What is Casual Leasing in Shopping Centres?

Casual leasing in shopping centres refers to short-term rental agreements that allow businesses to operate kiosks, pop-ups, or promotional stands without the commitment of a long-term lease. Unlike traditional leases, casual leasing provides flexibility, enabling brands to test products, build awareness, or run seasonal activations in busy retail environments.

This approach is particularly useful for start-ups, small businesses, and established brands looking to maximise exposure in high-footfall locations. By leasing short-term, companies can adapt quickly to consumer demand and gain visibility without major overheads.

Factors Influencing Casual Leasing Costs

The cost of casual leasing in shopping centres can vary based on several factors:

> Location: Premium positions such as entrances or near anchor tenants typically cost more.

> Foot traffic: Spaces with higher exposure often command higher rental fees.

> Lease duration: Daily, weekly, or monthly leases can significantly impact overall cost.

> Centre profile: Regional and super-regional shopping centres usually have higher rates due to larger visitor volumes.

> Inclusions: Some leases may include utilities, signage, or promotional support, while others may require additional investment.

Understanding these factors helps businesses plan budgets effectively and maximise returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a casual lease?

A casual lease is a short-term rental agreement that allows businesses to operate temporarily in a shopping centre without the commitment of a traditional long-term lease.

How can I choose the best casual leasing site for my activation?

Selecting the right site comes down to matching your goals with the location. If awareness is the priority, high-visibility spots like entrances or central courts are ideal. If sales are your focus, look for areas close to retailers that attract a similar customer base. Tools like lo:live make this easier by letting you browse and compare available pop-up and activation spaces.

Does Location Live provide support with booking casual leases?

Absolutely. Instead of contacting multiple centres yourself, our team does the heavy lifting—scouting available spaces, negotiating terms, and ensuring the location aligns with your campaign objectives. We work across all major property groups and can even source off-market options. Simply email gday@locationlive.com with your brief, and we’ll recommend the best spaces for your needs.

What types of casual leasing spaces are available?

Casual leasing opportunities come in many forms, from kiosks and mall common areas to vacant shops and larger activation zones. The right choice depends on your campaign style—sampling activations often work best in high-traffic mall walkways, while pop-up shops are better suited to vacant tenancies. Through lo:live, you can browse different formats and find the space type that best matches your campaign objectives.