Dennis Gershenson, president and CEO of Ramco-Gershenson Properties Trust (NYSE: RPT), joined REIT.com for a video interview at REITWeek 2017: NAREIT’s Investor Forum at the New York Hilton Midtown.
Gershenson commented that the broad discussion surrounding the retail real estate sector fails to differentiate between categories and tenants. Most of the focus is on retailers facing challenges, rather that the considerable number of retailers that are performing well in the current environment, he noted.
“We have a whole list of retailers who are very interested in our centers, and we plan to take advantage of their interest,” Gershenson said.
Ramco-Gershenson is concentrating on acquiring regionally dominant, multi-anchored shopping centers and infill, urban-oriented sites, Gershenson said. While the company ideally seeks a balance between acquisitions and dispositions, it is more likely to be a net seller than net buyer this year, he added.
Meanwhile, Gershenson said he is challenging his staff to take advantage of the many opportunities in the market and to “get all the deals done.”
“We’re a little bullish about what we expect to accomplish in the balance of the year,” Gershenson said.