Podcast
Beth Azor
Hosted by Beth Azor · EN
Welcome to Beth Azor's Podcast Channel featuring "The Retail Leasing Playbook Podcast" & "I Own a Shopping Center, Now What?" your ultimate guide to mastering retail leasing and maximizing your commercial real estate potential, hosted by the renowned "Canvassing Queen™," Beth Azor.
Both podcasts have practical advice, insider tips, and proven techniques for boosting leasing performance and achieving financial goals. Beth will guide you in a Cliff's Notes Version" chapter by chapter of her book, The Retail Leasing Playbook.
Join Beth and her guests to improve your retail leasing game today!
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The #1 Reason Your Center Isn’t Leasing Faster | EP 81: I Own a Shopping Center, Now What?
Jan 900:11:21Tap to summarizeIn this episode of I Own A Shopping Center. Now What?, I break down a lesson I teach over and over again—don’t trust outdated online data to guide your leasing strategy. I recently walked a market where CoStar claimed there was 10% vacancy… but when I hit the pavement, it was closer to 30%. That’s a huge difference—and it’s the kind of thing that could kill your deal velocity, pricing strategy, or NOI if you’re not paying attention.I’ll share how that one walk led to a $14/SF rent increase, and why boots-on-the-ground intel always beats digital reports. Whether you're setting your 2026 strategy or trying to push your leasing team to the next level, this episode will help you lead with facts—not assumptions—and unlock value hiding in plain sight.Key Takeaways:CoStar isn’t gospel—walk the market yourselfIn-person market studies will always reveal the truthVacancy myths = pricing mistakesPush your brokers to ask better questionsSales data is your leverage during renewalsOversupplied office space needs creative pricingMeet face-to-face with leasing agents and their bossesFacts create leverage. Data creates power. Don’t wing it.
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Why Hiring One Broker for Everything Is Costing You Money | EP 80: I Own A Shopping Center, Now What?
Dec 1900:09:53Tap to summarizeWhen it comes to leasing your shopping center, sticking to the “one broker to do it all” mentality could be your biggest mistake.In this episode of I Own A Shopping Center. Now What?, I’m challenging the conventional wisdom that says one broker can handle every type of vacancy. From big-box spaces to restaurant outparcels, medical offices, and second-floor spaces—each requires specialized expertise. After 30+ years in the game, I’ve seen firsthand that niche brokers move faster and close deals more efficiently because they already know the tenants you need.If you’re stuck with long-term vacancies or your leasing velocity is slower than you’d like, this episode will make you rethink your strategy. Sometimes, the best way to get better results is to challenge the norm and get a little more specific.🔑 Key TakeawaysOne broker should never handle all types of vacanciesBig-box, restaurant, medical, and office spaces all require different expertiseNiche brokers lease faster because they know the right tenantsSmaller markets and ancillary spaces benefit the most from specializationTenant-rep brokers can be a powerful resource for specific usesHiring experts in the niche can outperform broad listing agreementsRiches are in the niches—depth trumps breadthWhen you challenge the traditional approach to leasing, better results are just a decision away.BECOME A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ROCKSTAR: https://www.bethazor.com/https://www.azoracademy.com/For more commercial real estate training: https://www.bethazor.com/training/FOLLOW ME ON SOCIALFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/azoradvisoryservices/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethazor1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethazor/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6315636/#retailleasing #commercialrealestateinvesting #retailleasingcoach #bethazor
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How High-Street Retail Inspires My Shopping Center Strategy | EP 79: I Own a Shopping Center, Now What?
Dec 1200:07:00Tap to summarizeWhat do Wine Enthusiast pop-ups, perfume clusters, and Soho sidewalks have in common? For Beth Azor—everything.In this episode, Beth Azor shares takeaways from her recent trip to New York City for ICSC and a surprise game-changing experience: a guided Retail Safari through Soho. From trend-spotting new brands to seeing firsthand how tenant mix and experiential design shape leasing success, Beth breaks down why staying curious and walking retail neighborhoods is one of the best strategies for shopping center owners.You’ll hear how grouping complementary uses, leveraging underutilized space for events, and drawing inspiration from high-street concepts can directly translate into NOI growth back home. Whether you’re leasing, buying, or just trying to spark new ideas—this retail recon mission will open your eyes to what’s next.🔑 Key Takeaways- Use travel to study retail trends and scout expanding brands- Group complementary tenants to enhance foot traffic- Prioritize experiential elements in tenant spaces- Encourage tenants to activate unused hours (e.g., evenings/Sundays)- Walk high-performing neighborhoods to find leasing inspiration- Take notes, grab business cards, and look for growing brands- Tenant mix is more powerful than any single lease- Always be learning—from other markets, models, and mistakesBECOME A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ROCKSTAR: https://www.bethazor.com/https://www.azoracademy.com/For more commercial real estate training: https://www.bethazor.com/training/FOLLOW ME ON SOCIALFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/azoradvisoryservices/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethazor1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethazor/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6315636/#retailleasing #commercialrealestateinvesting #retailleasingcoach #bethazor
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How I Decide When to Be Tough (or Not) in Leasing | EP 78: I Own a Shopping Center, Now What?
Dec 500:12:14Tap to summarizeJust because you’re tough doesn’t mean you can’t be strategic. In this episode, I walk you through exactly when I get lenient on deals—and when I hold firm.I share real examples of consulting projects where the key to successful leasing wasn’t about lowering rent across the board—it was about understanding demand. From turning down a bank on Main Street to repositioning office tenants during a supply glut, I unpack how I coach landlords to evaluate each space individually, not the center as a whole. Plus, I explain how knowing your market, asking the right questions, and recognizing “needle-in-a-haystack” spaces can give you the confidence to stand your ground—or close smarter when supply is working against you.If you’re struggling to lease tough spaces or worried about holding firm on rent, this episode gives you the playbook to stay smart, flexible, and profitable.🔑 Key Takeaways✔️ Know which spaces have demand—and which don’t✔️ Don’t let one tough space define your entire strategy✔️ Retail with strong demand deserves stronger terms✔️ Office space with high vacancy? Prioritize occupancy✔️ Use incoming leads to reposition existing tenants✔️ End caps with drive-thrus = premium leverage✔️ Negotiate each space, not the center as a whole✔️ Get tenants on leases before you plan to sellBECOME A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ROCKSTAR: https://www.bethazor.com/https://www.azoracademy.com/For more commercial real estate training: https://www.bethazor.com/training/FOLLOW ME ON SOCIALFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/azoradvisoryservices/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethazor1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethazor/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6315636/#retailleasing #commercialrealestateinvesting #retailleasingcoach #bethazor
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How to Respond When Tenants Ask for a Rent Reduction | EP 77: I Own a Shopping Center, Now What?
Nov 2800:09:24Tap to summarizeA broker from a national pizza chain asked me to extend their lease and lower their rent by $5/SF. But instead of panicking, I asked a better question: “Would they be open to leaving instead?” In this episode, I break down the full story—and why more landlords need to stop reacting from fear and start thinking strategically.From understanding tenant exclusives in the market to knowing when to call a bluff, I walk you through exactly how I handled this pitch, the math behind restaurant margins, and why you should never drop rent without seeing sales. If you're being hit with rent reduction requests—especially from nationals—this is a must-listen playbook for keeping your NOI strong.🔑 Key Takeaways✔️ Never drop rent without seeing a 3-year sales history✔️ Pizza tenants have infrastructure—leverage that✔️ Know your competition’s exclusives and vacancies✔️ If they won’t share sales, it’s likely not a real hardship✔️ Brokers often get paid based on rent reductions✔️ Don’t panic—do your homework before agreeing to anything✔️ National chains often bluff to secure better terms✔️ You have more leverage than you think—use itBECOME A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ROCKSTAR: https://www.bethazor.com/https://www.azoracademy.com/For more commercial real estate training: https://www.bethazor.com/training/FOLLOW ME ON SOCIALFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/azoradvisoryservices/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethazor1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethazor/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6315636/#retailleasing #commercialrealestateinvesting #retailleasingcoach #bethazor
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The $30K Risk That Helped Me Win a $740K NOI Property | EP 76: I Own a Shopping Center, Now What?
Nov 2100:07:23Tap to summarizeWhat would you risk to win the deal of a lifetime?In this episode, I’m sharing the behind-the-scenes story of one of the most competitive acquisitions of my career—where I took a $30,000 gamble before getting the deal, beat out five other buyers, and closed in just three days. And yes, I turned a former strip club into a retail center generating $740,000 in NOI.This wasn’t luck—it was strategy, speed, and a little creative thinking. I’ll walk you through the relationships I spent years building, the unconventional move my partner suggested, and the mindset that helped me take the leap. If you’ve ever been neck-and-neck for a deal, this episode will challenge the way you play the game.Because sometimes, the deal doesn’t go to the highest bidder—it goes to the boldest.🔑 Key TakeawaysBuild relationships before the deal is even on the tableSpeed is a superpower—especially for sellers on a timelineOffer to complete due diligence before you’re awarded the contractBe willing to risk money when the upside makes senseCreativity wins over cookie-cutter offersKnow your market better than your competitionDon’t wait to be chosen—take initiativeWhen the moment comes, move fast with confidenceBECOME A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ROCKSTAR: https://www.bethazor.com/https://www.azoracademy.com/For more commercial real estate training: https://www.bethazor.com/training/FOLLOW ME ON SOCIALFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/azoradvisoryservices/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethazor1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethazor/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6315636/#retailleasing #commercialrealestateinvesting #retailleasingcoach #bethazor
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How One Doctor's Parking Oversight Killed a $2.5M Renovation | Episode 75: I Own a Shopping Center Now What
Nov 1400:10:08Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I break down a real-life situation that perfectly illustrates what happens when business goals steamroll smart real estate fundamentals. A doctor poured $2.5 million into renovating a two-story office building—without addressing the fact that the property only has six parking spaces. Six! Before signing a single lease.I walk you through the candid coaching conversation I had with him, why building spec space with zero leases in hand is a risky move, and why parking is absolutely non-negotiable—no matter how great the visibility or how passionate you are about your business.At the end of the day, the real estate must drive the business—not the other way around. If you’re investing, developing, or making big decisions about where your business lives, this episode is your reminder to slow down, analyze, and make choices through the real estate lens first.This is a must-listen case study in what not to do—and how the right due diligence could save you millions.🔑 Key TakeawaysNever build spec space without a signed leaseParking can make or break your dealYour business cannot monopolize shared property assetsAlways run a parking analysis before committing to renovationsVisibility is great—but parking is essentialYour business hat and your real estate hat require completely different decisionsIn some locations, residential may outperform commercialBring advisors in before making million-dollar decisionsBECOME A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ROCKSTAR: https://www.bethazor.com/https://www.azoracademy.com/For more commercial real estate training: https://www.bethazor.com/training/FOLLOW ME ON SOCIALFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/azoradvisoryservices/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethazor1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethazor/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6315636/#retailleasing #commercialrealestateinvesting #retailleasingcoach #bethazor
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Why Most Food Halls Flop (And What to Do Instead) | Episode 74: I Own a Shopping Center, Now What?
Nov 700:10:05Tap to summarizeThinking of turning that vacant Dollar Tree into a food hall? Hit pause—this episode might save you a fortune.Food halls are trendy, flashy, and tempting—especially when you’re sitting on 5,000 to 10,000 square feet of empty space. But after seeing too many landlords lose big, I’m here to sound the alarm. In this episode, I break down why most food halls fail, the false promises they offer, and what you should consider before signing on to build one. From startup tenant churn to high buildout costs and low foot traffic, I share real examples (including failed projects from close friends) and challenge the food hall hype with a dose of truth. If you're serious about NOI, you need to hear this.Key Takeaways:- Don’t default to a food hall just because you have a large vacancy- Buildout costs are massive; especially without a strong operator- Most food hall tenants are startups (and risky ones at that)- Failure rates remain high, even in trendy concepts- Location is everything: food halls only work with major traffic- Tourist-heavy areas offer better chances of success- Talk to real operators and visit proven sites before investing- A vacant anchor space doesn’t equal a food hall opportunity- There are better ways to fill space; don’t fall for the fadBECOME A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ROCKSTAR: https://www.bethazor.com/https://www.azoracademy.com/For more commercial real estate training: https://www.bethazor.com/training/FOLLOW ME ON SOCIALFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/azoradvisoryservices/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethazor1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethazor/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6315636/#retailleasing #commercialrealestateinvesting #retailleasingcoach #bethazor
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What to Include in a Leasing Agreement (Before You Hire a Broker) | Episode 73: I Own A Shopping Center
Oct 3100:02:27Tap to summarizeBefore you blame the broker—check the agreement.When I bring on a third-party leasing broker, I know my success depends on my systems just as much as their effort. In this episode, I’m breaking down exactly how I structure broker relationships to keep leasing activity transparent, accountable, and productive.From the interview questions I ask to uncover true canvassing habits, to the monthly reporting structure that ensures I’m never left wondering what’s happening—I’m sharing the playbook I’ve refined over decades of owning and leasing retail centers. You’ll learn why I insist on activity reports, how to spot red flags like recycled leads and vague updates, and how to course-correct before months of momentum are lost.Whether you’re an owner frustrated by slow lease-up or just starting to delegate leasing for the first time, this episode gives you a proven framework to make sure your broker delivers.🔑 Key TakeawaysAlways include a 30-day termination clause in your broker agreementsRequire detailed monthly activity reportsDon’t settle for weekly calls—push brokers to actively prospectAudit lead sources to confirm they’re proactive, not passiveMake brokers document where every lead originatesReview and compare reports each monthWatch for recycled names with no progressDon’t hesitate to terminate if performance doesn’t improveBECOME A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ROCKSTAR: https://www.bethazor.com/https://www.azoracademy.com/For more commercial real estate training: https://www.bethazor.com/training/FOLLOW ME ON SOCIALFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/azoradvisoryservices/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethazor1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethazor/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6315636/#retailleasing #commercialrealestateinvesting #retailleasingcoach #bethazor
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What to Do When Your Brokers Aren’t Performing | Episode 72: I Own a Shopping Center, Now What?
Oct 2400:13:10Tap to summarizeFeeling stuck in your leasing? Here's how to get things moving again.In this episode, I share how I helped one of my shopping centers generate major leasing momentum by bringing our entire team—property manager, broker, attorney, and ownership—together for a single, strategic call. You’ll hear how just one meeting led to five major leasing wins, and why alignment and accountability matter more than endless emails or disconnected updates.Whether you’re trying to get your leasing broker to perform or need to push a deal across the finish line, this episode will give you a practical model to rally your team and unlock results—fast.🔑 Key Takeaways- Hold regular calls with your leasing team- Bring together all stakeholders—broker, attorney, owner, property manager- Push for updates on every LOI and deal- Create urgency with hard deadlines- Don't assume brokers are talking to tenants daily- Use your presence to drive accountability- A 30-minute call can lead to real momentum- Brokers need structure and support to succeedBECOME A COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE ROCKSTAR: https://www.bethazor.com/https://www.azoracademy.com/For more commercial real estate training: https://www.bethazor.com/training/FOLLOW ME ON SOCIALFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/azoradvisoryservices/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethazor1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethazor/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/6315636/#retailleasing #commercialrealestateinvesting #retailleasingcoach #bethazor
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