indicators of retail health, such as foot traffic analytics and consumer preference shifts. Placer.ai’s data underscored the growing popularity of fast-casual dining, the entry of new retail brands, and how hybrid work patterns are transforming visitation trends in both urban and suburban areas.

Migration patterns also took center stage, revealing how population shifts are redrawing retail demand in select growth markets. The return-to-office movement continues to impact foot traffic and spending across retail corridors, creating both challenges and opportunities for landlords and operators.

Looking ahead to the second half of 2025, the panel urged industry stakeholders to monitor micro-level consumer trends and refine their strategies around hyper-local insights. As Ben emphasized, “Retail success now hinges on understanding your customer better than ever before.”

The conversation wrapped with forward-looking predictions on the future of brick-and-mortar, spotlighting the growing importance of experiential retail and interactive activations to sustain engagement in an increasingly digital-first landscape. A dynamic Q&A rounded out the event, covering key topics like labor availability, urban policy, and how cities can quantify the ripple effects of return-to-office shifts.

This timely discussion offered a data-rich, actionable roadmap for navigating the retail terrain of 2025 and beyond.