Sarah K. Wiebenson named as Senior Vice President, Retail, as its first retail specialist in Denver office with plans to grow retail market share

Denver, CO — Global commercial real estate advisor, Avison Young, today announces that it has appointed Sarah K. Wiebenson as Senior Vice President, Retail, based in the firm’s Denver office. A nationally recognized retail strategist, Wiebenson will play a key role in expanding Avison Young’s retail services platform and market share across Colorado and contribute to the firm’s national retail platform.

Wiebenson brings more than 25 years of experience in retail placemaking, tenant representation, and urban strategy, with a proven track record of helping clients create dynamic, retail-driven destinations. She will focus on tenant representation while also contributing to the growth of the firm’s retail capabilities in Denver where she is the first dedicated retail specialist in the office, with plans to expand the team in the near future.

“Sarah is a highly respected and high-profile addition to our team, and her expertise will be instrumental as we build out our retail platform in Denver and beyond,” said Katie Kruger, Principal and Market Leader of Avison Young’s Denver office. “Her ability to connect market strategy with real-world placemaking will bring immediate value to our clients and position us for continued growth in the retail sector.”

Wiebenson joins Avison Young from Grounded Collaborative, a boutique retail strategy consultancy she founded, where she advised real estate investors, downtown organizations, and public agencies on asset positioning, tenant strategy, and revenue-driven placemaking. She is widely recognized for translating complex market dynamics into actionable strategies that increase foot traffic, support long-term asset value, and create engaging, community-focused environments.

Prior to founding Grounded Collaborative, Wiebenson served as Vice President of Economic Development for the Downtown Denver Partnership. In that role, she led retail activation efforts along the 16th Street Mall during a multi-year reconstruction, successfully supporting the retention of every small business impacted by construction. Her public sector experience also includes senior leadership roles with the City of Boulder, where she led a citywide retail study, developed a commercial district revitalization strategy, and played a key role in a high-profile public-private development initiative.

Throughout her career, Wiebenson has developed nationally recognized programs focused on retail activation, small business retention, and district revitalization -- many designed in response to periods of economic disruption and built to deliver measurable, lasting impact.

“Today’s retail consumers are more informed and sophisticated than ever,” said Wiebenson. “I look forward to working alongside Avison Young’s talented international Retail Services team to help our clients merchandise and operate retail-oriented destinations that successfully engage customers’ curiosity and long-term loyalty.”

Wiebenson holds a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies and Architectural History from Brown University and a Master’s degree in Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She has also pursued additional studies at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. Her work has earned national recognition, including the 2025 Pinnacle Award for Innovation from the International Downtown Association. She is a frequent speaker, advisor, and instructor for leading industry organizations.