Michael Browning Jr recently joined Bloomberg Markets to discuss a powerful trend unfolding across the country: Urban Air is emerging as one of the most effective solutions for big-box retail vacancies.
On November 28th, 2025, Michael Browning Jr., Founder and CEO of Unleashed Brands and Urban Air Adventure Park, joined Bloomberg Markets to discuss how his company is transforming the commercial retail landscape while delivering unforgettable experiences for families across the country.
As shopping malls and big box retail stores face closures nationwide, Unleashed Brands is breathing new life into these spaces—turning vacant square footage into vibrant destinations where kids and families can celebrate, escape, and connect through active play.
This appearance on Bloomberg Markets spotlighted how Urban Air and the Unleashed Brands Platform are redefining what it means to “go out” as a family in the modern era of experiential spending.
When Bloomberg’s anchors asked Browning how Unleashed Brands is capitalizing on the changing retail landscape, he explained that the company now occupies more than 7 million square feet of former retail real estate across the United States.
“The average Urban Air Adventure Park is around 35,000 square feet, which makes it an ideal solution for big box vacancies like old grocery stores, Bed Bath & Beyond, or Jo-Ann’s,” said Browning. “We’re transforming these second-generation spaces into high-energy family entertainment centers designed around movement, socialization, and fun.”
Urban Air now has over 210 locations open and 175 more under development, representing more than $600 million in annual revenues.
During the Bloomberg Markets interview, Browning shared insights into how Unleashed Brands is uniquely positioned to serve today’s millennial families, who make up the majority of parents with young children.
“Today’s parents are millennials, and 78% of them say they’d rather spend money on experiences than on products,” Browning said. “Fifty-five percent are spending more than ever on live and interactive experiences. That’s why we focus on creating spaces that offer tremendous value for their dollar — places where families can bond, celebrate, and be active together.”
Each Urban Air location features more than 27 attractions, ensuring that every visit feels fresh and new. The average family visits three times per year and stays roughly three hours, underscoring the value and staying power of the experience.
Safety, according to Browning, is a top priority for Unleashed Brands and Urban Air.
“We steward today’s kids who will become tomorrow’s leaders,” he said. “That’s why safety is embedded into every part of what we build.”
The company has managed to keep construction costs optimized even amid inflation.
“Our average CapEx to build an Urban Air park is about $3 million, which has actually decreased by about 12% over the past year thanks to value engineering, in-house design, and supply chain optimization,” Browning explained.
That lean approach has positioned Unleashed Brands as an attractive tenant partner for landlords.
“We’re absolutely asking landlords to partner with us,” Browning told Bloomberg. “Through tenant improvement allowances and free rent, we create a win-win model that brings traffic and energy back into these centers. Our parks have driven more than 17 million visits this year alone, delivering tremendous exposure to co-tenants.”
Browning’s Bloomberg Markets feature underscores the intersection between retail revitalization and the booming demand for experiential entertainment. As big box retailers like Bed Bath & Beyond and Sears close locations, companies like Unleashed Brands are reimagining these spaces as centers of community engagement and family fun.
By creating physical environments that prioritize safety, value, and play, Michael Browning Jr. and his team are leading a new wave of entrepreneurship that blends real estate innovation with purpose-driven experiences.
Michael Browning Jr. is an American entrepreneur, speaker, and business leader best known as the Founder and CEO of Unleashed Brands, the parent company of several leading youth enrichment franchises, including Urban Air Adventure Park. Recognized for his mission-driven leadership, Browning is helping scale purpose-led brands that impact millions of families annually through fun, engaging, and inspiring experiences.
Unleashed Brands is the world’s first youth enrichment platform, uniting eight industry-leading brands focused on helping children Learn, Play, and Grow. With over 1,400 locations and more than 20 million family interactions each year, the company’s mission is to positively impact every child’s life by providing experiences that inspire growth and confidence.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.