Dive Summary:

• The Global Retail Real Estate Convention is considered a legitimate indicator for gauging the health of the retail sector in major markets and an indication of retailers' future expansion plans. The event recorded its highest attendance since the economic downturn.
• "The increased attendance this year is indicative of the overall optimism, not just in the retail sector but the broader commercial real estate market," said Robert Knakal, chairman of Massey Knakal Realty Services.
• Major retailers use the event to connect with brokers and landlords, while New York store space owners see the event as a platform for publicizing new retail projects.

From the article:

The three-day event, a major stop for New York City retail real estate brokers and owners, is considered a bellwether for the health of the retail sector in major markets like the city and an indication of retailers' future expansion plans. At least 33,000 guests will be in attendance this year, the highest since 2007, according to an International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) spokesman.