Private Clubs Are Replacing Retail Giants as America’s New Commercial Anchors

From malls to downtown districts, membership-only spaces are reshaping the future of commercial real estate.

As traditional retail anchors continue to lose ground across the United States, a different kind of tenant is moving in. Private, members-only clubs are steadily taking over valuable commercial real estate, offering landlords a new way to revive struggling malls, shopping centers, and downtown properties.

In today’s uneven economy, everyday retail stores are finding it harder to attract consistent foot traffic. In contrast, private clubs designed for affluent consumers are emerging as powerful traffic drivers. These clubs often combine fine dining, coworking spaces, cultural events, and social experiences, encouraging members to visit multiple times a week rather than just occasionally.

Commercial real estate experts say the appeal is simple. Membership clubs bring predictable revenue, longer lease commitments, and steady visitor flow, even during off-peak hours. According to industry analysts, a well-placed private club can generate nearly double the foot traffic of a traditional retail tenant, making it an increasingly attractive anchor for landlords.

Once largely confined to coastal cities, the trend is spreading to mid-sized markets such as Cincinnati, Grand Rapids, and Dallas. Vacant buildings that once sat idle for years are now being transformed into vibrant social hubs, helping to breathe life back into surrounding neighborhoods.

For landlords, the shift reflects a broader change in how retail spaces are used. Shopping centers are no longer just places to buy goods, they are becoming destinations built around experience, connection, and time spent on site.

While private clubs are not a fit for every property, their rise highlights a clear message for the real estate industry: in a changing retail landscape, spaces that offer exclusivity, engagement, and experience are quickly becoming the new anchors of commercial success.