# Retail-Converted Drive-In Theaters Walmart Transitioning Parking Lots into Drive-In Theaters By Daniel Johnson | Published 2020-07-02 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/store-parking-lots References: [techcrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2020/07/02/walmart-partners-with-tribeca-to-turn-160-store-parking-lots-into-drive-in-theaters/) & [walmartdrive-in](https://walmartdrive-in.com/) [Walmart](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/charging-network-expansion) announced a partnership with Tribeca to convert 160 store parking lots into drive-in movie theaters. Converting the Walmart store parking lots will be undertaken as part of the Drive-in program, which spearheaded by Tribeca. Previously Tribecca created driven-in theaters in a number of different cities across the United States, including Los Angeles, New York, Miami, Seattle, as well as Arlington. Screenings at the [retail store](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/walmart-beauty-bars) are scheduled tor run from August until October. Opening drive-in theaters at retail locations could be popular with consumers, as it gives them a recreational activity during social distancing. Additionally, consumers may connect with the retail brand more, as it shows an active interest in putting on [community event](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/experiential-tour) s for consumers to participate in. Image Credit: Walmart ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.8/10 - Popularity: 60% | Activity: 74% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/retail) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Drive-in Movie Theaters:** Converting retail parking lots into drive-in theaters provides a nostalgic and socially-distanced entertainment option for consumers. - **Community Events:** Hosting drive-in movie screenings showcases a retail brand's active involvement in organizing engaging community events. - **Partnership Collaborations:** Collaborating with organizations like Tribeca allows retailers to tap into new markets and leverage their expertise in creating unique experiences. ### Who This Affects Most - **Retail:** Transforming parking lots into drive-in theaters presents an opportunity for retailers to diversify their offerings and increase foot traffic. - **Film and Entertainment:** The rising popularity of drive-in theaters creates opportunities for the film and entertainment industry to revive and adapt to changing consumer preferences. - **Event Management:** Organizing drive-in movie screenings in retail locations opens up avenues for event management companies to create memorable experiences in unconventional settings. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Retailer EV Charging Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/charging-network-expansion.md) - [Fulfillment-Only Retail Locations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/walmart-dark-stores.md) - [Retail Delivery Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/electric-delivery-vans.md) - [50s-Style Diner-Themed Drive-Ins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diner-and-drivein-movie-supercharger.md) - [Exclusive Outdoor Retail Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/getaway-and-walmart.md) - [Future-Focused Big Box Retailers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/walmart-store-of-the-future.md) - [Movie-Themed Grocery Store Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/asda-and-wicked.md) - [TV-Streaming Commerce Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roku-shopping.md) - [Sustainability-Focused Retail Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/walmart-canada-supercenter.md)