Pickleball Takes Over Malls: Shopping malls are evolving as retailers adapt to changing consumer demands. Traditional department stores are being replaced by supermarkets, entertainment venues, and interactive experiences like pickleball courts and virtual reality centers. This shift reflects a growing preference for service-based businesses over traditional retail shopping.
A report from JLL Real Estate highlights this trend, noting that “over the past decade, we have witnessed consumers’ focus shift gradually from goods to services and experiences.” While the COVID-19 pandemic briefly disrupted this momentum, service-based tenants are now expected to lease more retail space than goods-based tenants by 2025.
Retail Spaces Reimagined
Across the country, shopping malls are adapting to this new reality. Large retail spaces that once housed big-box stores are now home to fitness centers, family entertainment hubs, and specialty attractions. Movie theaters and gaming venues have become key anchors, drawing foot traffic and encouraging longer visits.
Pickleball courts are among the most popular additions. As one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., pickleball has found a home in vacant retail spaces, offering communities a place to play and socialize. Virtual reality centers and esports arenas are also rising in popularity, creating immersive experiences that attract a younger demographic.
The Future of Retail
The shift toward experiential retail is reshaping how malls and shopping centers operate. The JLL report notes that “as we enter 2025, service-based tenants are projected to lease more retail space than goods-based tenants, marking a historic shift in the retail property sector.” This transition is driven by consumer demand for interactive and engaging experiences over traditional shopping.
Developers and property owners are responding by repurposing underutilized spaces to accommodate these new trends. This evolution not only revitalizes shopping centers but also helps create vibrant, community-focused destinations that blend retail, entertainment, and recreation.
News in Brief: Pickleball Takes Over Malls
Shopping malls are shifting focus from retail stores to experiential attractions like pickleball courts and virtual reality centers. A JLL report projects service-based tenants will lease more retail space than goods-based stores by 2025. This shift reflects consumer demand for interactive experiences over traditional shopping, reshaping the retail landscape.
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