Search
 

Temporary Leases Gain in Popularity

SEATTLE-Mike Olsen, a Seattle real estate broker for Staubach Co., sees a trend toward temporary leasing among retailers wanting to take advantage of a particular season or a short-term sale.

By Ingrid Ricks | Updated on October 30, 2000

SEATTLE-For Seattle real estate broker Mike Olsen, Halloween starts in May. For the past five years, the broker for Dallas-based Staubach Co. has been scouting and securing key temporary locations for Spirit, a nationally-based retailer that focuses exclusively on Halloween and only needs space for the three-month period between Mid-August and mid-November. This year, the company wanted eight locations throughout the Puget Sound and Portland, each in the range of 12,000 sf to 15,000 sf.

It’s a job that Olsen, who typically represents traditional long-term tenants, has found both rewarding and challenging – but one he sees as growing trend among retailers looking to capitalize on a certain holiday or retail event. “Temporary leasing is nothing new, but I see an increasing number of retailers taking advantage of holiday seasons or special retail events on a temporary basis,” says Olsen. “Specifically around Halloween, I know of two local competitors that have started their own temporary Halloween stores in the Puget Sound area.”

Want to continue reading?
Become a Free ALM Digital Reader.

Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Unlimited access to GlobeSt and other free ALM publications
  • Access to 15 years of GlobeSt archives
  • Your choice of GlobeSt digital newsletters and over 70 others from popular sister publications
  • 1 free article* every 30 days across the ALM subscription network
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM events and publications

*May exclude premium content
Already have an account?

NOT FOR REPRINT

© 2025 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.

GlobeSt

Join GlobeSt

Don't miss crucial news and insights you need to make informed commercial real estate decisions. Join GlobeSt.com now!

  • Free unlimited access to GlobeSt.com's trusted and independent team of experts who provide commercial real estate owners, investors, developers, brokers and finance professionals with comprehensive coverage, analysis and best practices necessary to innovate and build business.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM and GlobeSt events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join GlobeSt

Copyright © 2025 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.