What defines an anchor tenant in a retail context?

An anchor tenant in a retail context is defined as a large commercial tenant that significantly contributes to the overall traffic of a shopping center or retail space. These tenants, often well-known national or regional retailers, serve as the primary draw for customers, attracting a substantial number of visitors to the shopping center. This increased foot traffic benefits not only the anchor tenant but also smaller retailers located within the same shopping area, as shoppers tend to explore additional stores after visiting the anchor.

In contrast, the other options describe different types of tenants that do not fulfill the same role. A small shop specializing in niche products might cater to a specific audience but is unlikely to generate the broad customer draw associated with an anchor tenant. A tenant who subleases retail space does not define their influence on customer traffic in the same manner as an anchor tenant. Lastly, a temporary tenant occupying seasonal space may bring in traffic during a specific time but lacks the stability and consistent customer base that a permanent anchor tenant provides.