Retailers Rock

The shopping center people (attending the big ICSC convention yesterday and today) are just like skiers. Sure, they may listen to the industry updates and "greening of retail" speakers, but they save a lot of energy for the "après-panel" activity in the evening. And today they're back for more—we just got off the phone with Douglas Development's Blake Esherick(see below) who said he's on the floor hunting for tenants and "makin' deals."

Our favorite party last night was Madison Marquette's soiree at PoshSupper Club on 11th street. Above, Madison Retail's Eric Rubin, second from right, is one of the top retail brokers around, fresh from helping to fill the ground floor of the renovated Woodies building (1025 F) withMadame Tussauds, leading Spanish apparel retailer Zara, and home goods store West Elm. Joining him were, from left, Global Development Partners' Tim Kissler (Poplar Point in Anacostia), Ocean Atlantico's Wendy Baker (mixed use in Lewes, Delaware), and Madison marketing guru Kurt Ivey.

Next Generation. The 20-somethings had their own networking affair across from the convention center complete with a loud, pounding beat that we don't usually hear at the parties frequented by some of their older family members (we'll let you guess the connections from the last names). From left, JM Zell's Meghan Davis, Davis Construction's Patrick Cotter, Holland & Knight's Kate Bagwell, Meridian Capital's Sydne Garchik,and H&K's Lauren Rabbitt.

Even more heart-warming family ties were in evidence. At the ICSC's own party, we ran into some other famous families. Brothers Charlie and Tom Papadopoulos (first and third from left) with brother-in-law George Kretikos, broker many of the top restaurant deals in the city for both landlords and tenants. With them on the right are members of the illustrious Jemal family: Norman and Matthew (sons of patriarch Douglas) and cousin Blake Escherick.