Since 1992, SiteWorks has been committed to providing highly-targeted retail and mixed-use development consulting services to retailers, developers, owners, and municipalities.  We apply our unique knowledge of virtually all Specialty and Commodity retail shopping centers throughout the United States and internationally - along with leading research, development, and leasing capabilities - to provide 21st Century, real-world solutions to the ever-changing issues facing today's increasingly global, post-department store era retail industry. 

SiteWorks bases its retail philosophy on the Commodity / Specialty analytical framework developed by founder Nick A. Egelanian and first published in 2012 in the Urban Land Institute's Professional Real Estate Development: The ULI Guide to the Business, 3rd Edition. 

COMMODITY RETAIL

Commodity retail goods and services are defined as those goods and services purchased and consumed on a regular basis using primary household funds.  As such, consumers most often purchase Commodity retail goods and services at retail outlets offering the combination of low price and convenience best suited to the need and purchase in question.

Commodity retailers range from local convenience and drug stores to grocery, big box, and general merchandise stores and warehouse clubs.  Successful Commodity retail shopping centers are designed and constructed to offer Commodity retailers and consumers efficiency, functionality, and cost effectiveness.

The selection of preferred Commodity retailers and shopping centers by consumers, while involving the establishment of trust by the consumer, generally do not require the delivery of a shopping experience or the development of an emotional attachment to the place of purchase by the consumer.

SPECIALTY RETAIL

Specialty retail goods and services are defined as discretionary or aspirational goods and services purchased using the consumer’s discretionary funds (and discretionary time).   As such, consumers most often purchase Specialty retail goods and services at retail outlets offering the best aspirational product assortment in the most appealing shopping environment. 

Consumers develop preferences for Specialty retailers and shopping centers based principally upon positive emotional reactions to the shopping experience.