Industry expert Michael J. Cortazzo has launched Crossroads Retail Advisors, a new nationwide firm that will help landlords and tenants navigate the ins and outs of retail development, investment, leasing, operations, design and construction in today’s ever-evolving landscape. Cortazzo is excited to launch this new venture after having spent 40 years in the retail industry.
He has worked with everyone from mom-and-pop restaurant owners to Fortune 500 apparel companies with more than $3 billion in annual sales. Over his storied career, Cortazzo has completed more than 500 new store real estate transactions and more than 1.5 million square feet of traditional office, creative office and design center transactions worldwide. This includes deals in New York City, London, San Francisco, Hong Kong, Pittsburgh, Puerto Rico and Shanghai.
Cortazzo saw a need in the market for a firm like his as the retail environment is at a “crossroads” between where it’s been and where it’s headed. Crossroads Retail Advisors recognizes that the successful retail players of tomorrow must integrate emerging technologies, changing consumer habits, and evolving ecommerce and omnichannel platforms into their concept to ensure their longevity in the new economy.
“Today’s retail real estate market is unlike anything we’ve ever seen before,” Cortazzo says. “The next-generation of retailers and the spaces they occupy are an exciting, dynamic bunch. However, this new environment also requires new solutions, which is why owners and tenants need a trusted advisor to guide them through this tricky process.”
Aside from the physical real estate, Cortazzo specializes in all aspects of retail operation success and support. From point of sale (POS) systems to R&D initiatives, the development of customer service call centers, and the creation, installation and implementation of labor management systems, Cortazzo has done it all.
He spent 15 years as senior director of store operations for American Eagle Outfitters where he learned to understand a company’s needs and changing technologies, empathizing with their challenges while capitalizing on their strengths. Cortazzo has been responsible for profits and loss statements on more than 900 retail stores with a payroll budget of $150 million. He has also managed 7.5 million square feet of store, office and distribution center facilities, while executing corporate directives at the store level, which includes sales, customer service, training and floor sets.
Cortazzo’s talents were further honed as senior director of real estate and facilities for the clothing and accessories retailer as it expanded from two stores to a company with multiple brands in more than 25 countries, opening 100 to 150 new stores per year under his watch. During this time, the company also doubled its average store sales volume.
Crossroads Retail Advisors maintains a presence in Southern California, Las Vegas, Pittsburgh and New York City, serving the needs of retail clients throughout the nation.
About Crossroads Retail Advisors
Crossroads Retail Advisors was created to take retail clients from concept to commerce, on time and under budget. Founded by 40-year industry veteran Michael J. Cortazzo in 2018, San Diego-headquartered Crossroads Retail Advisors offers a one-stop shop approach to site selection, lease negotiations, design, construction, technology integration, support solutions and operations. The company works with both landlords and tenants to design and implement the best forward-thinking retail real estate strategies for all parties. Cortazzo and his partners consult with clients of all sizes, from ecommerce companies to mom-and-pop shop owners, passive investors to multi-billion-dollar owners and operators, no idea is too big, no deal is too small for Crossroads Retail Advisors. Learn more about Cortazzo and the firm at www.crossroadsretailadvisors.com.
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