After a long Covid-induced period when the public avoided large gatherings, owners of malls and retail lifestyle centers are increasingly focused on attracting tenants that provide opportunities for socialization. Pent-up demand for experiences involving gatherings of people is fueling renovations and redesigns of large retail developments, according to an ALM report.
In some cases, this leads to conversion of stores selling goods to spaces for service-oriented tenants. Some owners have redeveloped former box stores for nontraditional tenants such as fitness brands, office spaces, and food and beverage amenities.
Mall developers are seeking a consistent level of activity within shopping centers via a greater proportion of “social” tenants to attract enough foot traffic to support other businesses. From an overall design standpoint, inviting patios, accessibility, and visibility are top priorities.
Developers are also finding that innovative small businesses can be sources of new trends that infuse retail centers with new vitality.
Related Stories
Industry Research | Feb 22, 2016
8 of the most interesting trends from Gensler’s Design Forecast 2016
Technology is running wild in Gensler’s 2016 forecast, as things like virtual reality, "smart" buildings and products, and fully connected online and offline worlds are making their presence felt throughout many of the future's top trends.
Market Data | Feb 10, 2016
Nonresidential building starts and spending should see solid gains in 2016: Gilbane report
But finding skilled workers continues to be a problem and could inflate a project's costs.
Market Data | Feb 9, 2016
Cushman & Wakefield is bullish on U.S. economy and its property markets
Sees positive signs for construction and investment growth in warehouses, offices, and retail
Market Data | Jan 20, 2016
Nonresidential building starts sag in 2015
CDM Research finds only a few positive signs among the leading sectors.
| Jan 14, 2016
How to succeed with EIFS: exterior insulation and finish systems
This AIA CES Discovery course discusses the six elements of an EIFS wall assembly; common EIFS failures and how to prevent them; and EIFS and sustainability.
Retail Centers | Dec 13, 2015
Aged chimney in Baku sees new life as shopping center totem
For the Twin Towers of Port Baku, the restoration requires an elaborate anchoring and stabilization process.
Retail Centers | Nov 18, 2015
Foster + Partners unveils design for Apple Store on Chicago River
The 20,000-sf store draws inspiration from the Prairie School architectural style.
Shopping Centers | Nov 12, 2015
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones breaks ground on $1 billion mixed-use development
The plan calls for retail space, including a Walmart, along with offices, apartments, and homes.
Retail Centers | Oct 12, 2015
Rotterdam’s ‘ugliest building’ turned into sleek McDonald’s branch
Since the 1960s, residents of the Dutch city of Rotterdam have been bugged by an unsightly cigar shop on Coolsingel, one of its busiest streets. It received a much needed facelift earlier this year, designed by Mei Architects.
Multifamily Housing | Oct 7, 2015
BIG designs lush, terraced mixed-use building in Sweden
Cascading glass and wooden cubes create a form similar to Northern Ireland’s Giant’s Causeway rock formation.
