China mall shuffle: as EVs exit, who’s filling the ground-floor showrooms?

Several years ago, prime ground-floor spaces in major shopping malls across Beijing and Shanghai’s business districts were commonly occupied by electric vehicle (EV) showrooms, with staff often escorting customers to car parks for test drives.

Many of these stores have now closed amid sluggish EV sales – yet mall owners have not been left disappointed. Instead, a new retail landscape is emerging, filled with tenants who are proving to be even more effective at drawing crowds and boosting rental income.

The new demand for retail space comes from brands shaped by very different trends. They include toy giants like Pop Mart, sportswear labels such as Lululemon, and most recently robotics companies including Unitree Robotics, according to property consultants.