We’re Not Just Filling Spaces—We’re Bringing Fun, Creative Uses to Malls

Photo: The Slime Factory

At Blue Butterfly, we’re passionate about more than just leasing space; we’re in the business of transforming shopping centers into dynamic, experience-driven destinations. Our mission is to help shopping centers fresh, relevant, and engaging by curating unique, creative uses that resonate with today’s consumers. Over the past year, we’ve had the opportunity to execute hundreds of deals, each one a step toward reshaping the shopping experience. Among them, these seven standout concepts truly reflect the kind of innovative, results-focused work we’re passionate about. Let’s take a closer look at these creative short-term leasing solutions that we’re so proud to have been a part of.

1. Slime Factory: A Creative, Interactive Experience for Kids

One of our most exciting wins this past year was bringing in Slime Factory, a creative, hands-on retail experience where kids can mix, make, and decorate their very own slime. It’s more than just a craft; it’s a fun, messy, memory-making experience.

Why It Works: It’s interactive, family-friendly, and an Instagrammable experience, a winning combo that keeps young families coming back for more.

2. Pickleball Tenant: Turning Vacant Space into a Social Sports Hub

Pickleball is rapidly growing in popularity, and we’ve helped  secure two new pickleball tenants this quarter! These activations transform underutilized space into high-energy, social destinations where people of all ages can play, connect, and stay active.

Why It Works: It naturally draws people in, turning a routine mall visit into a lively, social experience, helping keep centers lively and inviting. Additionally, these two deals cumulatively filled more than 32,000 square feet of vacant space, helping both centers make meaningful progress toward their occupancy goals.

3. Kitchen and Bath Showroom: Turning Retail Space into Home Design Inspiration

Home design has become a part of everyday conversation, and this interactive kitchen and bath showroom brings it to life, giving shoppers a chance to explore modern, stylish layouts and get expert guidance, all in the convenience of a mall setting. 

Why It Works: It brings a fresh, design-forward concept to the mall, drawing in design-minded shoppers and homeowners, while adding depth and variety to the tenant mix in a way that feels fresh, relevant, and engaging.

4. Innovative Vending Concepts: Small Footprint, Big Brand Impact

This year, we’ve partnered with two unique vending retailers to support the national rollout of hundreds of units: DFY Vending, featuring Hot Wheels machines that sell toy cars, some of which are highly collectible and attract buyers of all ages; and Mini Melts, a premium flash-frozen ice cream concept offering sweet, on-the-go treats to shoppers on the move. Each concept brings a fresh, engaging element to the mall environment designed to grab shoppers' attention and blend seamlessly into any retail environment.

Why It Works: Both concepts are highly unique and thoughtfully designed. Their clean, modern vending units promote strong brand identity while effortlessly integrating into the look and feel of any shopping center. These compact formats activate common areas with minimal effort, delivering incremental revenue and elevating the customer experience.

5. Sweet Additions: Two New Bakeries That Are Changing the Food Court Experience

We’re excited to have brought not one, but two unique bakery concepts to life this quarter: a cheesecake-focused bakery, offering indulgent, flavor-packed treats, and a specialty cake shop that creates beautiful, made-to-order cakes and custom desserts.

Why It Works: These dessert concepts bring excitement and personality to the food court, turning into irresistible impulse stops for shoppers. They bring a charming, boutique feel to the mall, making it feel more local and unique, and let’s be honest, who can resist a delicious treat?

6. A Specialty Dress Store: Fashion with a Personal Touch

This new dress shop specializes in specialty, occasion-based dresses offering everything from prom and homecoming gowns to evening wear and wedding dresses. It’s a curated, experience-driven retail space where shoppers can explore one-of-a-kind designs and enjoy personalized service tailored to their needs.

Why It Works: It fills a niche that’s tough to replicate online, offering in-person fittings and one-of-a-kind pieces for life’s most memorable moments.

7. Two Fun New Mexican Restaurants: Spicing Up the Dining Scene

We wrapped up the quarter by securing two vibrant, fast-casual Mexican restaurants, each offering bold flavors, fun branding, and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for everything from quick lunches to family dinners.

Why It Works: Craveable, casual, and social food concepts are essential for driving sustained mall traffic, and these two check all of the boxes. 

Bringing Community to Malls

At Blue Butterfly, we’re proud to be part of the creative leasing movement that’s transforming shopping centers into places people love to visit, relax, and make memories. From active spaces like pickleball courts to fun concepts like slime workshops and specialty bakeries, these deals highlight the endless possibilities when you look beyond traditional retail. We’re excited to continue discovering unique, vibrant uses for mall spaces; places where communities connect, and businesses thrive.