The Weekly Take from CBRE

Right Here, Right Now: Reinventing the American Mall

Sep 16, 2025 · 37 min · Season 6 · Episode 37 · 36.5 MB
0:00-37:13

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CBL Properties’ Stephen Lebovitz and CBRE’s Rich Frolik explain how malls are being transformed into high-performing, mixed-use assets. From casinos and hotels to pickleball and movie theaters, malls are evolving to meet modern demand.


Key takeaways on the evolution of malls:

 

·      Malls are transitioning into multi-use destinations, integrating entertainment, hospitality and residential to diversify income and increase relevance.

·      Financing is increasingly accessible for retail assets, with recent deals showing lender confidence and competitive debt structures.

·      Success depends on hyper-local strategies, with redevelopment tailored to demographics, infrastructure and competitive dynamics.

·      Malls in secondary markets benefit from large trade areas and limited alternatives, reinforcing their role as dominant regional retail hubs.

·      Redeveloping legacy anchor spaces into formats that appeal to current customer wants and tastes can unlocks value and enhance long-term viability.