Savills Launches U.S. Retail Advisory Platform

Savills is making a high-stakes play in America’s resurgent retail market.

The London-based brokerage launched a U.S. retail advisory platform — an expansion of its global retail business, the Commercial Observer reported. The move marks Savills’ biggest U.S. retail push to date, with the firm positioning itself to compete in what it called “one of the most dynamic and consumer-driven markets in the world.”

David Lipson, CEO of Savills North America, said the launch underscores the firm’s investment in the region.

“We’re bringing the full scale and sophistication of our global platform to clients here,” Lipson said in a statement.

Savills recruited three retail veterans from CBRE to anchor the service. Todd Siegel will lead the business as president of U.S. retail. Based in Chicago, Siegel will oversee growth of the retail advisory group nationwide and coordinate with Savills’ global retail teams in Canada, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Joining him are Phillip Golding, who will serve as executive managing director, and Kimberly Wiskup as corporate managing director.

They will focus on luxury and Class A high-street retail in core markets including New York’s Fifth Avenue, Los Angeles’ Rodeo Drive and Chicago’s Magnificent Mile.

“This launch brings the full strength of the Savills global retail platform to the United States,” Siegel said in a statement. “Our focus is on advising owners and retailers who see real estate as an extension of their identity — where the right location can elevate a brand, define an asset, and shape a community.”

Siegel’s résumé includes flagship deals for Eataly and Starbucks and leases at high-profile properties such as 1221 Avenue of the Americas in New York and 400 Post Street in San Francisco. Golding previously managed store development for Starbucks, while Wiskup has consulted on top-tier assets like Chicago’s Willis Tower.

Janet Woods, president of Savills North America, said clients have been asking for a more globally connected and integrated retail advisory network.

— Eric Weilbacher