Great opportunity for local retailers?

In mid-January, the Wall Street Journal reported that a real estate investment trust that runs class B and C malls across the country "is allocating a portion of space in its portfolio of about 70 million square feet to pop-up stores". These pop-up stores offer 60- to 90-day leases. The REIT is "targeting new merchants, including those that started their business online." 

• Crocker Galleria, in downtown San Francisco, has a 1,700 square foot Storenvy Popup that began in 2013 as a venue for new merchants. They cite one example of a women's clothing retailer that "started out in a 'fashion truck' in a parking lot, moved to the pop-up space, and now occupies a retail storefront in the three-story mall."

However, we see a great opportunity for an established retailer – like you, perhaps? The mall business is very tough right now, and few landlords are in a position of strength. That means that more of them are open to considering new ideas.

As an independent retailer, maybe you can be very nimble in setting up and operating a 90-day pop-up shop. 

Plus, as an established retailer, versus a new merchant, you could draw in foot traffic, coveted by mall landlords.

• Maybe you want to experiment with a new concept.
• Or, close out of a category of goods.
• Or, reach out to a new market segment.
• Or...?

Few landlords have retailers clamoring for long-term leases. For them, the opportunity to get some revenue – and its accompanying foot traffic to their property – could have a great deal of appeal. 

Even better, it's a fine way for you to be able to experiment, innovate, and maybe even re-energize your operation. 

Might a grim situation for some landlords be a golden opportunity for you? Something to consider.