This "paradigm shift" in thinking for retailers occurred at the International Council of Shopping Centers' 2011 New York National Conference & Deal Making event.
Jacqueline Hlavenka reports from the conference, where Patrick Smith, vice president of real estate at BJ's Wholesale Club, spoke on a panel:
"Smith explained that despite the bulk-quality of BJs merchandise, more city customers are taking the train to its stores. 'More people are using mass transit and some people walk,' he said, noting that its parking garage at Bronx Terminal Market is vastly underutilized. 'For a BJ's customer, you may think that is absolutely ridiculous. We never expected people to use mass transit to shop at a wholesale club.'"
