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China Malls See EV Showrooms Exit, New Tenants Emerge
Prime ground-floor spaces in major Chinese shopping malls, once occupied by EV showrooms, are now seeing a shift as new retail tenants move in, proving more effective at attracting crowds and boosting rental income.
China's Mall Landscape Shifts from EVs
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. Staff often escorted customers to car parks for test drives. However, many of these stores have now closed amid sluggish EV sales, signaling a change in the retail landscape.
New Retail Tenants Drive Growth
Despite the departure of EV showrooms, mall owners have not been 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. This shift indicates a dynamic adaptation within China's retail sector as malls seek to maximize their prime real estate.
*Source: SCMP China (2026-03-15)*
