It turns out that “try before you buy” is a compelling pitch for retailers as well as shoppers. In what’s becoming a commonly accepted practice, retail landlords such as WS Development and Wilder regularly take a flier on local, independently-owned shops that bring unique, new concepts to their portfolios.
Pop-up restaurants, many started as stopgap measures by struggling chefs and owners, may have staying power as consumers continue to embrace takeout and delivery and the delta variant threatens to make dining in less of an option.
Pop-ups and temporary leases in general are more popular than ever in a post-COVID environment. They are not new but are now more relevant and attractive for all.
Emily Isenberg’s company straddles the worlds of event planning and retail real estate, working with retail startups and landlords on short-term strategies to fill vacant spaces with events and temporary tenants.
