2016 Year in Review: Bertand de Soultrait, Bertwood Realty

Bertand de Soultrait, Bertwood Realty

Name & Title: Bertand de Soultrait, President

Company Name: Bertwood Realty

What was your most notable project, deal, transaction or professional achievement in 2016?

The opening of our London office with our local partner Thomas Pain and Co. We completed our first U.K. retail transaction in July with the famous European brand ‘Magnum,’ owned by industry giant ‘Unilever,’ and realized there was a huge opportunity for us.

What project, transaction, market trend or product had the greatest impact on your industry this year?

The decrease in asking rents across key NYC areas combined with the increase of inventory (due to the high rents) has helped us find and negotiate better terms on behalf of our retailers. The high rents in areas like the Meat Packing District, for example, created new opportunity in areas once overlooked. This year we brought two high-profile New York fashion brands to the W. Chelsea area (10,000+ s/f) because the rents were significantly lower, while still offering compelling space, perfect for showrooms and production.

How will you be supercharging your productivity in 2017?

Building upon our success in bringing European brands to the US and our new partnership in London, we are excited about the opening of our Paris office, 7 rue Pasquier, Paris, 8^th district in January. The move is part of our efforts to provide international commercial real estate services for European brands coming to New York and US brands interested in Europe.  Our Paris office will be well equipped to represent US retailers in the French retail market with experienced French-based brokers fluent in English.