In this episode, host Anjee Solanki sits down with Gregg Katz, Director of Business Industry Solutions for Real Estate at ESRI, to explore how “the science of where” is transforming retail decision-making. Gregg shares how the industry has evolved from basic demographics to rich layers of geospatial, psychographic, and mobility data, and why today’s biggest advantage comes from translating that data into clear, actionable stories.

They discuss the realities of AI in retail — what it can accelerate, what it can’t replace, and why human insight and local market knowledge remain essential. Gregg also breaks down shifting generational influence, from the spending power of Boomers and Gen X to the rising impact of Gen Alpha, and what this means for future retail formats and experiences.

The conversation wraps with a look at the “new retail math,” where market-level impact and brand influence are becoming more valuable than traditional KPIs.

Listen to the full podcast below or on the following platform links: Spotify, Podcasters, Apple Podcasts, Pocket Casts, Google Podcasts and Amazon.