Robust employment and population inflows are broadening the consumer base in Texas and boosting demand for shopping and entertainment in the region. Retail vacancy levels in Dallas are returning to pre-pandemic status, thanks in part to restrained construction activity and an increased willingness of retailers to move into second-generation space, according to Marcus & Millichap’s third-quarter report on the market.

These strong fundamentals have industry players pursuing Texas-size opportunities at this year’s ICSC@RED RIVER event, which also covers Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. The event runs Jan. 18 to 20 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas.

Adaptive reuse is bound to be a hot topic as investors seek insight into the challenges and benefits of the process. On Thursday from 9:30-10:15 a.m., executives from Ark Commercial & Investment Real Estate, Price Edwards and Co., Jim Lake Co. and Wildcat Management will explore unique projects across the Red River States that have successfully transformed into thriving, new uses. U.S. Olympian and bobsled athlete Johnny Quinn will keynote the conference on Thursday at 12:30 p.m. He’ll share how Olympians tap their inner strength to achieve inspiring results and how these principles can be applied to the business world.

Big winners from the field of dining, retail and entertainment also will share their stories and strategies at the event. Among the informative sessions will be a panel exploring the hot-button issues affecting retail, real estate and beyond, including representatives from L&B Realty Advisors, Trademark, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and The Kroger Co. The co-founder and CEO of high-tech drive-thru supermarket retailer JackBe will sit on an Innovative Grocery panel with representatives from Kroger and consulting firm MTN/Creditntell to discuss the concepts, technology and trends transforming the grocery industry and its shopper experience.

Retailer Central

Retailer Central is bound to be a hot zone at the event, with a range of expanding tenants on hand to discuss future locations in the market. These include regional and national food-and-beverage operators like Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop & Wing Zone, Celis Juice Bar, Freebirds World Burrito, Mr. Gatti’s Pizza, McDonald’s, Panda Restaurant Group, Popeyes, Scooter’s Coffee, Shipley Do-Nuts, Starbucks, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, Whataburger and Yolk Restaurant.

Apparel retailers like Bealls, Burlington, Cato Fashions and Shoe Show also will be in Retailer Central, as will other tenants that make for a strong mix of uses, such as AT&T Mobility, Dollar Tree/Family Dollar, Electrify America electric vehicle charging stations, First Cash Pawn, Ulta Beauty and Watermill Express.

Automotive users like Advance Auto Parts, AutoZone, Caliber Carwash, Driven Brands, Super Star Car Wash, Tidal Wave Auto Spa and Valvoline will present their expansion plans alongside convenience operators like 7-Eleven, QuikTrip and RaceTrac.

And projects that need to boost dwell time and create a sense of community will find experiential tenants like CEC Entertainment, Orangetheory Fitness, Planet Fitness and PrimeTime Amusements; service tenants like Great Clips, My Salon Suite, Sport Clips, The Learning Experience and Pinch-A-Penney pool patio and spa; and medtail tenants like Heartland Dental and Total Primary Care.

Register for ICSC@RED RIVER here.