Coworking with Jackie Levy

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Jackie Levy is chief financial and revenue officer at retail real estate developer Caruso.

How would you describe your job to someone who doesn’t work in retail? Despite the obvious, I don’t consider myself to be in the business of leasing and development; I am in the business of enriching lives. Metrics like sales per square foot and occupancy are part of my day to day, but what matters most is how to curate environments where people want to spend their time. When we focus on the guest experience, from having the right retail, food, and beverage destinations to creating enchanting mixed-use developments, the numbers follow. There’s a reason why Caruso has three of the top 10 performing retail properties in the US, including The Grove in LA and The Americana at Brand in Glendale, California.

One thing we can’t guess about your job from your LinkedIn profile? I’m not tied to my desk. My job is to understand what’s happening at the property level, which means I’m in the field at least 50% of the time. Talking regularly to guests, residents, and our customers (tenants) give me critical insight into how our properties can evolve over time for generations of guests and communities. Our short-term leasing strategy, including pop-ups and events, relies heavily on trendspotting, so it’s important that I’m gathering empirical data in real life. It also doesn’t hurt that I have three teenagers that keep me on my toes in terms of what’s blowing up on TikTok.

What’s your favorite project you’ve worked on? I have a deep connection to each of our properties, but one stands out currently: Palisades Village. (Palisades Village survived the LA fires of January 2025 that destroyed portions of Pacific Palisades, Malibu and Altadena). When we reopen the center in August 2026 and see people flowing back through the property, I think it’s going to be my proudest moment in my career. To withstand such a tragedy and remain steadfast in our promise to residents and local businesses reflects the Caruso way. When we make a commitment to a community, it’s for the long haul.

Which emerging retail trend are you most excited about right now, and why? Experiential retail is more important than ever. These experiences deepen brand connection while giving shoppers something they can’t get anywhere else. It’s authentic, it’s shareable, and it truly brings retail to life. That shift has pushed brands to prioritize pop-ups and immersive activations. To meet that demand, we’ve been investing in flexible, experience-first spaces across our properties. A great example is our Glass Box, a fully customizable pop-up structure at both The Grove and The Americana at Brand, which has recently been activated by brands like Chanel and Dr. Jart.

Another trend I’ve witnessed firsthand is luxury retailers creating product that is thoughtfully designed for, and available only at, a specific destination. This approach elevates the sense of discovery and reinforces the emotional connection between place and brand. I’ve seen this executed beautifully at Rosewood Miramar Beach in Montecito, California, where our retailers have crafted bespoke assortments and resort-exclusive pieces that feel intrinsically tied to the coastal setting and guest experience. This same philosophy is gaining momentum across the luxury landscape, from couture capsules created for iconic flagship stores to limited collections developed exclusively for world-class resorts, where authenticity, craftsmanship, and a strong sense of place are paramount.

What’s your go-to coffee order? Iced americano, black, from La La Land Kind Café.

Worst piece of advice you’ve received? “Just wing it.” I am a firm believer in the adage used by John Wooden: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.”

What was your favorite retail product when you were 15, and what’s your favorite retail product now? At 15, Nike was my go-to. At the time, everyone wanted to “Be Like Mike.” Michael Jordan was everywhere, and Nike’s shoes, apparel, and marketing felt truly groundbreaking. I still remember visiting their Los Angeles flagship and being mesmerized by how they reimagined the shopping experience. From shoe elevators that delivered your exact size from the stockroom to multiple floors, to immersive brand storytelling throughout the space, it felt ahead of its time. Today, my favorite retail experience is far more personal; it’s shopping with my kids and discovering what captures their attention and imagination and seeing firsthand how the next generation connects with brands.