Spotlights by Melissa Westphal 4/7
Interview with Jay Siano
Co-Founder + CEO of SABRE
What are the biggest trends shaping the retail real estate market right now?
E-commerce is here to stay however if you’re not blending online and offline, you’re already behind. Retailers have to level up with omnichannel strategies, no question. But here’s the kicker: there’s a massive push for service-based businesses that can't be replaced online. My firm SABRE is continuing to crush it in the wellness space, leading the charge with expansion strategies for clients like [solidcore], SWTZHZ, and Pura Vida.
What mindset shifts are necessary to scale a business successfully?
As a CEO, here’s the truth — you’re never done learning. The second you think you have it all figured out, you're done. You need to KNOW what you don’t know and go find the people who’ve been through it, who’ve built what you want to build. Successful businesses don’t start with some perfect blueprint — they start with one solid idea, then they adapt, pivot, and evolve to fill a gap that their industry or clients didn’t even know they needed. It’s all about staying humble and constantly moving forward.
What role does social media play in the success of modern retail brands?
Social media is no longer just a nice-to-have for retail — it’s EVERYTHING. If retail brands are not using platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to build REAL connections with your audience, they are missing the boat. People aren’t just looking for products; they’re looking for experiences, stories, and relationships. Social media is where the magic happens, where brands can engage with customers directly, show off their culture, and create loyal communities.
