ICSC New York continues to stand apart as one of the most deal-driven events in the retail real estate industry. Held this year at the Javits Center, the two-day gathering brought together developers, retailers, brokers, and owners who are actively making decisions, not just tracking trends.
Across conversations on the show floor, one theme was consistent: projects are being evaluated less on size and more on performance. Retail and mixed-use development is not slowing down, but it is becoming more disciplined, more intentional, and more closely tied to how spaces function in the real world.
Here are our key takeaways from ICSC New York for developers planning projects in 2025 and beyond:
1. Performance Is Driving Design Decisions
Retailers are no longer chasing square footage. Conversations consistently centered on visibility, access, traffic patterns, walkability, and adjacency to complementary brands. These factors are shaping leasing decisions earlier than ever, reinforcing the importance of strong site planning and building placement from the start.
2. Flexibility Is the Baseline
Tenant needs continue to evolve, and developers are prioritizing spaces that can adapt over time. Adjustable bay sizes, flexible storefront systems, and scalable back-of-house layouts are becoming standard expectations. Designing for change upfront is proving far more effective than retrofitting later.
3. Speed to Market Is a Competitive Advantage
Retail brands remain under pressure to move from deal to opening quickly. At ICSC, there was clear emphasis on simplified architectural systems and repeatable design elements. Projects that reduce friction in the early phases are better positioned to meet aggressive timelines.
4. Coordination Is Shaping Better Outcomes
One of the strongest signals from ICSC New York was the importance of alignment across teams. Developers who bring architects, engineers, and consultants into the conversation are seeing smoother approvals, fewer redesigns, and more predictable project outcomes. Preparation is replacing hesitation.
Final Thought
ICSC New York reinforced that the next phase of retail and mixed-use development will be driven by clarity, coordination, and realistic execution rather than big swings. That mindset is already shaping projects heading into 2026.
