Real Estate News

Many of you read a few months ago about the historic 41 Million dollar Staten Island shopping center deal know as South Shore Commons - sold by yours truly and the amazing commercial team at Casandra Properties.  While it was another milestone achievement in the Staten Island real estate market, and typically the closing represents the end of the transaction – at Casandra Properties it was the beginning. Now more than ever, the customers come first when talking about Staten Island retail space.  

A time for innovation

After the closing, we sat with ownership to create a comprehensive marketing plan.  We felt it was critical to look at co-tenancy synergies, traffic flow, customer experience, and the Holy Grail of retail – customer retention and repeat shoppers.  We listed the vacant retail space for lease, made our recommendations and were off to the races with the full support of the new ownership group – the Berman family.  We are thrilled to announce South Shore Commons is currently undergoing quite a transformation to make for a much better retail shopping and dining experience. 

Parking, parking and more parking

Much of the parking lot has been re-striped and paved.  A new employee only parking area has been created in the rear of the center thereby freeing up a tremendous amount of parking for our customers directly in front of the shopping areas.  

The digital age  

Brand new digital TV screens are being installed throughout portions of the center.  The goal is to cross-promote other shopping synergies, serve as a wayfinding, offer tenants an opportunity to advertise current sales promotions and advertise upcoming center wide promotions.

Create an online presence

We felt it was critical to develop and maintain a website and social program for the shopping center. In addition to general center information, you will now have access to all things South Shore Commons in real time!

Its all about the experience

Retail Co-tenancy synergies are critical to a shopping centers success.  We decided a shift to experiential retail was going to play a key role in supporting our current retail roster.  Enter Board & Brush, a creative studio for constructing unique wood and décor projects.  They will take you from the creative process to the finished product… did we mention you can have a few drinks along the way?!  They were the first repositioning lease we successfully negotiated and are slated to open in a few weeks.  We have our second experiential retail deal now in lease and will be announced in a few weeks…Stay tuned!

A Family Affair

Starting this December, a full calendar of events will be scheduled and released to the public designed to drive more and more families to the center.  Pictures with Santa, Easter egg hunts, Summer bash and BBQ are just a few ideas currently being explored.  Follow us on Social Media to be sure you don’t miss any events!

Shop till you drop!

How’s this for a nice change, the Berman family has agreed to Landlord sponsored shopping sprees! Currently, we are developing an enrollment program through the website and social media to be eligible to win center wide shopping opportunities throughout the year!

At Casandra Properties, we have taken great pride in raising the bar.  Next time you need a Commercial Real Estate Broker on Staten Island, or perhaps you’re looking to open a business- ask yourself… Does your Real Estate Broker work this hard for you?

For more information on South Shore commons or to contact me email James@CasandraProperties.com or call 718.816.7799.

By: James Prendamano