Where Culture Meets Commerce: The Role of Retail in Shaping Urban Life with Edie Weintraub
Dot Dot Dot: The NINE dot ARTS Podcast
Episode 89
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Beyond maximizing square footage, today’s successful developments are rooted in storytelling—creating spaces that spark connection, celebrate culture, and reflect the communities they serve. In this podcast episode, Edie Weintraub, Founder and Managing Director of Terra Alma, shares how placemaking through local, experience-driven retail is transforming cities into vibrant, walkable destinations. With 85% of consumer purchases made by women, Edie makes a compelling case for elevating female entrepreneurs, local vendors, and place-based retail to better align with the modern marketplace.
From converting industrial buildings into thriving food halls to mentoring women and minority entrepreneurs, Edie reveals how thoughtful design and inclusive business strategies can drive both social and economic growth. For developers, architects, and planners navigating a post-COVID market, her insights offer a roadmap for turning vacant spaces into vibrant ecosystems where culture and commerce collide – and everyone benefits.
Discussed in the Episode:
Edie Weintraub
Terra Alma
Seth Godin
Irreplaceable by Kevin Ervin Kelley
Shantell Martin
Feed the Soul Foundation
Chattahoochee Foodworks
Ponce City Market
The Future is Analog
The Joy Experiments
Beltline Lantern Parade
Shantell Martin Installation
Women In Restaurants
Women in Restaurants Hosts Working Day at Comfort Farms
Euclidean Zoning
Terra Alma on Instagram
Edie Weintraub on LinkedIn
About Edie Weintraub:
Edie Weintraub is the Founder and Managing Director of Terra Alma, a retail real estate advisory firm that helps businesses scale and crafts walkable, vibrant downtowns by handpicking emerging brands. With over 20 years of experience in real estate, Edie specializes in site selection, leasing, and placemaking, focusing on creating human-centric environments where both businesses and communities flourish. Edie works with restaurant, retail, and real estate developers, guiding them to craft spaces that foster authentic connections. She believes that the best spaces are those that balance economic success with cultural relevance and social engagement.
Whether helping businesses expand or advising on the development of walkable, vibrant communities, Edie’s approach blends creativity, collaboration, and deep local knowledge. In addition to her advisory work, Edie is passionate about empowering other women in business. Through Women in Restaurants she fosters a community of women entrepreneurs in the restaurant and retail sectors, providing them with the tools and support they need to scale while staying true to their values. A frequent speaker, Edie is known for her insights on placemaking, community-building, and scaling businesses. Her work spans across the Southeast, and she continues to lead the conversation on the future of retail and urban development.
About Dot Dot Dot: The NINE dot ARTS Podcast:
Dot Dot Dot is the continuing conversation around art in the built environment. Episodes explore art, culture, placemaking, and more with a range of reputable art and business leaders. Tune in biweekly to learn how an original art experience can boost your business and make a positive social impact. Episodes are available wherever you get your podcasts!