Michael and Brian Hirschfeld, a father-son retail brokerage team, joined Colliers' New York City office as vice chair and senior vice president. The pair departed JLL to bring their combined expertise to Colliers' retail services division.
Michael specializes in luxury retail. His focus on high-end properties positions him to handle premium Manhattan storefronts and flagship locations where rents command top dollar. Brian, stepping into the senior vice president role, rounds out the team's capability across the retail spectrum.
The move reflects ongoing talent competition among major commercial brokerages. JLL loses experienced dealmakers while Colliers strengthens its retail brokerage bench in a market where retail property represents both challenge and opportunity. Manhattan's retail landscape has shifted dramatically since the pandemic, with luxury brands still commanding premium rents while secondary retail struggles.
For retail tenants, the Hirschfelds' arrival at Colliers means additional experienced representation in lease negotiations and site selection. Landlords gain brokers with deep ties to institutional investors and institutional knowledge of what drives luxury retail deals. The father-son dynamic also suggests mentorship value, with Michael's decades of experience flowing directly to Brian, who brings contemporary market awareness.
Colliers' retail services team now has enhanced depth in New York, the country's most competitive retail market. The luxury retail niche remains resilient in Manhattan despite overall market softness. High-end brands continue seeking premium locations on Fifth Avenue, Madison Avenue, and SoHo, where foot traffic justifies premium pricing.
The hiring signals Colliers' continued investment in its commercial platform across major US cities. Retail brokerage remains a cornerstone service for commercial firms, even as e-commerce pressures reshape the sector. Generational teams like the Hirschfelds bring continuity and relationships that younger shops struggle to replicate.
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