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Dallas, January 31, 2026
Forget bargain bins and discount retailers-a new kind of shopping destination is quietly reshaping the retail landscape, and it’s built on exclusivity. As the U.S. economy continues to show a stark divide, with affluent consumers thriving while others struggle, private shopping clubs are emerging as unlikely saviors for malls and retail centers.
The Rise of the Retail Club
These members-only spaces are offering a blend of luxury, community, and curated experiences, attracting high-end shoppers and revitalizing commercial properties.
- In a “K-shaped” economy, private clubs cater to the spending power of the affluent.
- These clubs are filling vacancies in malls and retail centers, offering a steady stream of foot traffic.
- The trend is expanding beyond coastal cities, finding success in mid-sized markets like Cincinnati and Grand Rapids.
- Developers see private clubs as a way to attract repeat customers and boost overall spending.
What’s driving the growth of these exclusive retail clubs? The answer lies in a shifting consumer mindset and a desire for experiences beyond conventional shopping, according to industry experts.
at Highland Park Village in Dallas, a luxury shopping destination boasting brands like Hermès, Fendi, and Brunello Cucinelli, shoppers can access Park House, a private club offering fine dining, a wine bar, and art experiences.Membership isn’t cheap: a $7,000 initiation fee and $292 in monthly dues gets you in the door (a spouse can join for an additional $4,000).Similarly, The Moore House in Miami’s Design District requires a $5,000 initiation fee and monthly dues exceeding $400, with the added benefit of overnight accommodations.
While data on these clubs is still emerging, R.J. Hottovy, head of analytical research at Placer.ai, notes their increasing popularity aligns with broader retail trends. “We have seen an increase in these,” Hottovy said. “They appeal to high-end consumers. The idea is it’s another place, a status symbol. It is exclusivity.” He also observed a post-pandemic shift, with diners increasingly favoring country clubs over traditional restaurants, seeking a sense of safety and community.
expanding Beyond the Coasts
The private club model isn’t confined to established luxury markets. The Social House recently opened near The Banks, a bustling open-air retail area in Cincinnati, with a $4,000 initiation fee and monthly dues.Further north, a vacant building in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, is being transformed into The Commerce Club, a 55,000-square-foot space featuring a cafe, event space, coworking areas, and a speakeasy, slated to open in November 2026.
jeff Lambert, a local developer and co-founder of The commerce Club, believes mid-sized cities are ripe for this type of concept. “We deserve something like this that you can experience in Madrid, LA, New York and we can support it. We can create an experience that feels metro but that it is indeed very much local,” Lambert said. He noted that Grand Rapids’ growing entrepreneurial class now has the capacity to support such a venture.
“it might also be some type of Mar-a-Lago halo effect where those who see themselves in (or aspire to) the echelon of Trump, Bezos, and other CEO-types are becoming
