Runyon Group’s Retail Revolution: Betting on Malls for Millennials with Money
The Runyon Group is reimagining retail in Los Angeles and beyond, creating spaces that blend luxury, community, and unique experiences. With projects like Platform in Culver City, Row DTLA, and the latest Post Montecito, co-founders Joseph Miller and David Fishbein are setting a new standard for retail development. Let’s explore how their work resonates with a new generation of affluent shoppers and connects with the broader evolution of Southern California’s real estate landscape.
Curating Experiences That Resonate
The Runyon Group has a knack for crafting spaces that feel more like curated experiences than traditional retail centers. Their mix includes brands like Go Get Em Tiger, known for its almond macadamia lattes, and Janessa Leone, offering wool fedoras that reflect effortless sophistication. This unique approach draws a discerning clientele looking for more than just a place to shop—it’s about lifestyle.
Their latest project, Post Montecito, reflects this ethos on a broader scale, creating a destination for those who value thoughtful design and carefully selected brands. It’s part of a larger shift toward redefining suburban areas as lifestyle-driven hubs where people want to live, shop, and connect.
From Platform to Post Montecito: A New Kind of Development
Runyon’s early projects, like Platform in Culver City, transformed underutilized areas into vibrant destinations. It wasn’t easy. In Culver City, it took time for the neighborhood to embrace the change, but the result is now a bustling center that attracts visitors from across Los Angeles. Row DTLA followed, proving the model could scale to larger, more challenging areas like the Arts District.
Post Montecito, located in Santa Barbara, represents the next evolution of their strategy—bringing their signature style to affluent suburban areas. By creating spaces where culture and commerce meet, Runyon is reshaping what retail can mean in suburban communities.
Shifting Demographics and Growing Demand
Millennials are increasingly moving to suburban areas, bringing with them a demand for high-quality experiences. Post Montecito’s mix of shops and restaurants reflects this shift, offering a curated blend of retailers that cater to a modern audience.
According to Runyon Group’s Joseph Miller, “It’s about being where the next generation of shoppers is going—not just physically, but in terms of what they want.” This focus on anticipating trends and meeting evolving needs is key to their success.
The Broader Picture: Transforming Communities
The impact of Runyon’s developments goes beyond retail. Their projects have helped reshape neighborhoods, creating demand where there was none and fostering a sense of connection. As these spaces grow in popularity, they raise the bar for what retail and community-building can achieve.
For those drawn to the vibrancy of such areas, the real estate market offers unique opportunities to connect with these evolving spaces.
The Road Ahead
Runyon’s focus on creating cultural hubs is perfectly timed with the broader shift in how people live and shop. By aligning their developments with the lifestyle aspirations of their audience, they’re not just creating retail centers—they’re building destinations that redefine entire neighborhoods.
As affluent millennials continue to shape the market, projects like Post Montecito offer a glimpse into the future of retail and community development.
Closing Thoughts
The Runyon Group’s ability to anticipate trends and create spaces that resonate is setting a new standard for what retail can achieve. Their work in areas like Montecito demonstrates how thoughtful design and a curated approach can transform communities and meet the demands of a changing demographic.
Whether you’re drawn to the lifestyle or seeking opportunities in these evolving areas, there’s never been a more exciting time to explore what’s next in Southern California’s landscape.
