By: Business in Memphis, TN

Memphis, TN is a vibrant city with diverse residents and a thriving commercial landscape. This article aims to provide insights into the prospects of the shopping malls industry in Memphis, TN. We will explore the distribution of the population, identify significant residential and commercial areas, discuss the approximate capital investment required, analyze the potential return on investment, and recommend suitable locations for opening a shopping mall.

Demographic and Residential Distribution:

Memphis, TN is home to approximately 650,000 residents, making it the largest city in Tennessee and the secondlargest metropolitan area in the state. The city is known for its cultural heritage, music, and arts scene, attracting people from all walks of life.

The city’s population distribution reveals significant residential clusters, such as Germantown, Collierville, Bartlett, and Southwind. These areas house a substantial portion of the city’s affluent population, making them potential catchment areas for upscale shopping malls.

Commercial Distribution:

Memphis, TN boasts a diverse range of commercial areas, ensuring a robust consumer base for shopping malls. Downtown Memphis is a hub for business, entertainment, and tourism, with various retail options. The Midtown area is known for its boutique shops, art galleries, and trendy eateries, offering potential synergy for shopping malls.

The Wolfchase Galleria shopping center, located in East Memphis, is one of the city’s premier retail destinations. Its success indicates the potential demand and viability for more shopping malls in the area. Additionally, the Poplar Avenue corridor and the Collierville Towne Centre are thriving commercial zones with high foot traffic, making them suitable locations for shopping mall ventures.

Investment Requirements and Return on Investment:

Starting a shopping mall in Memphis, TN requires substantial capital investment, with costs ranging from $10 to $20 million or more, depending on the scale and location. This investment includes land acquisition, construction, interior design, tenant customization, marketing, and operational expenses.

Return on investment in the shopping malls industry can vary based on several factors, such as location, market demand, tenant mix, and effective marketing strategies. On average, shopping malls can generate annual revenues of $300 to $600 per square foot. However, this figure can be considerably higher in prime locations, such as hightraffic corridors and affluent neighborhoods.

Promising Shopping Mall Locations in Memphis, TN:

  1. East Memphis/Wolfchase Area: Building upon the success of Wolfchase Galleria, this area shows significant potential for further shopping mall development. Its proximity to major highways and established retail centers is advantageous.
  2. Poplar Avenue Corridor: With its high traffic and convenient access to upscale residential areas, this corridor presents an excellent opportunity for a shopping mall that caters to diverse consumer preferences.
  3. Collierville Towne Centre: Located in one of the city’s most affluent suburbs, this commercial area offers a favorable market for a highend shopping mall, providing an upscale retail experience.

The shopping malls industry in Memphis, TN holds promising prospects. The city’s diverse population, ample commercial areas, and affluent residential clusters provide a suitable environment for successful mall ventures. While the capital investment required is substantial, targeted marketing, strategic location selection, and careful tenant mix can lead to a lucrative return on investment. Considerations of locations like the Wolfchase Area, Poplar Avenue Corridor, and Collierville Towne Centre provide ideal market conditions for opening shopping malls in Memphis, TN.