Curious about retail opportunities in Charlotte? Get on the bus literally. The Retail Bus Tour Inc. announced it will offer a daylong tour in the Queen City on Nov. 6. The bus tour focuses on the shopping center industry. It will bring together up to 150 property owners, real estate brokers and representatives of retail companies.
It s a one-day event that s basically on wheels, says Marla Sessoms, regional director for The Retail Bus Tour. Sessoms also is a leasing agent with Gemini Real Estate Advisors and a broker for Legacy Real Estate Advisors.
Three chartered buses with police escorts will take attendees through approximately 35 shopping centers in the Charlotte metropolitan market. The tour will cover roughly 120 miles and include stops at featured properties throughout the day.
Sessoms is working to map out the Charlotte tour, but she foresees stops in the University area, Huntersville, Fort Mill, Blakeney in south Charlotte and Indian Trail. We re really trying to maximize the exposure of the centers, Sessoms says. Information on each property such as rental rates, vacancies and redevelopment plans will be shared as well as economic and demographic information and retailers looking to expand in the market.
Marla Sessoms is regional director for The Retail Bus Tour, which takes place in Charlotte Nov. 6. This is the first time the marketing and networking event will be held in Charlotte. Plans are for this to become an annual event here, says Gary Broidis, founder and president of The Retail Bus Tour. It s a great learning experience, he says. Charlotte happens to be a very good retail market that is experiencing some healthy activity. The Retail Bus Tour launched in 2010. This year, tours are planned for Florida, North Carolina, Michigan, California and Texas. The company expects to expand into additional markets.