Benjamin Berkowitz, Vice President at Colonial Commercial Real Estate and Co-Founder and Principal of Pearl Capital, is raising awareness around the need for long-term thinking and disciplined execution in today’s retail real estate market. Drawing on his experience across brokerage, tenant representation, and investment, Berkowitz is advocating for a renewed focus on fundamentals as the industry navigates economic volatility and shifting consumer behavior.
Retail real estate remains a critical part of local economies. According to the International Council of Shopping Centers, neighborhood and community shopping centers account for more than 50 percent of all retail space in the United States and support millions of jobs nationwide. Despite headlines predicting decline, these assets continue to perform when they are well-located, well-leased, and actively managed.
“Retail real estate rewards patience,” Berkowitz said. “The deals that hold value over time are usually the ones where the fundamentals were sound from the start.”
Berkowitz has completed more than $60 million in transaction volume, specializing in single-tenant and multi-tenant retail properties. Through his work, he has seen firsthand how disciplined underwriting and long-term planning can shape outcomes.
“Early in my career, I focused too much on immediate wins,” he said. “Losing deals forced me to step back and think about what actually creates durability. That shift changed how I approach everything.”
Recent data supports this perspective. A 2024 report from Cushman & Wakefield found that retail vacancy rates in many secondary markets remain below pre-2020 levels, driven by essential-service tenants and local consumer demand. At the same time, new retail construction has remained limited, increasing the importance of existing centers.
Through Pearl Capital, Berkowitz focuses on value-add neighborhood and community shopping centers in high-growth secondary markets. The firm’s first acquisition, a 43,000-square-foot shopping center in Wichita Falls, Texas, closed in October 2025 and reflects this approach.
“We look at micro-market fundamentals rather than broad themes,” Berkowitz said. “Population trends, tenant mix, and day-to-day demand matter more than headlines.”
Berkowitz also points to credibility and consistency as key factors in long-term success across the industry.
“The most important qualities are discipline, credibility, and long-term thinking,” he said. “Those don’t show up overnight, but they compound over time.”
As retail real estate continues to evolve, Berkowitz encourages industry professionals, investors, and operators to stay grounded in data, execution, and local market knowledge. Rather than reacting to short-term cycles, he believes progress comes from steady focus and informed decision-making.
“Success comes from setting clear goals and following through,” Berkowitz said. “If you stay consistent long enough, the results tend to take care of themselves.”
Call to Action Industry professionals and observers are encouraged to engage with local market data, follow credible retail research, and participate in industry organizations that promote transparency and long-term thinking within commercial real estate.
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Benjamin Berkowitz
Benjamin Berkowitz is Vice President at Colonial Commercial Real Estate and Co-Founder and Principal of Pearl Capital. Based in Texas, he specializes in retail investment sales, tenant representation, and value-add retail acquisitions, with experience spanning brokerage and real estate investment across high-growth secondary markets.
Contact:
Info@benjamin-berkowitz.com
Media Contact
Company Name: Benjamin Berkowitz Texas
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: benjamin-berkowitz.com
