The £40B Short-Term Retail Revolution: Why Traditional Property Models Are Being Disrupted
A closer look at how technology is unlocking growth for both brands and landlords, and what that means for the future of physical retail.
Traditionally, discovering and securing retail space was a slow and often opaque process. It relied on knowing or having an agent, finding emails of insiders on vinylled vacant storefronts, word-of-mouth, and lengthy negotiation processes that made it hard for agile, digital-first brands to break into physical retail. Not to mention the biggest challenge for pop ups and we hear time and time
again from brands - not about operations or anything, its about securing the lease and having enough time to plan, market and then open which because pop ups are so reactive by landlords , means the negative knock on effect to brands in which they get zero lead time and have to really pull off big marketing short time frame or spend a lot !
That’s changing. Today, technology is creating faster, smarter, and more accessible ways to connect brands with space. And this evolution isn’t just a win for retailers, it’s a huge opportunity for landlords too.
The Rise of On-Demand Retail Discovery
That’s changing. Technology is enabling faster, smarter, and more transparent ways to connect brands with physical space. Digital platforms now allow brands to browse, book, and activate retail locations in just a few clicks — guided by insight, not just instinct. They can explore sites using location data, footfall heatmaps, demographic indicators, and more, making better decisions, faster.
This level of access is fuelling growth. With 80% of global retail sales still happening in physical stores (Deloitte, 2024), streamlining discovery ensures the right brands are activating the right spaces - creatively, quickly, and with measurable impact.
One of the most powerful shifts digital discovery enables is access to real-time insights. As more brands engage with retail space through digital platforms, a clearer picture begins to emerge - highlighting patterns in performance, peak periods, and consumer behaviour across locations.
For landlords, this unlocks a valuable feedback loop. Instead of relying solely on long-term lease outcomes or anecdotal reporting, they gain a broader view of which types of brands thrive in specific units and why. This insight can inform everything from tenant mix and pricing strategies to marketing and fit-out design, ultimately supporting stronger, more sustainable leasing decisions.
It’s not just about data for data’s sake. It’s about shared visibility that helps both brands and landlords grow.
Designing for Discovery
This isn’t about replacing traditional real estate models, it’s about evolving them. Landlords are uniquely positioned to lead this transformation, by embracing flexible formats, welcoming a wider mix of tenants, and adopting tools that unlock the full potential of their spaces.
It’s also about empowering their teams. By using tech to handle time-consuming admin and outdated processes, employees get valuable time back, to focus on what really matters, do better work, and deliver exceptional results.
And the need for change is clear. In the UK, high‑street vacancy costs local economies an estimated £1.8 billion annually (Centre for Cities, 2023). Meanwhile, 80% of global retail sales still occur in physical stores (Deloitte, 2024), underlining why visibility and agility are more critical than ever.
By opening access through digital channels, landlords can future‑proof their assets, building a pipeline of innovative, purpose‑led brands ready to activate retail space - matched to the right audiences, backed by data, and primed for rapid turnover. Those who embrace this shift now will shape a more dynamic, resilient retail landscape, curating tenant mixes with both precision and speed.
Retail spaces are becoming more dynamic and landlords are at the heart of this transformation. Modular fit-outs, immersive layouts, and plug-and-play formats are enabling quicker turnovers with minimal disruption, all while delivering a more engaging, memorable customer experience.
But it’s not just about flexible infrastructure. Discovery-first design must be rooted in customer needs. These spaces shouldn’t feel like corporate templates - they should feel like destinations. Places where shoppers come to explore what’s new and exciting, and where brands feel at home because the environment reflects their values and energy. When done right, this kind of customer-centric design increases dwell time, boosts brand storytelling, and drives stronger performance across the board.
Digital access has lowered the barriers to entry, making physical retail more inclusive and accessible for a wider range of brands. Smaller, independent businesses that couldn’t previously afford long-term leases or invest in expensive fit-outs can now trade in premium, high-footfall locations — on flexible terms that match their pace of growth.
This shift unlocks new opportunities for experimentation. Brands can test markets, build real-world relationships with customers, and gather feedback in real time — all without the pressure of traditional leasing models.
The result is a more vibrant, future-facing retail landscape. Independent and purpose-led brands bring fresh energy, new perspectives, and stronger cultural relevance to physical spaces. For landlords, this opens the door to a broader, more dynamic pool of tenants — brands that would have been invisible under old models, but who now help create spaces that feel alive, discoverable, and aligned with what modern consumers want.
The Path Forward
The opportunity is real and it’s growing. Pop-up and flexible retail is expected to grow 30% across Europe by 2028 (JLL, 2024). For landlords, the time to act is now. Those who embrace platforms, partnerships, and more progressive property strategies will lead the way.
The most successful retail spaces of the future won’t just be leased - they’ll be curated, discovered, and activated through collaboration. They’ll be fuelled by insight, powered by technology, and designed to inspire.
The future of retail is here. And the brands are ready. The only question is, are the spaces?
Want to explore how short-term retail could activate your space?
Get in touch at info@lonedesignclub.com or book a demo to see how our platform supports agile retail strategies, flexible leasing, and brand partnerships that drive results.