The retail scene in New York is evolving, with a shift away from traditional stores like cheese shops and butchers in favor of new businesses taking over vacant storefronts.
The commercial real estate industry has witnessed a rise in indoor golf simulators in recent years, catering to the growing interest in golf, especially during the pandemic. These simulators offer a virtual golfing experience on digital replicas of famous courses, providing players with detailed metrics on their swings.
In New York City, indoor golf facilities have become increasingly popular, with options like Golfzon Social and Gowanus Golf Club offering a unique golfing experience combined with amenities like food and beverages. The proliferation of indoor golf facilities can be attributed to the surge in interest in golf, as evidenced by a record 3.4 million first-time golfers in 2023, according to the National Golf Foundation.
The pandemic has also left many commercial spaces vacant in New York City, leading to the repurposing of these spaces for indoor golf facilities. For example, Golf v. 2 in Brooklyn Heights was formerly a Mattress Firm store, showcasing the adaptive reuse of commercial spaces to meet the demand for indoor golfing experiences.
Despite the initial community preference for specialty food stores and other local businesses in vacant spaces, the reality of high rents has led to the influx of businesses like veterinary clinics, med spas, and preventative Botox clinics. The changing landscape of commercial real estate in New York City reflects the evolving preferences and demands of consumers in the post-pandemic era.
One of the leading indoor golf simulator chains, Five Iron, is expanding its presence across the country, with plans to open a new location in Brooklyn. With existing locations in New York City and a strong customer base of golf enthusiasts, Five Iron is capitalizing on the growing popularity of indoor golfing experiences among urban dwellers.
Overall, the commercial real estate industry in New York City is witnessing a shift towards repurposing vacant spaces for innovative businesses like indoor golf facilities, catering to the changing preferences of consumers in a post-pandemic world. The rise of indoor golf simulators reflects the growing interest in golf and the need for unique recreational experiences in urban environments.
Source: The NY Times
