Malls in the U.S. are experiencing a resurgence, specifically by a shift in anchor tenant strategy at assets, with malls increasingly embracing experiential venues, restaurants, and fitness centers alongside traditional department stores, according to Placer.ai.
These nontraditional anchors enhance visitor experiences and generate higher foot traffic, benefiting smaller retailers throughout the mall. For example, the addition of Scheels, a sporting goods store at Towne East Square Mall in Wichita, Kan., significantly boosted visits, especially from long-distance travelers. Another example: The Barnes & Noble at Coronado Center in Albuquerque, N.M., has become a key driver of both foot traffic and higher-spend demographics.
Placer.ai also concluded that mall anchor strategies now prioritize foot traffic over tenant size, with even small dining
