There are a lot of smart people trying to get rid of the brokerage model. They say things like it’s inefficient because brokerages don’t embrace technology or they rely too much on relationships. Whether they’ll be able to fully rid the industry of relationships is another story. But there are some groups of users who do feel under-served. In fact, those smart people trying to get rid of you have done the work of identifying them for you. That’s why brokerages have a great opportunity … [Read more...]
CRE Data – Stop Thinking Small
Someone asked me to summarize what’s going on in CRE regarding data. While the CRE data conversation has mostly revolved around what CoStar/LoopNet and Xceligent are up to, there’s a lot more going on than that. Yes, I’m talking about big data. But everyone in CRE seems to be thinking small. Properties and Listings There’s way too much emphasis on property and listing data. And most of it is “out there” already. You just have to do some work to get it – or pay for it. Except in a few markets, … [Read more...]
Main Street Fairness Act – Not About Main Street & Not Fair
Once again, the Main Street Fairness Act is kicking its way through Congress. The law will give states the authority to tax internet sales so that brick and mortar retailers will no longer be penalized for doing the "right thing" all these years. As an aside, the states should get an estimated $20 billion in sales tax revenue. But forget the tax money. I know I'm relieved to know that Best Buy can, finally, fairly compete with amazon.com. You thought this had to do with mom and pops? … [Read more...]
The Retail “Experience”
In an article in a local newspaper this week, area mall owners and town planning boards were looking for ways to stop the march of online commerce. One of the town planners stated that “everyone shops online now” so they needed to figure out how to draw consumers back to the malls. “Experience” seems to be the big retail buzz word. The “town center” model– a mix of national and local retailers, restaurants and services nestled in a park-like setting with sitting and/or large common areas – is … [Read more...]