What: events and initiatives on stores parking lots.

Why is it interesting: one way for retailers and landlords to respond to the decreasing store traffic in the wake of the pandemic.

A parking lot has never been a great attraction, but amid the pandemic, with the emphasis on outdoor space to remain safe, shopping malls and garages are sharing their parking lots to tenants and vendors for open-air stores and events. Brick-and-mortar retail has been hit hard and landlords are happy with any solution that can bring some foot traffic.

Happenings on parking lots can go from shops to distribution centers or even Covid-19 test stations. Ahead of Halloween, some are setting up haunted houses or hosting shows for people to enjoy from their cars.

This summer, IADS member Breuninger organised a live theatrical show in the parking lot of their Stuttgart store, for customers to watch directly from their cars. The night included dinner, served directly in the clients’ car.

Parking Lots See More Action Than Adjoining Shops

Related items:

• Breuninger gives the lead to Walmart for entertainment
• IADS Exclusive - Walmart: thinking outside the (big) box