The Challenge

From the beginning, we knew we needed a grocer. In addition to a massing plan that entailed one large box space, the project merchandising mix and residential were suited to a grocer, especially a gourmet grocer for this underserved area.  After discussions with all the major markets, it came to light that all the grocers were 1) either represented in this trade area, or 2) did not find the demographics to support their business model.

The Solution.

In one of the earliest case studies of ‘massive mobile data’, CBRE enlisted a billboard company with helpful vehicular demographics to use mobile data to provide insights into the vehicular demographics passing this intersection.  The data highlighted origin & destination (home + office), peak traffic times, vehicular demographics (income, age, psychographic profile), etc..

The Outcome

Whole Foods committed to a lease for 50,000 SF. It was found at the time, while the gourmet grocer population perhaps did not live in the immediate vicinity, they pass the site on a regular basis.  These insights provided catalyst for further engagement and ultimately aided in Whole Foods committing to the site..

The landscape in this area has shifted tremendously since lease execution with Culver City experiencing explosive growth in the tech - entertainment market with groups like Amazon, Apple, HBO developing millions of SF in the area. This with the development in West Adams has only solidified the need for a gourmet grocer at this location.