LAS VEGAS—As leasing managers seek more inventive methods to reduce vacancies and increase NOI, more properties are engaging non-traditional tenants and are thinking creatively about how they can make the best use of their property's space. So says Sharon Leoff, president of Shopworks Inc., based in Scottsdale, AZ. Leoff held a workshop course at ICSC RECon 2018 on who non-traditional tenants are, how to engage them, the best leasing structures, and innovative ways to make the best use of a retail center's space.
“In our changing world of malls, leasing representatives need to be thinking outside of the box,” she said. “Each type of center has a different priority, different space that can be utilized uniquely. And when you look at each type of center, each offer different opportunities and challenges.”
The good news, according to Leoff, is that the mall continues to be a central gathering place for the community. “About 75% of all Americans visit a mall at least once a month. Shopping malls have become the third most frequented location for Americans, after home and work.” She added that “shopping at the mall is a social experience and 81% of Americans shop with someone else.”
Recommended For You
Want to continue reading?
Become a Free ALM Digital Reader.
Once you are an ALM Digital Member, you’ll receive:
- Breaking commercial real estate news and analysis, on-site and via our newsletters and custom alerts
- Educational webcasts, white papers, and ebooks from industry thought leaders
- Critical coverage of the property casualty insurance and financial advisory markets on our other ALM sites, PropertyCasualty360 and ThinkAdvisor
Already have an account? Sign In Now
*May exclude premium content© 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.
Natalie Dolce
Natalie Dolce, editor-in-chief of GlobeSt.com, is responsible for working with editorial staff, freelancers and senior management to help plan the overarching vision that encompasses GlobeSt.com, including short-term and long-term goals for the website, how content integrates through the company’s other product lines and the overall quality of content. Previously she served as national executive editor and editor of the West Coast region for GlobeSt.com and Real Estate Forum, and was responsible for coverage of news and information pertaining to that vital real estate region. Prior to moving out to the Southern California office, she was Northeast bureau chief, covering New York City for GlobeSt.com. Her background includes a stint at InStyle Magazine, and as managing editor with New York Press, an alternative weekly New York City paper. In her career, she has also covered a variety of beats for M magazine, Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel, FashionLedge.com, and Co-Ed magazine. Dolce has also freelanced for a number of publications, including MSNBC.com and Museums New York magazine.
