At Niche Retail Strategies, LLC we use our knowledge and experience to deliver real value to owners, investors and lessees. We are committed to providing industry-leading real estate services you can trust based on deep understanding, expert insights, a solid foundation of proven tactics combined with innovative thinking. We also pride ourselves on honesty and transparency in the true sense of partnership.

Our Our Expertise in Action

Ms. Bentkoski brings a long history of prestigious projects and notable accomplishment to Niche Retail Strategies. One example of her expertise in action was the grand opening of The Americana at Brand, a $400 million mixed-use development by Caruso Affiliated set on 15.5 acres in Glendale, CA. The development features 375,000 square feet of retail, comprised of 75 boutiques, an 18-screen cinema, 238 apartments and 100 condominium luxury residences.

Ms. Bentkoski was fully responsible for hiring the core management team; creating the countdown and opening plan; developing 2008 and 2009 budgets; redrafting the residential lease and extensive addendums; drafting a comprehensive scope of work for each service contract for each entity (retail, residential and condominiums); and supervising a construction punch list of work for the retail, residential, common areas, and parking structure. In addition she oversaw hospitality, guest services and operations of the retail center. She was also responsible for ensuring that each department set up policies and procedures, standard operations manuals, environmental manuals, event checklists, in home dining procedures, job descriptions, goals and objectives. She also handled drafting extensive training documents and call center learning tools.

Ms. Bentkoski also created the Americana at Brand merchant manual, which has since been recognized by the ICSC as a best-in-class example to be used as a template for other merchant guides.

Prior to opening the Americana at Brand, Ms. Bentkoski was the general manager of the world famous Two Rodeo in Beverly Hills, California. During her 6 years there, she oversaw the day-to-day operations and marketing of the 130,000 square foot luxury shopping center, which features Tiffany & Co., Gianfranco Ferre, Gianni Versace, Breguet, Jose Eber Atelier, Jimmy Choo, Judith Ripka, Lalique, Gucci Fine Jewelry, Buccellati, Urasawa and Smythson of London. As general manager, Ms. Bentkoski worked with CBRE Real Estate Services, Trammell Crow Company, and Madison-Marquette Retail Services. During her tenure, she launched numerous initiatives resulting in an annual income increase of $700K. Some of these programs included changes to the lease language to collect additional CAM charges and recapture HVAC and electricity costs, increased parking revenues, tenant service billings and a reduction of fraud insurance claims. She successfully oversaw capital expenditures to install a new CCTV and energy management system, a new fire sprinkler alarm panel and all new landscaping.

She introduced the Two Rodeo Learn About Wine summer wine tasting series and the co-creator of the Bow Wow Beverly Hills Holiday pet adoption, the first ever on Rodeo Drive.  To ensure that Two Rodeo retained its status as the icon of the Beverly Hills shopping experience, Ms. Bentkoski also worked closely with the merchants and the business community, The Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and The Rodeo Drive Committee to continue to build a solid and lasting foundation of efficiency and excellence.

Another icon of recognition that Ms. Bentkoski possesses in her body of work, was having served as the Assistant Director of the popular nine (9) block outdoor retail area, Third Street Promenade, in Santa Monica, California. She was instrumental in implementing and maintaining programs for operation, restoration and revitalization.  To facilitate this, she conceived of a retail recruitment plan in 1991 that resulted in hiring The Fransen Company; subsequently, leases were executed with the trendy retail stores Z Gallerie and Urban Outfitters. These retailers were quickly followed by other popular additions to the tenant roster. She also worked with the City of Santa Monica to draft sales tax abatement and marketing programs as well as maintenance operations manuals for maintaining the shopping district. Having facilitated various festivals on the Promenade such as Santa Monica's Folk & Jazz, Festa Italia, the Independence Art Festival and the Art & Pumpkin Festival, some events drew estimated crowds of 25,000+ people.

With a strong list of credentials and professional know-how, Niche Retail Strategies’ President is a leader who ensures that the right strategy, blended with quality and value will maintain the high standards of excellence she has always lived by.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND ACCREDITATIONS

1. Certified Shopping Center Manager (CSM), ICSC
2. Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce, Board Member, 2003 – 2007 and Vice President of Membership, 2002 - 2006
3. Rodeo Drive Committee, Board of Directors, 2007
4. Beverly Hills Design & Life Magazine, Board Member, 2006 - present
5. Community Police Advisory Board for WLAPD, Member 1999 - 2007 and Assistant Co-chair, 2002 -2007
6. Professional Coaches and Mentors Association, Member, 2002-2006
7. International Council of Shopping Centers 1988 – present
8. Westside Neighborhood Council, Alternate Member, 2000-2001
9. Orlingua School for the Hearing Impaired, Assistant Co-Chair engaged in significant fund-raising activities