Blog Post: How Short-Term Rentals Improve Tenant Relations and Boost Customer Traffic
In today’s retail environment, it’s not enough for malls to just keep the lights on—they need to stay active, engaging, and relevant. Short-term rentals in mall parking lots do more than generate extra revenue—they improve the overall energy of a center, which benefits your inline tenants and draws in new foot traffic.
Here’s how:
- They Bring the Buzz
Temporary activations like carnivals, farmers markets, inflatable parks, and food festivals draw a crowd. These events create curiosity and excitement, and when people show up for the attraction, they’re far more likely to browse, shop, or dine inside the mall while they’re there.
Inline tenants benefit from that traffic without paying for the event. That’s a win. - They Keep Tenants Happy
When retailers see the landlord actively working to drive traffic to the property, it builds goodwill. A steady pulse of outdoor activity helps them feel supported, especially during slower seasons. It’s not just about foot traffic—it’s about momentum.
Tenants who feel that their location is being actively promoted are more likely to renew, refer peers, and collaborate on future events. - They Extend Dwell Time
Short-term events often turn a quick errand into an all-day outing. A family might stop by for a bounce house or food truck rally and end up shopping for clothes, grabbing lunch, or catching a movie.
The longer people stay on-site, the more opportunities your existing tenants have to convert that traffic into revenue. - They Fuel Cross-Promotion
Temporary events offer a chance to align marketing with tenants. A kids’ play zone? Children’s clothing store runs a weekend sale. Food truck festival? The juice bar offers samples. These aren’t just gimmicks—they’re ways to tie outdoor energy to indoor revenue.
KevaWorks can help coordinate communication so that everyone—from the short-term operator to your inline tenants—is in the loop and set up for success. - They Help Build Community Loyalty
People return to places that feel alive. Regular outdoor events turn your mall into a destination, not just a shopping center. That creates repeat visits and a stronger emotional connection with the local community—something money can’t buy, but short-term activations can help create.
Final Thought
Short-term lot rentals are more than a side hustle. When done right, they lift the entire property—not just the landlord’s revenue. They drive new traffic, strengthen tenant relationships, and create a mall that feels less like a relic and more like a hub.
If you want help finding the right short-term tenants—and making sure they work in harmony with your long-term ones—KevaWorks is ready to jump in.